Modern cell phone screens have become larger with some even rivalling those of tablets. This is happening because manufacturers know that consumers want bigger screens to consume media and for multitasking. However, as phones become larger they become more expensive. This is where traditional tablets come in handy, in terms of media they can do everything a cell phone can do at a fraction of the price. Today I’ll be reviewing the Lenovo Tab M8, Tab M10 Plus, and Tab P11 Plus. I’ll discuss the features that they have in common, their differences, and share my final thoughts.
Lenovo Tab series specs as tested
Before getting into the review of these tablets let’s take a quick look at their specs.
Tab M8 | Tab M10 Plus | Tab P11 Plus | |
Processor | MediaTek® Helio P22T Processor (8 Cores, 4x A53 @2.30 GHz + 4x A53 @1.80 GHz) | MediaTek® Helio G80 (Octa-Core, 2x A75 @2.00 GHz + 6x A55 @1.80 GHz) | MediaTek® Helio G90T (Octa-Core, 2x A76 @2.05 GHz + 6x A55 @2.00 GHz) |
RAM | 2 GB LPDDR4X | 4 GB LPDDR4X | 4 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 32 GB eMCP | 64 GB eMCP | 64 GB UFS |
Display | 8.0″ HD (1280 x 800) IPS, touchscreen, 350 nits | 10.6″ 2K (2000 x 1200) IPS, touchscreen, 400 nits | 11″ 2K (2000 x 1200) IPS, touchscreen, 400 nits |
Camera | Still image Front: 2 MP Fixed-focus Rear: 5 MP Auto-focus Video Front 720p Back 1080p |
Still image Front: 8 MP Fixed-focus Rear: 8 MP Auto-focus Video Front 720p Back 1080p |
Still image Front: 8 MP Fixed-focus Rear: 13 MP Auto-focus with flash Video Front 1080p Back 1080p |
Speakers | 1 | 4 | 4 with Dolby Atmos |
Charging | USB-C | USB-C Fast Charging | USB-C Fast Charging |
What features do the Lenovo Tabs have in common?
Expandable storage and audio jack
All three tablets come with microSD slots that can be used for expandable storage. The Tab M8 supports microSD cards up to 128GB while the Tab M10 Plus and P11 Plus support microSD cards up to 1TB in capacity.
The Lenovo Tab M8 and M10 Plus tablets also come with 3.5mm combination audio and microphone jacks. I like seeing the return of this connection port on media devices for two reasons. The first is that I’m able to use my old wired headphones again. The second reason is that you can still use the audio/microphone jack while the tablet is charging.
Cameras on the Lenovo Tab series
All the Lenovo Tab series tablets come with rear and front facing cameras. Users can use both cameras to take pictures and record videos. When it comes to rear facing cameras, all of the Lenovo Tab series have different camera specs though their picture quality is similar.
In terms of the front facing cameras, all tablets have average image quality. I found the front facing cameras have enough clarity and detail that friends and coworkers could clearly see me on video calls.
After spending some time with these cameras I would say that they are adequate for their intended use. However, users that are looking for more detailed and vivid images should stick with their cell phone cameras or use dedicated digital cameras.
Easy charging and long lasting battery life
A welcome addition for these tablets is Lenovo’s inclusion of a USB-C port for charging. The Tab M10 Plus and P11 Plus tablets come enabled with Fast Charging. Because of the great battery life of all three tablets I rarely found myself reaching for the charging brick. The M8 had a battery life of around 20 hours, while the M10 and P11 Plus had battery lives around 15 hours before needing to be charged.
Google Entertainment Center and Kids Space
All three Lenovo tablets run on Android and come with a number of Google applications. Two specific apps are the center stage of these tablets. The first is the Google Entertainment Center. You can access the Entertainment Center by swiping right on the main screen. In this area you can receive recommendations on popular movies, games, books, and music.
Another helpful application is Google Kids Space. Using this setting allows parents to input safety features that will allow children to safely use their tablets. Parents are able to supervise what applications are being installed and which websites can be visited.
Differences between the Tab M8, M10 Plus, and P11 Plus
The Lenovo M8, M10 Plus, and P11 Plus have many features in common but there are some key hardware differences that make them stand out from one another.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus features
Being the highest tier of the Lenovo tablets, the Tab P11 Plus has some exclusive features. Starting with the screen size the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus has the largest screen coming in at 11” with a 2k resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels). Around the back you will also see that the Tab P11 Plus is the only tablet to come with a 13MP auto focus camera and a camera flash.
