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 basic M8 is plenty for my media consumption needs and basic social media.
The Tab P11 Plus with the larger screen and surround sound would be great for my watching videos.
The P11 for its slightly larger screen and storage capacity.
I want the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself. The feature thta could benefit me the most is the large screen.
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. Great for work or at home.
I’d go with the Tab P11 Plus – I prefer a larger screen for streaming.
I like the P11 because of the bigger screen, getting older harder to see
I’d want the Tab P11 because of its overall better performance and larger screen.
My pick would be the Tab P11 Plus because of the larger screen
TabP10 would be great
Tab P11 Plus for the long lasting battery life.
I’d like the Tab P11 Plus for myself and I like the bigger screen
The Tab P11 with the bigger screen and better audio output
I’d like the Tab P11 Plus for myself. I feel the high resolution (2K) display would benefit me the most. Especially for reading and streaming movies/tv shows.
I’d like the Tab P11 Plus for myself. The higher resolution and larger screen/display would benefit me the most for watching documentaries and gaming. Also, I appreciate the Tab P11 Plus being the only tablet to come with a 13MP auto focus camera and a camera flash.
I would love the tab P11 for myself. The long battery life would be so handy!
Love the display size of the Tab 11
I like the Tab P11 Plus because of the battery life and it has the largest screen coming in at 11” with a 2k resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels).
I’d like the Tab P11 Plus for myself. I feel the high resolution (2K) display would benefit me the most. Especially for reading and streaming movies/tv shows.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for:
1- larger screen size
2- focus camera
3- camera flash
I would go for the Lenovo Tab P11 as it has the largest screen.
Leveno 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).
Leveno Tab M8 is good enough for me and I like the sharp HD resolution (1280 x 800 pixels).
Tab P11 because of the battery life and larger screen.
my choice would be the lenovo P-11 for the larger screen
The audio jack for listening to music on the go
my choice would be the lenovo P-11 for 2 reasons I like the larger screen and the camera flash is a major assest for me
The Tab P11 Plus because it’s the ultimate tablet out of the 3 and the 4 speaker Dolby Atmos Surround sound is my favorite feature and would benefit with games, videos, and music.
The Tab 11 Plus because bigger is simply better.
The Lenovo Tab P11 has a flash and a keyboard attachment. I like to go the trails and parks by the river and write. A quick pic during an evening sunset is nice, and it sets the mood while you work. Later I can just enjoy a book on it or play a game .
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself because it has a beautiful 2K display.
The P11 with its 2K resolution would be my choice
I would love the tab p11 for myself. With its long battery life and big screen it would be perfect for streaming movies.
Tab P11 Plus that supports UFS and the higher rated Helios processor would definitely benefit productivity. Git-er done…Cheers!
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11. The 2k resolution would make watching movies all the better.
I think that the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would work the best for my needs. I already love how portable and durable it is. It will help me read and write notes on the go. But the best part is the speaker audio system it comes with. This will work perfectly while listening to audio books which will make writing notes way easier!
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be my pick, its larger screen size could really benefit me while using.
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself and the Dolby Atmos surround sound would benefit me the most as I enjoy watching videos and listening to music using the device.
I’d want the Tab P11 Plus as it has the largest screen to read on.
I’d really love to use and have the p11. The large screen and better speakers would be perfect for watching YouTube videos with my kids!
The P11 with it’s 4 speakers and it’s Dolby Atmos surround sound would be the perfect device for me because as well as reading books, I also enjoy listening to audio books and I think this device would meet my needs.
The P11 with its 2K resolution would be my choice
Would like any of these as great features. The M8 would be enough for me though and I would use it mostly when travelling.
Tab P11 Plus would be my choice because of it;s camera.
Tab M10 would be perfect for me because I like to size of the screen as mentioned by Marcus.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because it comes with a focus camera and camera flash
Love the screen size of the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus and that I can use a keyboard and Pen
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Hi we are foster parents of teens and they would be over the moon to win this gift
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