Lenovo Tab M7 vs. M8 vs. M9: A Detailed Comparison

Lenovo’s line-up of affordable tablets offers a range of options to cater to different user preferences and needs. In this detailed comparison between Lenovo Tab M7 vs M8 vs M9, we’ll take a closer look at the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen), Tab M8 (4th Gen), and Tab M9 to help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your requirements and budget.

Lenovo Tab M7 vs M8 vs M9: Comparison Overview

Feature	Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen)	Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)	Lenovo Tab M9
Display	7.0-inch HD IPS (1024 x 600 pixels)	8.0-inch HD IPS (1280 x 800 pixels)	9.0-inch HD IPS (1340 x 800 pixels)
Processor	MediaTek MT8166	MediaTek Helio A22	MediaTek Helio G80
RAM	2GB	2GB	Up to 4GB
Storage	32GB	32GB or 64GB	32GB or 64GB
Rear camera	5MP	5MP	8MP
Front camera	2MP	2MP	2MP
Battery	3750mAh	5100mAh	5100mAh
Operating system	Android 11	Android 12	Android 12
Pricing	Starts at $109	Starts at $108	Starts at $149

Lenovo Tab M7 vs M8 vs M9: Specs & Features Comparison

Let’s do a spec-by-spec comparison of the three Lenovo tablets. 

Display and Design

The display size is one of the primary differentiators among these tablets. The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) features a compact 7.0-inch SD IPS display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) takes a step up with an 8.0-inch HD IPS display, maintaining the same resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. For users seeking an even larger canvas, the Lenovo Tab M9 comes equipped with a 9.0-inch HD IPS display, offering a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels. 

In terms of design, the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (4th Gen) both feature a metal cover design, giving them a premium and sturdy feel. The metal construction also aids in heat dissipation, which can be advantageous during extended usage. The Lenovo Tab M9, however, opts for a plastic cover design, which might be slightly less durable than metal but helps to keep the overall weight of the device down.

Also Read: Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) Review

Hardware and Performance

All three tablets are powered by the MediaTek processors. The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) is powered by MediaTek MT8166 quad-core processor while Tab M8 (4th Gen) has MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor. Taking the lead is the Tab M9 that comes powered by MediaTek Helio G80 octa-core processor. 

The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (4th Gen) come with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Users can also expand the storage using a microSD card if needed. The Lenovo Tab M9 comes equipped with up to 4GB of RAM. It also offers two storage options, 32GB or 64GB. 

Tablet	Single-Core CPU	Multi-Core CPU
Lenovo Tab M8 Gen 4	162	560
Lenovo Tab M7 3rd Gen	142	512
Lenovo Tab M9	343	1275

The table above shows the performance benchmarks (Geekbench 5) of three different Lenovo tablets, measured in single-core and multi-core CPU scores. In the context of CPU benchmarking, the single-core score represents the tablet’s performance in tasks that rely heavily on a single core, such as basic browsing, loading apps, and light multitasking. The multi-core CPU score, on the other hand, evaluates the tablet’s performance in tasks that involve multiple cores, such as running multiple apps simultaneously, gaming, and handling more demanding applications.

The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) achieves a single-core CPU score of 162, which indicates a moderate level of performance in these single-core tasks. With a multi-core score of 560, the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) demonstrates capable performance in handling such tasks, making it suitable for moderate to intensive usage.

The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) achieves a single-core CPU score of 142 indicating that the tablet’s performance in tasks that rely on a single core is slightly lower compared to the Tab M8 (4th Gen). The multi-core CPU score of 512 indicates that the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) can handle multiple tasks concurrently and is suitable for moderate usage. While it may not be as powerful as the Tab M8 (4th Gen) in multi-core tasks, it should still perform well for typical daily activities like web browsing, social media, and light gaming.

The Lenovo Tab M9 outperforms the other two tablets significantly in both single-core and multi-core CPU scores. With a single-core score of 343, it demonstrates excellent performance in tasks that rely on a single core, surpassing the Tab M8 (4th Gen) and Tab M7 (3rd Gen) by a wide margin. The multi-core CPU score of 1275 further solidifies the Lenovo Tab M9’s superiority in handling multiple tasks simultaneously and dealing with more demanding applications. With such a high multi-core score, the Tab M9 is well-suited for intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and productivity work.

In summary, the data indicates that the Lenovo Tab M9 offers the best overall performance, especially in multi-core tasks, making it a compelling choice for users who require a powerful and versatile tablet. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) offers a balanced performance for typical usage, while the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) provides a budget-friendly option with decent performance for light to moderate tasks.

Also Read: Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) Review

Camera and Gaming

The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) M8 (4th Gen) have identical camera specs, including a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. The Lenovo Tab M9 has a better camera than the other two models, with an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Based on these specs, the M7 and M8 have average camera quality while the M9 offers a better camera performance.

