Lenovo Tab M8, M10 Plus, P11 PlusModern 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.

Lenovo Tab M8, M10 Plus, P11 Plus cameras

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.

Tab M8, M10 Plus, P11 Plus camera comparison

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. 

Lenovo Tab M8, M10 Plus, P11 Plus

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.

Best Buy Digital Citizen is here to guide you on your journey to gaining and improving your digital skills. Click here for more details.

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.

Lenovo Tab M8, M10 Plus, P11 Plus tablets

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.

Marcus Wong
Marcus is a tech blogger whose goal is to help his audience find the right technology for their needs. Since 2007, Marcus has been producing videos on his YouTube channel where he discusses a wide range of tech products including smart home devices, cell phones, and laptops.

386 COMMENTS

  1. Getting older, I like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus has the largest screen coming in at 11” because it would be easier to read

  2. I would like the Lenovo Tab M10 to stream movies and I which feature that Marcus mentioned and believe that the quality speakers would prove useful.

  3. I would pick the Lenovo Tab P11 mainly because it has the biggest screen which is great for watching movies.

  4. I would like the Tab P11 Plus because it has a bigger screen and can plug in a keyboard for when I need to work for an extended period.

  5. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be ideal for me to use for writing with the keyboard option, the larger screen size and storage and for entertainment because of better speakers and a flash camera.

  6. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus would be perfect for watching movies while camping with it’s Atmos speakers.

  7. Definitely would like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for the big 11″ 2K screen and for the amazing sound from the four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound!

  8. I think all of the tablets work for me but the Lenovo Tab P11 would be great with the larger screen. The larger screen would because I have problems focusing for long periods.

  9. I would love to have the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself. After reading Marcus’s review, one feature mentioned in the article that would benefit me the most is its compatibility with Lenovo’s Pro keyboard and Precision Pen 2. As someone who uses a tablet for both entertainment and productivity, having the ability to transform the Tab P11 into a versatile and efficient tool for typing and precise note-taking would greatly enhance my overall experience. Additionally, the Tab P11’s larger 11″ screen, powerful processor, and Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers make it the perfect device for immersive media consumption and gaming.

  10. I think all of the tablets work for me but the Lenovo Tab P11 would be great with the larger screen. The larger screen would because I have problems focusing for long periods.

  11. I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself and the larger 11″ screen 2k resolution would benefit me the most as I’d mainly use it to watch videos.

  12. I like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because it has the largest screen size and also like that it comes with four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound win win for me!

  13. The best tablet for me would be the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because of the Dolby Atmos surround sound which would be best for those in the family with reduced hearing.

  14. I’d love to win the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for many reasons. I really like that there is a keyboard option to really boost ease of ease for documents. The bigger screen and long battery life would really enhance an e-reading experience.

  15. The Tab P11 would be my choice for the larger screen and better camera (from what I could tell)

  16. I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself and the larger 11″ screen 2k resolution would benefit me the most as I’d mainly use it to watch videos.

  17. I would love to check out the four speakers that are enabled with Dolby Atmos surround sound. on the Tab P11 Plus

  18. Nice. I would choose the Lenovo P11 plus for the 11”screen and 2k resolution, perfect for this senior.

  19. Lenovo Tab P11 – Would be the perfect tablet for the wife and I. It has a bigger screen, faster, smoother and faster performance. As we are heading for our honeymoon this August to Greece, this would be a perfect gift to enjoy on our long plane ride overseas!

  20. I would like the Lenovo Tab M10 for myself. The 8mp auto focus camera would benefit me the most.

  21. I appreciate Marcus’ review in that it explains what makes each tablet similar and different from each other. After reading the review, I have discerned that my choice of tablet would be the Tab M10 Plus because it has all the features that I need. The amount of RAM and storage capacity that this tablet has will more than satisfy my needs (so I believe at this time). I’m also excited about having 4 speakers instead of one!

  22. I would choose the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus & love that it comes with 3.5mm combination audio and microphone jacks

Comments are closed.