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Whereas a sure fruit-themed tech firm’s tablets get many of the consideration, fashions operating Android are in a superb place, too. Giants like Samsung proceed to launch chart-topping, premium Android slates and lesser-known manufacturers (stateside, at the least) like Xiaomi make improbable budget-friendly Android tablets.
Lenovo can be no stranger to compact cellular gadgets with handy kind components and succesful {hardware} however will get surprisingly little press for the way extensive a spread of choices it presents. Whether or not you are searching for a bargain-basement compact pill only for streaming movies or need a highly effective system that may outperform many laptops, Lenovo might help. From its diminutive, ultra-cheap Tab M8 to the Tab S9 Extremely rival Tab Excessive, Lenovo’s pill lineup presents one thing for everybody, together with a number of the most lately launched and extremely refined choices in each value vary.
Which Lenovo pill is best for you?
Lenovo Tab P12
Greatest general
Wonderful worth with few compromises
$300 $350 Save $50
At first look, its sub-$400 listing value may mislead you, however make no mistake: The Lenovo Tab P12 sports activities above-average processing energy, a great-looking show, and succesful reminiscence and storage that few different choices provide on this vary. The 16:10 side ratio and 12.7-inch display screen even make it appropriate for transportable productiveness.
- Loads of high-res display screen house
- Underneath 7 millimeters thick
- Not very costly
- Lacks a headphone jack
- No cellular information model
Lenovo advertises the P12 as a productivity-forward pill however actually does not value it like one. Its $350 MSRP (which you’ll be able to typically discover considerably discounted) belies the facility inside this impressively slim slate. The MediaTek 7050 SoC greater than pulls its weight, leveraging the low-overhead Android OS to carry out admirably, even when it is operating a number of apps. Its 8GB RAM module isn’t any slouch both, though the 128GB UFS 2.2 storage may stand to be only a contact sooner.
At any charge, its enormous show is a superb perk, particularly at this value. Regardless of missing the OLED know-how of a few of its extra expensive brethren, the P12 delivers a more-than-satisfying visible expertise. Its 2944 x 1840 decision (which some individuals name 3K) appears as crisp because the human eye can detect at its 12.7-inch dimension and helps simulated 10-bit colour along with succesful HDR distinction. It could possibly be a bit of brighter, but it surely’s greater than satisfactory and never an enormous sacrifice, given the price.
Should you’re considering {that a} 12-plus-inch pill is fairly massive, you are proper in a single sense — it will not slot in a small bag or purse and is not absolutely the most transportable one-handed system. However by no means concern, as its sub-7-millimeter thickness makes up for a few of that bulk. And if you happen to’re really attempting to get one thing productive executed, relaxation assured there’s loads of room, particularly when you alter the scaling to account for the excessive decision. Talking of getting stuff executed, the mated stylus and keyboard could also be non-obligatory, however virtually flip this into an Android-driven laptop computer substitute, if you happen to’re OK with utilizing the cellular OS for work or research.
Lenovo Tab Excessive
Premium choose
Lenovo’s reply to the Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely
$950 $1100 Save $150
Few tablets can compete with Samsung’s large Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely, however that is precisely what the Tab Excessive units out to do. Every thing about this high-end slate excels, from the absurdly quick MediaTek Dimensity 9000, 12GB of high-speed RAM, and large battery.
- Big, colourful, vivid OLED show
- Practically unmatched processing energy
- Supported by Android 16
- Massive and a bit heavy
- Bends a bit of bit beneath duress
The P12’s nice for the value, however actual pill productiveness followers will not discover something higher than the Tab Excessive. Very clearly launched with goals to dethrone Samsung’s reigning, big-screen Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely, that is as near a laptop computer as you may get and not using a hinge and related keyboard. It is even larger than most Chromebooks, and whereas it is heavy for a pill, its 740g weight and under-6-millimeter thickness are literally shocking achievements.
After all, with a beginning value of round $1,000, it had higher provide some spectacular specs and high-end design. To little shock, it does precisely that, with the lately launched MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset main the best way. This high-end piece of {hardware} competes with the likes of Apple and Qualcomm’s personal high-end SoCs in primarily a neck-and-neck race.
