Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is a versatile device that blurs the line between a small tablet and a large smartphone. With its compact design and impressive features, it is a perfect companion for both work and play. The tablet boasts an 8.0-inch TDDI IPS LCD display, offering vibrant visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T chipset and available in 2GB or 3GB RAM variants, it delivers smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The device also features a 5MP main camera, a 2MP selfie camera, and a long-lasting Li-Po 5100mAh battery. With its affordable price tag and sleek design, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is definitely worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) boasts a sleek and modern design that exudes a premium look and feel. With its slim form factor and compact dimensions of 199.1 x 121.8 x 8.2 mm (7.84 x 4.80 x 0.32 in), it offers excellent portability without compromising on screen size. The tablet weighs just 305g (10.76 oz), making it comfortable to hold for extended periods and allowing for easy one-handed usability.

The device features a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame construction, which not only enhances its aesthetics but also contributes to its durability and robustness. The choice of materials used gives the tablet a solid and sturdy build quality, instilling confidence in its longevity.

The design elements of the Lenovo Tab M8 include thin bezels surrounding the 8.0-inch TDDI IPS LCD display, resulting in a high screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.5%. This maximizes the screen real estate and provides an immersive viewing experience. The tablet's back panel has a smooth texture, offering a comfortable grip and preventing accidental slips. It also houses a single 5 MP main camera, along with a 2 MP front-facing camera for video calls and selfies.

The tablet's buttons and controls are well-placed, ensuring ease of use and intuitive navigation. Additionally, the inclusion of a USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for convenient charging and data transfer. The Lenovo Tab M8 is available in Iron Grey and Platinum Grey colors, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall design.

In summary, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) combines sleek design, premium materials, and sturdy construction to deliver a tablet that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Its compact size, lightweight nature, and ergonomic design make it highly portable and user-friendly.

Display

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) features an 8.0-inch TDDI IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The screen size offers a good balance between portability and usability, making it suitable for various tasks. The LCD technology ensures decent color accuracy and vibrancy, although it may not match the vividness of OLED displays. With a brightness level of 350 nits (typical), the display offers satisfactory visibility even under ambient lighting conditions. However, it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight due to its average outdoor visibility.

The touch responsiveness of the screen is smooth and accurate, allowing for seamless navigation and interaction with the device. Although there is no specific mention of display protection, it is advisable to use a screen protector to safeguard against scratches and smudges. The absence of Gorilla Glass protection is worth noting, as it could impact the durability of the display.

With a pixel density of approximately 189 ppi, the Tab M8's display delivers decent sharpness and clarity for everyday use. However, it may not provide the same level of detail as higher-resolution displays. The device does not mention a high refresh rate, HDR support, or wide color gamut, suggesting that it is more focused on offering a functional display rather than catering to advanced multimedia needs.

The viewing angles of the display are expected to be decent, allowing for comfortable viewing from different positions. While the device does not mention an anti-reflective coating, it is common for tablets to have some level of coating to minimize glare. The Tab M8 does not feature a notch design, and the bezels surrounding the display are noticeable but not overly thick, giving a reasonable screen-to-body ratio.

It is unclear whether the Tab M8 supports an always-on display feature or a blue light filter for reducing eye strain. However, it is likely to have adaptive brightness to adjust the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. The display calibration is not explicitly mentioned, so it is uncertain if there are customizable color settings.

Performance

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers commendable performance thanks to its efficient chipset and optimized system. Powered by the Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T chipset, which features an octa-core CPU and PowerVR GE8320 GPU, this tablet delivers smooth and lag-free performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

In terms of CPU performance, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) performs well in benchmark tests. The octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, with its four high-performance cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four power-efficient cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, ensures efficient multitasking and app loading speeds. The tablet exhibits a smooth user experience, allowing users to navigate through apps and menus seamlessly.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers satisfactory performance for casual gaming. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease, providing smooth gameplay and decent graphics scores. While it may not be the ideal choice for demanding games with high graphics settings, it can handle popular games without significant issues.

In terms of thermal management, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) does a decent job of maintaining optimal temperatures during extended usage. The tablet's aluminum frame helps dissipate heat, preventing overheating and ensuring sustained performance.

The tablet's performance is further enhanced by system optimization. Running on Android 11 (Go edition) with 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) efficiently manages system resources, resulting in a responsive and lag-free experience. The Go edition of Android 11 is specifically designed for devices with lower RAM, ensuring smooth performance even with limited memory.

While the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) may not offer top-of-the-line performance comparable to high-end tablets, it excels in its price range. Its chipset performance, combined with optimized software and thermal management, delivers a satisfactory gaming experience and smooth overall performance. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing casual games, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers a reliable and efficient performance that meets the needs of most users.

Software and User Interface

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) runs on the Android 11 operating system, with the Go edition for the 2GB RAM version and the standard Android 11 for the 3GB RAM version. This provides users with the latest software features and improvements. The Android 11 Go edition is specifically optimized for devices with lower RAM capacity, ensuring smooth performance and efficient use of system resources.

Lenovo has added its own customization to the software, offering a unique user experience. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate through the tablet's features and settings. The inclusion of a dedicated app drawer allows for organized access to installed applications.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Lenovo Tab M8 does come with a few pre-loaded applications. However, the tablet does not suffer from excessive bloatware, which can often slow down the device and take up valuable storage space. This allows users to have more control over the applications they choose to use, without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary pre-installed software.

