Comprehensive Review: Lenovo Tab Plus
The Lenovo Tab Plus offers an intriguing choice for those looking to purchase an affordable tablet with robust multimedia capabilities. Priced at $330, the tablet promises to deliver more than its price tag might suggest. Despite its compact size, this tablet packs an impressive eight-speaker system and boasts a lengthy battery life. However, the device isn’t perfect and has its quirks, such as an older chipset and somewhat dim display.
| Lenovo Tab Plus | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | $330 |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 1.4 pounds |
| Battery Life | More than 15 hours |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| Display | 2K, 90Hz, 400 nits |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB, expandable via 1TB mini SD card |
| Speakers | Eight JBL speakers, Dolby Atmos |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Tab Plus is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It measures 11.5 inches and weighs approximately 1.4 pounds, similar to the iPad Air. However, it features a unique design with a bottom half that’s thicker (13.58 mm) compared to the upper half (7.7 mm). This isn’t just a stylistic choice; the bottom half houses the kickstand and some of the tablet’s powerful JBL speakers.
Key Features
First and foremost, the integrated kickstand is a highlight. The kickstand sits flush with the tablet’s rear, providing a stable base that tilts up to 175 degrees. This feature is often overlooked in other tablets unless you add a protective case. It significantly enhances the viewing experience by allowing you to set up the tablet on any flat surface effortlessly, making it ideal for streaming videos or video conferencing.
The audio system is another remarkable feature. The Lenovo Tab Plus is equipped with eight JBL speakers—four tweeters and four woofers—tuned by Dolby Atmos. This impressive sound setup outshines other tablets in its price range, including the premium M4 iPad Pro, which features only four speakers. The audio quality is exceptional, offering crystal-clear sounds that can fill a room. However, the bass is slightly underwhelming, especially when compared to standalone soundbars.
Display Quality and Performance
The screen quality is excellent, with a 2K display running at a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth animations and vibrant colors. However, the brightness peaks at 400 nits, making it less effective in bright outdoor settings. The display is adequate for indoor use but struggles under direct sunlight.
The MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, combined with 8GB of RAM, powers the tablet. While this hardware is typical for budget devices, it’s worth noting that the chipset is a few years old. Despite this, the tablet performs well for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. However, it might not be suitable for more demanding applications like video editing.
Software and Additional Features
The Lenovo Tab Plus runs on Android 14, which brings several useful features. The desktop mode is particularly handy for users who want to mimic a desktop setup by connecting keyboards and other accessories via Bluetooth. The operating system also offers engaging gesture controls, such as swiping up to access a carousel of open apps. Lenovo has committed to providing security updates for this tablet until June 2028, ensuring the device remains secure for years to come.
Battery Life and Storage
The Lenovo Tab Plus excels in battery life, lasting over 15 hours on a single charge. During testing, the tablet continued to stream video content well into the next day, significantly extending its functional usage time. The storage capacity is 256GB, which is on the smaller side but can be expanded using a 1TB mini SD card.
Conclusion and Buying Advice
At $330, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers excellent value for those seeking a multimedia tablet. It’s suitable for streaming the latest shows on Netflix and light clerical tasks. However, its MediaTek Helio G99 chipset may not be up to par for more intensive workloads. If you’re looking for something with more processing power, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus or the OnePlus Pad 2 as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The Lenovo Tab Plus provides a well-rounded experience with its robust audio system, long battery life, and unique design features like the integrated kickstand. While it does have limitations in terms of brightness and processing power, its strengths make it a strong contender in the budget tablet market.