And do not even get us began on the show. Lenovo makes full use of the potential of recent OLED panels right here, enabling a 120Hz refresh charge, HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient playback (the latter of which you will not discover on the Galaxy Tab S9 sequence), 500 nits of peak brightness, and actually spectacular, 97% colour of the DCI-P3 cinematic colour gamut.
However let’s not cease there. An enormous pill with so many vivid, colourful pixels in all probability presents middling battery life, proper? Unsuitable. It lasts for simply greater than 11 straight hours of video playback, only a smidgen lower than its big-screen competitor. Even the cameras are nice, capturing 13MP and in a position to report in 4K at 30FPS. Should you’re searching for a professional-grade Android pill that may legitimately substitute a laptop computer, that is it. The truth is, provided that it practically matches or exceeds the Galaxy S9 Extremely in virtually each class however at a lower cost, it is among the best large-format Android tablets available on the market.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
Greatest worth
Good for extra than simply streaming video
$150 $210 Save $60
Whereas it isn’t fairly as transportable as Lenovo’s smaller choices, the third-gen Tab M10 Plus nonetheless is not cumbersome or overly heavy and delivers noticeably smoother and extra constant efficiency because of a step-up in element high quality. Our personal hands-on expertise was nothing wanting wonderful, confirming that it is one among in the present day’s greatest entry-level selections.
- Excessive decision for the value
- Safety updates by 2025
- As much as 128GB storage and 4GB RAM
- Nonetheless not precisely a velocity demon
- Might stand to be a bit of lighter
A wonderful compromise between compact and dear, the third iteration of the Tab M10 Plus sports activities a Snapdragon 680 SoC and as much as 4GB of RAM, sufficient to make fast work of most on a regular basis pill duties. Back and front 8MP cameras, together with a high-resolution, 400-nit display screen make it clear this is not some cheap-o throwaway mannequin, regardless of its cheap value. The truth is, it is one of many most cost-effective Android tablets round if you wish to keep away from doubtlessly irritating slowdowns, and its use of Android 13 brings it according to the fashionable expertise of many mid-range choices.
It does not precisely stand out in any important methods, but it surely additionally does not have any main weaknesses for one thing on this value and efficiency class. Much like a lot of Lenovo’s low-cost choices, it feels significantly extra well-built than you may anticipate and nearly hits the candy spot at only a hair over a pound. Few choices make higher buys so long as you are not getting a super-high performer, though we do want the LTE mannequin was extra simply obtainable and did not often price twice as a lot because the Wi-Fi-only model.
Learn our full Tab M10 Plus evaluate.
Lenovo Tab P11 Professional Gen 2
The iPad contender
A high-end show backed by succesful {hardware}
$300 $430 Save $130
Just one different pill on this value vary has a display screen even remotely similar to the second-gen Tab P11 Professional’s, and that one does not run Android. An OLED display screen geared up with spectacular brightness and Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist makes this the proper choice for getting essentially the most out of your favourite films on the go.
- Few tablets have better-looking screens
- Weighs barely over a pound
- Cheaper than an iPad
- Shorter battery life than its predecessor
- No non-obligatory LTE modem
Alright, Lenovo, no one’s kidding themselves. The Tab P11 Professional Gen 2 was launched six weeks earlier than the 2022 Apple iPad and beats it in practically each respect regardless of costing a contact much less. The quite-simply-fantastic show boasts Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+ assist, along with a 120Hz refresh charge and a 600-nit brightness you will not discover anyplace else on this value vary. It even ideas the scales at 480g, practically an identical to Apple’s insanely standard moneymaker. We would really be stunned if Lenovo did not use the newest iPad as a goal.
The cameras will not wow you, however at 13MP on the again and 8MP for selfies, they work simply superb for informal snapshots and video calls. And the P11 Professional 2 beats the iPad by way of storage, with the bottom mannequin providing 128GB and the extra superior one 256GB (though good luck discovering the larger one, because it seems to not have been launched within the US, or at the least is not available).
Taken as a complete, Lenovo’s mid-range OLED pill very practically copped our greatest general award. It is mainly a toss-up, and if you happen to’re insistent on top-quality media consumption, few higher selections exist.
