Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition: Unboxing and First Impressions

We finally got our hands on the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition tablet and in this article, we will be sharing our experience as we unbox the Lenovo-acclaimed fastest 8-inch Android tablet currently available in the market. This tablet is a game-changer, and we’re about to explore why.

Please note that as of now, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition is exclusively available for import from China, and its availability elsewhere remains uncertain. However, considering its impressive features, it might be worth the import.

Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition: What’s Inside the Box?

First, let’s talk about price. The Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition comes with a price tag of $439 when purchased from select import shops. However, if you’re lucky enough to be in China, you could potentially snag it for an even more attractive price. So, if you’re planning a trip to China, keep this tablet in mind.

Now, let’s dive into the unboxing process. As we open the box, we’re greeted by several components:

• The Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Tablet: The star of the show, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition itself, sleek and powerful.
• USB-C to USB-C Cable: Lenovo includes a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer.
• Eject Tool: While not for a SIM card, this tool is handy for inserting an optional microSD card to expand storage.
• Paperwork: Please note that all the included paperwork is in Chinese, so English-speaking users may need some translation assistance.
• Charger: The package includes a standard American-type charger. However, if you’re importing it to the European Union, you might also receive an EU adapter.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition.

Design and Build

This tablet sports an 8.8-inch display, fitting comfortably in one hand. While it’s not overwhelmingly large, those with smaller hands may find it slightly less ergonomic. The slim and symmetrical black screen bezels surrounding the 8.8-inch display are elegant, providing a clean look.

On the front, you’ll spot an 8-megapixel camera, which also serves as a facial recognition unlock feature. However, it’s worth noting that with just one sensor, it may not be the most secure option. Unfortunately, there’s no fingerprint scanner on this device.

On the sides, you’ll find a power button, a volume rocker, and two speakers, one on each side. The speaker quality is surprisingly good, especially for an 8-inch tablet, though larger tablets like the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 will deliver even better sound.

The tablet boasts two USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 ports, a rare feature for an 8-inch tablet. This makes it quite versatile, potentially allowing you to connect an external monitor.

There’s no headphone jack, but a microSD card slot allows for storage expansion. The back features a 13MP+2MP dual camera with an LED flashlight. The tablet’s body is made of aluminum, giving it a premium feel, with a thickness of just 7.6 mm and a weight of 348 grams. However, the transition from the metal body to the display is not as seamless as on more premium devices.

Display

The Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition boasts an impressive 8.8-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. This high resolution sets it apart from most other 8-inch Android tablets, which typically only offer HD resolution.

The display is fully laminated with impressive viewing angles and vibrant colors. It reaches a brightness of 500 nits, making it comparable to the iPad Mini while falling short of the iPad Pro’s 600 nits. The standout feature here is the 144Hz display, a rarity among 8-inch tablets, which enhances the smoothness of animations and gaming.

Active Pen Support

This tablet offers active pen support, allowing for precise note-taking and drawing. You can purchase the Lenovo Active Pen separately, or if you already own the Lenovo Tab P12, you can use its pen interchangeably. It’s a handy tool for creative tasks and note-taking, and it performs admirably on the Lenovo Legion Y700’s 144Hz display.

Performance

Under the hood, this tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB of internal storage. Notably, the Y700 does not offer a 5G or LTE variant. Our specific model is equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

A highlight of the Lenovo Legion Y700 is its remarkable performance, which is underscored by a noteworthy Geekbench 5 benchmark comparison. What’s intriguing is that this tablet outpaces the more expensive Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 in terms of performance. This is a notable feat, as it also surpasses the pricier Galaxy Tab S8 Plus and S8 Ultra. While I haven’t included the latter two models in this comparison, it’s worth mentioning that the Y700 aligns with the standard S8 but outperforms it.

Additionally, the Y700 outshines a range of other tablets released in the past year, including the Nokia T10, the iPad Mini, and the Lenovo Tab M9. These tablets occupy the lower end of the spectrum, making the Y700 stand out with its superior performance. Even the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3, the most recent 8-inch Android tablet from a premium brand, falls short in performance, despite being two to three years younger in terms of release date.

While the Lenovo Legion Y700 exhibits remarkable performance, it’s important to acknowledge that it falls slightly behind the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, a considerably more expensive tablet. The gap in processor performance isn’t significant, but there’s a noticeable difference in graphics performance. It’s essential to recognize that the Y700 is marketed as a gaming tablet, which is evident in its branding as part of the Lenovo Legion lineup.

To demonstrate its gaming capabilities, we have included footage of the Y700 running Genshin Impact at the highest graphic settings in our unboxing video (you’ll find it at the end of this article), delivering a smooth and visually appealing gaming experience. This tablet can handle demanding titles with ease. As demonstrated by PUBG Mobile, which runs smoothly on the Y700 with settings comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, this tablet deliver an exceptional gaming performance. We have also showcased Asphalt 9, a game that, while not as demanding as Genshin Impact, still runs seamlessly on the Y700 with impressive graphics.

Software

The Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition runs Android 13 out of the box, though Lenovo is not known for providing extensive software support. While you may receive occasional bug fixes and security updates, long-term software support might be limited.

Additionally, due to its Chinese origin, the tablet comes with Chinese apps pre-installed, but you can easily replace them with Google’s suite of apps.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition is a compelling tablet that packs a punch with its high-resolution display, gaming performance, and active pen support. While it’s priced attractively, it’s essential to consider the import process and potential lack of support if you encounter issues.

If you’re comfortable with importing and want a powerful 8-inch Android tablet, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Edition could be a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer an easier buying experience and reliable support, you might want to explore alternatives. 

Stay tuned for our full review, where we’ll dive deeper into this impressive tablet’s capabilities and compare it to the competition. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more in-depth reviews about the latest tablets!