The Tab P11 comes with four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound. When comparing the Tab P11’s speakers with the other tablets there’s a clear difference in sound quality and volume. This is great if, like me, you use your tablet to play games and consume media.
Along the bottom of the tablet you will also see four pogo pins. These are meant for connecting to Lenovo’s P11 Pro keyboard. The Tab P11 plus is also compatible with Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2. When you combine the keyboard and pen together it’s clear that Lenovo intended the P11 Plus to be both an entertainment and productivity tool.
Looking at the inside of the P11 Plus my test unit came with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. This ensures that the Tab P11 can handle multitasking and has plenty of storage for applications, media, and documents.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus features
The Tab M10 Plus is Lenovo’s mid tier tablet model that shares a lot in common with the Tab P11 minus a few features. For starters the Tab M10 has a slightly smaller screen coming in at 10.6” but still maintains a 2k resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels). Along the back there is an 8mp auto focus camera, but unlike the P11 the M10 Plus does not have a camera flash. Tab M10 Plus also comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space.
When it comes to media, the Tab M10 Plus does an amazing job. Like its big brother the M10 Plus also has four speakers. The difference here is that the M10 Plus doesn’t have Dolby Atmos speakers. In real world usage, you’ll notice that the speakers on the Tab M10 Plus don’t sound as loud or full as the P11 Plus. However, this is when you compare the tablets side by side. If you had the Tab M10 Plus alone I’d say that users would be pleasantly satisfied with the speakers.
Lenovo Tab M8 features
The Tab M8 is Lenovo’s entry level tablet and comes with the specs to reflect this. To be clear, the Tab M8 is not a bad tablet at all. It works well in everyday use and is great as a media device. The Tab M8 is the smallest of the three tablets with a screen size of 8” with a HD resolution (1280 x 800 pixels).
The camera on the Tab M8 has a resolution of 5MP and is fixed focus. For media the Tab M8 has a single speaker, which does get loud while maintaining satisfactory sound quality.
Looking at the internals, the Tab M8 comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage. For casual users this will be fine but power users and gamers may find these specs to be limiting. For example, with 2GB there are limitations to multitasking. When trying to swap between open apps the M8 begins to slow down. If you don’t use expandable storage the 32GB of onboard storage can also be limiting for some uses. For example, games like Asphalt and Call of Duty can easily take more than 1GB of storage per app. Combine this with pictures, music, and other applications and users may find themselves running low on storage space quite quickly.
What’s the best Lenovo tablet for you?
Now you may be wondering, between the three Lenovo tablets, which one is best for your needs? The answer lies in how you would use these tablets.
All three tablets are great for entertainment however the hardware differences make a difference for your intended use. If you’re someone that uses their tablet for productivity the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be ideal for you. This is because the Tab P11 Plus comes with the most powerful processor and is the only tablet that is compatible with Lenovo’s Pro keyboard and Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2.
If you’re the type of user that wants the best media experience for games and streaming the Tab P11 Plus and M10 Plus are the best tablets. Both tablets have powerful processors, come with quality speakers, and a large 2k IPS screen.
Finally, if you’re a casual user that needs a tablet for basic media on the go, or a parent that needs a tablet for your kids then the M8 is a great selection. While not the most powerful, this tablet is the smallest and most portable. It has the specs that allow for a smooth experience when streaming content. This tablet is also the most budget friendly making it an easy choice for casual users and students.
Final thoughts on the Lenovo Tab series
The Lenovo Tab M8, Tab M10 Plus, and Tab P11 Plus are great tablets. All three tablets all come with similar features making these fantastic devices for entertainment. I liked Lenovo’s decision to keep core features similar while differentiating each tablet based on small upgrades such as more RAM, storage, screen size, and camera.
The decision is tough but between the three tablet’s but I’d have to say that the Tab P11 Plus would be my go to tablet. It has the largest screen, best speakers, and is best for productivity.
You can check out other available Lenovo products and accessories on bestbuy.ca.
The Lenovo Tab P11 is best for me biggest it has the biggest screen and honestly my eyesight is not what it used to be.