Learn our full Tab P11 Professional Gen 2 evaluate.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
Most versatile
Half Chromebook, half pill, all superior
$350 $499 Save $149
Blurring the strains between ChromeOS laptop computer and Android pill, the Chromebook Duet 5 does run Android apps and boasts practically unmatched versatility. Whereas it is not the best to make use of one-handed on account of its comparatively massive dimension, the added productiveness makes {that a} worthwhile tradeoff.
- Spectacular OLED show
- Nice efficiency for a pill
- Excellent for a lot of distant employees
- A bit massive and heavy in pill mode
- Middling efficiency for a Chromebook
Should you’re searching for one thing to hold round for on-the-go leisure in addition to getting a spot of labor executed at cafés right here and there, you may cease your search. The bigger of Lenovo’s 2-in-1 Chromebooks, the Duet 5 combines one of the best of each worlds with a better-than-expected keyboard, loads of RAM for multitasking, and the real-life duality that could be a advantage of removable laptops usually.
After all, there are execs and cons to using the fence between two comparatively established system classes. Its show is value writing residence about, with above-average brightness and noteworthy colour depth, together with 150% sRGB, 96% Adobe RGB, and 100% DCI-P3 gamut protection. Like different nice tablets, its battery life additionally excels so long as you do not spend all the time typing, which attracts extra energy than you may predict.
On the flip aspect, it falls behind full-fledged Chromebooks within the processing energy discipline, since it’s nonetheless a pill at coronary heart in some ways, and makes use of the less-than-stellar (however mightily environment friendly) Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 SoC to compute numbers. Nonetheless, it is extraordinarily competent at issues like analysis and writing, making it splendid for digital nomads or different distant employees who need one thing helpful that is nonetheless light-weight and compact.
Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
Price range display screen house
Massive show at an inexpensive value
$200 $290 Save $90
For these not offered on its extra expensive sibling’s show, the Tab P11 Gen 2 makes a reliable, if barely much less highly effective various. It is an all-around good performer, will obtain Android 14, and the display screen appears simply superb regardless of utilizing much less superior LCD know-how than the Professional model.
- Larger show than the first-gen
- Excessive-resolution, fairly vivid show
- Usually discounted to round $200
- Some efficiency hiccups
- 40g heavier than the Professional mannequin
As if Lenovo did not already seemingly provide 400 tablets in various sizes and {hardware} configurations, the 2023 Tab P11 sees a minor dimension improve from the earlier model, differentiating itself ever so barely in display screen house and portability from the Tab M10 Plus. By way of efficiency, it sits squarely between the M10 Plus and P11 Professional Gen 2, with a succesful (however not barn-burning) Helio G99 chipset operating the present.
Regardless of its sub-$300 MSRP and frequent reductions, this decidedly trendy pill boasts useful options like Wi-Fi 6E, which ensures nice community efficiency and mitigates the Wi-Fi radio’s battery use in addition to native airwave congestion. A 7.5-millimeter thickness, metallic again and body, and Gorilla Glass 3 entrance make it really feel considerably extra premium than one thing this low-cost has any proper to.
Whereas it does not fairly carry out on the extent of most others, it is nice at what most individuals use tablets for, and the show appears considerably higher than a lot of its direct rivals’ — even when it is a far cry from the P11 Professional 2’s OLED panel.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
Smallest laptop computer ever
Largely a pill, however you may kind on it, too
It shares the identical idea as its bigger relative, however the Chromebook Duet 3’s compact dimension makes it a considerably completely different beast. As an alternative of a 50/50 stability between laptop computer and pill, it is a bit of extra like a high-performing slate that occurs to have a superbly mated keyboard.
- As transportable as a 2-in-1 will get
- Surprisingly good typing really feel
- Very crisp show
- Keyboard dimension takes some getting used to
- Restricted to mild workloads
You should not purchase a selected pill or laptop computer simply because it is cute, however that is the very first thing that popped into our thoughts once we first began utilizing the Chromebook Duet 3. It could not actually be the smallest laptop computer ever, but it surely certain feels prefer it. Whereas it is heavier than a regular pill altogether, it is simple to make use of in pill mode, and the keyboard high quality is 2 steps above what you’d anticipate from one thing so tiny and well-priced.
