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.
I would like the Tab M10 Plus for myself because it has a long lasting battery life which would help me out because I watch a ton of movies all the time.
Would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus with features such as larger screen, RAM storage and surround sound!
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for the larger screen, I exercise without wearing glasses so a larger screen helps me see the instructions.
The P11 would be a nice short distance media device
The Tab P11 lots of storage space and love the larger screen.
I prefer the Lenovo Tab P11, I love the big screen for viewing
The Tab P11 would be ideal as I watch a lot of movies and podcasts and I love the four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound.
The P11 Plus would be perfect for game watching and traveling.
The Lenovo Tab P11 would be amazing to watch videos with the Dolby Atmos surround sound!
I would definitely choose the Lenovo P11 plus for the 11”screen and 2k resolution. I struggle a bit with reading smaller print and I think this would be perfect.
Tab P11 Plus would be great to watch videos, movies, check my email, multi-task.
The Tab P11 with it’s larger screen would be best for me as I like watching videos. I also like it’s greater storage.
Because of its larger screen size I would choose Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. It will be great to watch the math videos for my children’s schooling!
Lenovo tab 11, really like expandable storage
Tab P11 Plus storage space and larger screen.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus that is compatible with the Pro keyboard for enhanced productivity.
I like the Tab M10 Plus because it is the perfect size. The most beneficial feature is the easy charging and long-lasting battery life.
Tab P11 Plus! Expandable storage is always welcomed as I’m always running out of space, long-lasting battery, a bigger screen, and better screen resolution!
Lenovo Tab P11, the big screen
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus; the large screen (11”) with 2k resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels) would benefit me the most for easy and comfortable viewing!
The screen is perfect size for reading and watching my shows on the Lenovo Tab P11
The main idea of a tablet to me is portability, so I usually prefer a smaller size. However, the M8 just seems a bit light on features/camera/resolution compared to the other two. I think the M10 would be a good compromise. The 2000 x 1200 resolution would be the feature of most benefit to me.
I like the Tab M10 Plus. It is the right size for me, and I like that it has high resolution.
I’d like the P11 Plus, the 2K resolution is the feature I most love about it.
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the large screen to play games and consume media.
The Lenovo Tab P11 would love the large screen size. Perfect for my eyesight
I’d love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus so that I could utilize the processing power to create art in programs with my daughter! I’d also love the great camera for video calls with grandma!
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be my pick because of the bigger screen size and better sound quality for media consumption, thanks to the Dolby Atmos surround sound!
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size and battery life
Lenovo Tab P11 for the big screen
I love features of them all, but if I had to pick only one it would be the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus 11″ because of the larger screen, high storage capacity, and the great camera with auto-focus and flash.
I like the Lenovo Tab P11 because of it’s screen size and battery life.
The tab P11 Plus would be my go to tablet. It has the largest screen which I really need with my eyes
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the big screen size
I’d like the Tab M10 Plus, with its four speakers but a slightly better price point.
P11 Plus for a larger screen
The Tab P11 Plus for its powerful processor and productivity
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is my choice for the large screen. This tablet sounds like it is very easy to learn how to choose so would be a great choice for an elderly parent as well.
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size
The Lenovo Tab P11 for the largest screen size
would prefer P11 Plus for larger screen size and higher resolution
Tab P11 Plus for the bigger screen size
The Lenovo Tap P11 Plus would be perfect for my mother. She’s 82 and can’t read small or normal print much anymore. With the Tab P11 she can make the print bigger to read. She’s loves reading and at the same time, she could get apps that would allow her to watch movies and tv shows since the cost of living is so much these days she had to give up cable. So winning this would make an awesome gift for her. Thank you for offering this contest and the opportunity to win.
Tab M10 Plus for the speakers and video capability
100% the M11 would be great for the kids when travelling. Love the expandable storage. The Kid Space would be ideal as well.
The Tab P11 Plus with the larger screen and surround sound would be great for reading recipes while listening to music.
The P11plus for the larger screen so I can see better
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