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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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 pick the Tab P11 for the large screen, high resolution 1080p camera, and lots of storage.
Lenovo Tab P11, larger screen
Ohhh I’d love the M10 for the 3.5mm combination audio and microphone jacks – it’s more suped up than the M8 but the P11 doesn’t have the jack!
Watching movies on the Lenovo Tab P11 would be much more enjoyable when on long haul flights or relaxing in hotel rooms after an exhausting day.
The Lenovo tab P11 for the large screen and storage capabilities would make watching movies easy
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. The large screen with a 2k resolution sounds impressive.
Tab P11 Plus is for me for it has the bigger screen size . i also like that round the back of it there is a 13MP auto focus camera and a camera flash! now that’s awesome!
I love that the Lenovo Tab P11 has 4 Dolby AtmosQuad speakers that enhance the audio experience for endless entertainment experience!!
Tab P11 would be great because of its larger size and the camera sounds really good as well and we love our photos!
I’d like the Tab M8…mate. Mostly as an e-reader, but I can also listen to Spotify with the satisfactory speaker.
I would like the Lenovo tab P11 for the size of the screen and storage. It would enhance downloading and watching movies
I’d choose the Lenovo Tab P11 because the screen is bigger and it has a better processor.
The large screen on the Lenovo Tab P11 would be awesome to have. I like all the extras it has for taking photos like the auto focus and flash
I would like the Tab P11 Plus for its four speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Sound quality is important for immersion into those movies on the go!
I like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for it’s productivity being compatible with Lenovo’s Pro keyboard and Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2.
I think the Tab M8 would be an awesome first tablet for me. I really like the great battery life and the review about the camera seems pretty good too.
I would use a Tab M10 Plus for downloading crochet patterns and learning new stitches as it comes with a good-sized screen and the microSD card will hold up to 1TB in capacity.
I want one for reading so the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus seems like the best fit – big screen means less eye strain.
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 due to larger screen size!
Lenovo Tab P11 due to larger screen
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus due to the largest screen coming in at 11” with a 2k resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels). The Tab P11 Plus is the only tablet to come with a 13MP auto focus camera and a camera flash. The large screen size and good camera is GREAT.
Thank you
I would love the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because of the 4 speakers with Dolby Atmos 🙂
I would like the p11 plus due to its large screen size and good camera
I like the Levono Tab M8 because it comes with a combination audio and microphone jacks.
The large screen and the sweet 1080p video and 13MP camera of the Lenovo Tab P11 would be great for my daughter’s budding interest in photography and video!
Tab P11 Plus for the better processor and screen.
The 11 plus is my favourite due to the larger screen, better camera and sound.
I would love the Tab P11 plus as I do play many games on my tablet and do a lot of reading of books as well.
In Marcus’ review, I like that it has a long battery life as I use it for hours at a time.
The P11 Plus would be great with the better audio for listening to music or watching shows on the go without needing to use headphones all the time.
The Lenovo Tab p11 Plus would benefit me the most with the large screen size would help most with researching or watching shows.
The Lenovo Tab P11 sounds right up my alley as it has better RAM and more storage than the 8, AND it is the only model that is compatible with the external keyboard, which is key for productivity.
Lenovo Tab P11 is the one I would want due to the large 2k IPS screen
The 11 plus is my favourite due to the larger screen, better camera and sound.
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 for myself – I really like the large screen and the Dolby Atmos speakers. I watch a lot of content on my phone – being able to do this on a larger screen with better sound would be a big upgrade.
I like the Levono Tab M8 because it comes with a combination audio and microphone jacks.
The large screen would be great to give to my 88 year old mom so she can watch youtube videos on something bigger then her smartphone!
I would choose the Lenovo Tab p11 Plus. I and my parents would benefit from the larger screen size.
I would choose the Lenovo Tab p11 Plus. I would benefit most from the larger screen size.
Tab P11 Plus PROBABLY HAS IMPRESSIVE SOUNDING SPEAKERS
I would appreciate the long lasting battery lives the Levono M10 Plus Tab have to bring as I find I am always reaching for the charging brick while using most of my electronics, and with 15 hours of battery life would provide me with more than enough time to enjoy its use for both educational and entertainment purposes. Having discovered the M10 Plus with its advanced eye care system, I can see that both my physical health and entertainment needs would benefit. This gadget would not only suffice in my household, but come to life and thrive weather I am exploring the virtual world of social media, online shopping, live gaming or enjoying the many binge worthy netflix titles. The M10 Plus Tab seems like a dream with all its features, and this electronic is more than capable of bringing many of our dreams come to life.
I love that the Lenovo Tab P11 has 4 Dolby AtmosQuad speakers that enhance the audio experience for endless entertainment experience – great for movies on long haul flights !
Lenovo Tab P11 for the screen size but would be very happy with the M10
The older I get I can’t see so the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus with the largest screen is my pick
I love that the LenovoTab P11 has a larger screen and more powerful speakers for clearer hearing. The auto focus and flash are a great feature as well.
I would like the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus because the screen is bigger and it has a better processor.
The large screen and the sweet 1080p video and 13MP camera of the Lenovo Tab P11 would be great for my daughter’s budding interest in photography and video!
The Tab M8 would be a great first tablet for me. Love that it has a great battery life and great review about the camera.
Tab P11 Plus for the better processor and screen.
The P11 because it has powerful audio, larger screen, easily attach keyboard.
The Lenovo Tab P11 simply because it has a bigger screen
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