It is not engineered for top efficiency, and in reality, we would favor if it used something extra superior than eMMC flash reminiscence for inside storage. Its Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipsets match the Duet 5’s, however the 11-inch show virtually solely precludes multitasking and closely limits what sort of superior apps you should utilize, so it runs simply superb for what it’s. And though the keyboard is completely satisfying, it may be a bit cramped, even for these with small fingers.
Eleven inches is just about the proper pill dimension for many, however it’s a bit small for a laptop computer. Nonetheless, it is workable for writing and modifying Android Police articles, though it would get outdated after a couple of weeks of full-time work. But when your workload’s restricted largely to writing and studying, it is value contemplating, particularly now that it is often discovered for round $300 or much less.
Learn our full Chromebook Duet 3 evaluate.
Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)
Tiny and low-cost
The last word transportable streaming machine
$77 $90 Save $13
Transfer over Amazon Hearth; there is a new little pill on the town. This Lenovo’s 8-inch Tab M8 (4th Gen) is barely larger than some prime smartphones and matches simply into locations different slates can hardly dream of. As you may anticipate from the low price and compact kind issue, it is restricted in what it could do however is nice for searching social media and watching movies.
- Tablets do not get any cheaper
- Practically unmatched battery life
- As sturdy as something
- Sluggish efficiency
- Not notably versatile
We regularly suggest the Amazon Hearth 7 for individuals who need a actually handheld, extremely transportable pill, however that modified with the April 2023 launch of the fourth-generation Tab M8. Checking in at beneath three-quarters of a pound and 9 millimeters thick, even youngsters ought to have a simple time conserving maintain of this diminutive system. To make no bones about it, it is underpowered in comparison with each different Lenovo pill, but it surely does carry out higher than the 7- and 8-inch Amazon Hearth fashions, that are a few of its solely competitors.
After all, with an inventory value of $110 and an virtually steady $40 low cost from varied retailers, no one’s confused about what this tiny factor is supposed for. The Tab M8 Gen 4 works for taking part in movies, scrolling by light-weight social media apps, and searching web sites. It might technically run different Android apps, too, and the eight-core Mediatek MT8768 SoC outdoes the {hardware} in equally sized tablets. However apps that decision for something however essentially the most primary degree of processing energy are seemingly out of the query.
Regardless, the Tab M8 fills an vital area of interest. As low-cost and small as Android tablets can fairly get, they will additionally stand up to a substantial quantity of abuse due merely to their kind issue. A shorter, narrower digital system that is additionally a bit thicker than the remaining will undoubtedly survive extra of the punishment that comes with, for instance, a child utilizing (and inevitably dropping) their first pill. So, if you happen to want an affordable media machine and are not choosy, it may be value your cash.
Lenovo has a whole lot of tablets, and one’s best for you
Lenovo likes to shake up its pill lineup with outstanding frequency, resulting in a glut of choices. All the greatest ones come from inside the final two years, and unsurprisingly, the newest fashions principally prime the listing.
It is awfully arduous to argue with the all-around high quality of the Tab P12, one of many latest and most pretty priced choices. The Tab P11 Professional Gen 2 notably excels at HDR video playback, although, which some individuals discover tremendous vital. Should you like that 10- to 11-inch dimension, both of these is superb, and the usual second-gen Tab P11 additionally makes a powerful case given its lower cost.
If saving cash issues greater than something, you continue to have loads of choices. The Tab M10 Plus runs and feels significantly higher than we anticipated it to, and the Tab M8 is nice for anybody who wants a pill for lower than $100.
However on the excessive finish, there’s just one clear selection. The Lenovo Tab Excessive (very clearly) goals immediately at in the present day’s most large, high-end slates, and in our opinion, hits the mark. It is value contemplating over Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely on account of extra highly effective {hardware} and a better-looking display screen. The truth is, we’re extraordinarily impressed by Lenovo’s whole lineup (regardless of its complexity), and plan to prepare dinner up extra long-term, hands-on critiques for our favourite fashions, so keep tuned.
Lenovo Tab P12
Greatest general
One of many latest and most versatile
$300 $350 Save $50
The Lenovo Tab P12 hits the candy spot with a near-perfect stability of efficiency, show, value, and dimension. It is nice for leisure, productiveness, and all the pieces in between, and can obtain three years of safety updates so it is a good long-term funding.