Well of course I’d love the Tab P11 Plus best of all. :p I love its fantastic display and the great battery life of all these devices.
I would prefer the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because of the larger storage capacity. I only have 32gb now and I am forever trying to juggle my apps. I also like to take a lot of photos so the 13 MP camera would be the best for me.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be an ideal device for me as it has a 11″ screen for productivity, replying to emails, drafting correspondences and crunching numbers on spreadsheets. With a more powerful processor, I can quite a few applications running in the background or simultaneously. Additionally, it is the only device on the list that is compatible with the Lenovo’s P11 Pro keyboard and Lenovo Precision Pen 2, this definitely helps to increase my efficiency and accuracy when compared to typing on a screen keyboard.
I really like that the Lenovo Tab P11 has a bigger screen and at the same time is easily to add to my backpack for travelling and taking pictures or videos.
The Lenovo Tab P11 has a larger 11 inch plus is also compatible with Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2. Also excited about the speakers on them to watch movies with my granddaughter.
I would love the Lenovo P11 Plus and the feature which could benefit me the most is the larger screen size
the screen size the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is the one that i would like the most, and the best feature that is listed in this article. its great while in bed for reading or watching videos
TThe ab M10 Plus would be perfect for travelling
I would choose the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for its front and rear cameras and the superior sound!
All great devices, but the storage/memory of the Tab M10 Plus would be perfect for my use, as would the size for being portable. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space is my favorite feature
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because it has the large screen and good speakers for watching movies.
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be my choice because it has such great features. The large screen, the powerful processor would be great for me and my kids and help keep the kids busy during long commutes. The screen size and MediaTek® Helio G90T (Octa-Core, 2x A76 @2.05 GHz + 6x A55 @2.00 GHz) processor is perfect for watching shows and movies. As a busy mom of two, I could really use one of these tablets. Thank you!
I pick the Lenovo Tab P11 and I really like its’ size for movies Smile Please and thanks Smile
I would choose the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for its superior sound quality and Dolby Atmos surround system. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. The larger screen would be the biggest benefit and the flash for the autofocus camera is a nice feature.
The Tab M8 would be fine for me. Right now, I use my wife’s tablet for basically surfing the net and watching Youtube videos, taking a few photos once in a while, etc, so the limitations as mentioned above wouldn’t be a problem (ie limited storage, lower quality camera, multitasking limitations, etc).
Lenovo Tab P11 for sure and like its size to enjoy movies.
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for myself because it has the large screen.
I would like the Lenovo P11 Plus because of the larger screen an the Dolby Atmos speakers
Lenovo P11 Plus for the nice screen and storage to watch movies!
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus with all its great features would be my choice
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because I could use it to take notes at meetings with its pen/keyboard and email it to myself so that I wouldn’t have to take my bulky laptop with me, and with its wider screen, it helps me see what I am doing better. Thank you.
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for it’s bigger screen.
I would love to own a Lenovo Tab P11. I like the productivity support on this higher end tablet, makes it very versatile with Pro keyboard and Precision Pen 2 support.
With the P11 the camera and screen size would be awesome for FaceTiming my grandchildren
The Tab P11 would be the choice for me as it comes with four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound so watching movies would be awesome on it.
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 because of its large storage capacity and better video quality. I use my tablet like most people use their phone. My tablet is getting old now and with only 32gb of storage, I am forever having to remove apps in order to download new ones. I also take a lot of photos with my tablet, so the better quality photos on the rear camera is something I would really like to have.
I would like the Lenovo P11 Plus because it has 11 inches and It would be great for streaming movies.
I’d like the Lenovo Tab P11 because of the processor! And the speakers on it…great for when you’re travelling and watching movies!
I would love the tab p11 plus because I love the clarity of the screen and the quality of it. I love the camera and the size of the tablet.
I would like the Lenovo P11 Plus because of the larger screen at 11 inches and the Dolby Atmos speakers. It would have great visuals and sound for streaming movies.
i like the features of the Lenovo Tab P11 to allow me to be more creative taking pictures with that auto focus camera feature
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be my choice due to all the additional features. It has the most powerful processor and being compatible with the Pro keyboard and Precision Pen 2, would help me to be more productive when working and have a better experience when gaming.
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