Overall, the software on the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) provides a smooth and user-friendly experience. The combination of the latest Android operating system, Lenovo's customization, and the absence of excessive bloatware allows users to enjoy a clean and efficient interface. Whether browsing the web, streaming content, or using productivity apps, the software on the Lenovo Tab M8 enhances the overall user experience.

Camera

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is equipped with a single 5-megapixel rear camera, accompanied by autofocus for capturing sharp and detailed photos. With its modest aperture and focal length, it performs well in daylight photography, allowing users to capture clear and vibrant images with natural colors. The camera also offers decent sharpness and dynamic range, ensuring that details are well-preserved in both indoor and outdoor photography.

In terms of low-light performance, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) struggles due to its limited low-light sensitivity and lack of advanced image stabilization features. However, it does offer a basic night mode and noise reduction capabilities to help improve image quality in darker conditions.

The camera features various modes such as portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode, allowing users to experiment with different shooting styles and settings. Additionally, AI scene recognition is integrated to automatically optimize settings based on the detected scene.

For video recording, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) supports 1080p video recording, but lacks the ability to capture 4K videos. However, it does provide video stabilization for smoother footage and allows users to shoot slow-motion videos and time-lapse sequences. The tablet supports popular video formats for compatibility and convenience.

Overall, while the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) may not offer the most advanced camera capabilities, it provides a satisfactory photography experience for casual users who prioritize convenience and simplicity.

Battery Life

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) comes with a non-removable Li-Po 5100 mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for everyday use. The battery capacity is sufficient to support the tablet's hardware and features. Although it doesn't support fast charging technology, the tablet charges at a steady pace through its USB Type-C 2.0 port. The battery optimization features of the device help in maximizing power efficiency, ensuring that the tablet lasts longer on a single charge. With regular usage, the Tab M8 offers a satisfactory screen-on time and standby time. While it doesn't have wireless charging options, the tablet's battery performance is reliable and provides a decent battery backup. The battery management system ensures efficient battery usage, minimizing unnecessary drain. Overall, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) delivers a satisfactory battery experience, making it suitable for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.

Connectivity and Networking

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers a range of connectivity options to ensure a seamless user experience. It supports both Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, allowing users to stay connected whether they are at home or on the go. With its support for 4G LTE, users can enjoy fast data speeds and reliable network compatibility. The tablet also features dual SIM capabilities, enabling users to switch between different networks or data plans.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, supporting dual-band frequencies for enhanced connectivity. This ensures a stable and fast internet connection for browsing, streaming, and downloading. Additionally, the tablet features Bluetooth 5.0, providing improved connectivity and allowing users to connect wireless peripherals such as headphones or speakers.

For navigation purposes, the tablet comes with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS positioning systems. This enables accurate location tracking and facilitates navigation applications. The inclusion of USB Type-C 2.0 and OTG support allows for easy and fast data transfer and charging. However, it should be noted that the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) does not support NFC or wireless charging.

Overall, the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB-C. These features ensure that users can stay connected, enjoy fast data speeds, and have access to various connectivity options for their day-to-day activities.

Additional Features

• Standout features: The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) has several impressive features that make it stand out from other tablets in its price range. It offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and hold. The TDDI IPS LCD display provides good color reproduction and decent viewing angles. The tablet runs on the Android 11 operating system, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. Additionally, the MediaTek Helio P22T chipset and Octa-core processor ensure fast and efficient performance.


• Water and dust resistance: While the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) does not come with any official IP rating for water and dust resistance, it does have a sturdy build with a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame. This construction helps protect the tablet from accidental spills and minor dust particles, making it more durable in daily usage scenarios.


• Advanced sensors: The tablet is equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors enhance the user experience by enabling features like auto-rotation of the screen and automatic screen turn-off during phone calls or when the tablet is held close to the face.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) is a versatile tablet that competes in the market with various related gadgets. When comparing it to other tablets in its price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 and the Amazon Fire HD 8, the Tab M8 offers a solid set of features and specifications.

In terms of design, the Tab M8 features a sleek and compact build with a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame. Its 8-inch TDDI IPS LCD display offers a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, providing a decent viewing experience. However, compared to the higher resolution displays of its competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7's 10.4-inch display with a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, the Tab M8 falls slightly behind.

The Tab M8 is powered by a Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T chipset and offers two variants with different RAM options: 2GB and 3GB. While it may not be as powerful as some higher-end tablets, it performs well for everyday tasks and casual gaming. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 boasts a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset and 3GB of RAM, providing a slightly better performance.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Tab M8 features a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, which is fairly standard for tablets in this price range. However, its competitors, such as the Amazon Fire HD 8, offer better camera resolutions, with an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera.

In terms of pricing, the Tab M8 offers good value for money, with a competitive price point compared to its competitors. It positions itself as an affordable option for consumers looking for a reliable tablet with decent performance and a solid set of features.

Overall, while the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen) may not have the highest-end specifications or the most advanced features, it competes well in its price range with similar devices. It offers a decent display, satisfactory performance, and a competitive price, making it a viable option for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet.

Pros and Cons