Tablet	Wild Life	Wild Life Extreme
Lenovo Tab M9	697	182
Lenovo Tab M8 Gen 4	495	288
Lenovo Tab M7 Gen 3	164	51

The table above shows the performance benchmarks of three Lenovo tablets when tested using two different graphics benchmarks – Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme. These benchmarks assess the graphical capabilities of the tablets and how well they can handle graphics-intensive tasks and applications.

The Lenovo Tab M9 achieves a Wild Life score of 697 and a Wild Life Extreme score of 182. These scores indicate the tablet’s performance in handling graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming, 3D rendering, and visual effects. While it may not match the highest-end gaming devices, the Tab M9 still provides a commendable performance level for graphics-heavy applications.

The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) achieves a Wild Life score of 495 and a Wild Life Extreme score of 288. The Tab M8 (4th Gen) can handle moderately demanding graphical tasks, but it may struggle with more extreme graphics scenarios.

The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) achieves a Wild Life score of 164 and a Wild Life Extreme score of 51. These scores suggest that the tablet is more limited in handling graphics-intensive tasks compared to its higher-tier counterparts. The Tab M7 (3rd Gen) has limitations in handling more extreme graphics scenarios, making it less suitable for high-end gaming or advanced graphics tasks.

Users seeking a tablet with excellent gaming performance and superior graphics capabilities would find the Tab M9 the most appealing choice, while the Tab M8 (4th Gen) and Tab M7 (3rd Gen) offer respectable performance for less demanding graphics tasks and casual gaming.

Also Read: Lenovo Tab M9 Review

Software and Battery 

All three tablets run on the latest version of the Android operating system at the time of their release The Tab M7 (3rd Gen) runs Android 11 (Go Edition). The Tab M8 Gen 4 runs Android 12 (Go Edition) (Upgradeable to Android 13) while the Tab M9 runs Android 12 out-of-the-box. Users can expect a seamless Android experience with access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store.

Battery life is a critical aspect of any tablet, especially for users who need it to last throughout the day without frequent recharging. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) and Tab M9 come equipped with the same 5100mAh battery, providing adequate power to last through regular use. The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) settles for a 3750mAh battery.

To test the battery life of the three Lenovo tablets, we ran FullHD YouTube videos with the brightness set to maximum to simulate a real-world usage scenario. 

In summary, the battery test results demonstrate that all three Lenovo tablets provide satisfactory battery life for everyday usage. The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) shines with its exceptional 11-hour battery life, providing users with extended usage periods. The Lenovo Tab M9 offers a slightly better battery life than the Tab M7 (3rd Gen), while the Tab M7 (3rd Gen) delivers a respectable performance as well. Users can choose the tablet that best aligns with their usage patterns and battery life requirements. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or multitasking, these Lenovo tablets offer reliable battery life to support a variety of tasks throughout the day.

Connectivity

All three tablets are equipped with a USB-C port, ensuring faster charging and data transfer speeds compared to older micro-USB ports. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to connect wired headphones and other audio accessories without needing to rely solely on Bluetooth audio.

In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (4th Gen) support Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. Wi-Fi 5 provides decent wireless performance for most internet activities, while Bluetooth 5.0 offers stable and energy-efficient connections for peripherals like wireless headphones or speakers.

The Lenovo Tab M9, being the latest model, takes a step further with Wi-Fi 6 support. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster wireless speeds, improved performance in crowded Wi-Fi environments, and better power efficiency compared to Wi-Fi 5. The Tab M9 also supports Bluetooth 5.1, which offers slightly faster data transfer rates and improved range over Bluetooth 5.0.

Pricing

Pricing is a significant factor for many consumers when choosing a tablet, and the differences among these models reflect their varying features and capabilities.

The Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen) and Tab M8 (4th Gen) comes at a similar price point, starting at $108. But with M8, users get a larger and more immersive display, as well as the option for an improved front camera, making it a better choice for multimedia enthusiasts or users who frequently engage in video calls.

The Lenovo Tab M9 is the most expensive option, starting at $149. While it comes with a higher price tag, it justifies the cost with a larger and more productive display, better front and rear cameras, increased RAM options, and the faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. This model is ideal for users seeking a well-rounded tablet that can handle a variety of tasks, including multimedia consumption, productivity, and more demanding applications.

The Verdict

In conclusion, choosing between the Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd Gen), Tab M8 (4th Gen), and Tab M9 depends on your specific requirements and budget.

If you are on a tight budget and need a compact tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and casual media consumption, the Tab M8 (4th Gen) is a suitable choice. It has a slightly larger display and performance than Tab M7. Its 8.0-inch display provides an improved user experience without any increase in cost.

For users who require a larger display for productivity, a better camera setup for photos and videos, increased RAM for multitasking, and the fastest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Tab M9 stands out as the top choice. Its 9-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and 8MP rear camera make it ideal for tasks that demand more power and versatility.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual needs and preferences, and considering factors like display size, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and connectivity options will help you select the best Lenovo tablet for your needs. Whether you prioritize budget-friendliness, multimedia experience, or productivity capabilities, there is a Lenovo tablet in this lineup that caters to your specific requirements.