The premium tablet market has long been dominated by giants like Apple and Samsung, but the mid-range segment is where the real innovation happens. Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme have been striving to deliver products that offer excellent value for money. However, Lenovo has taken a different route with its newly launched Lenovo Tab Plus, focusing on providing an unparalleled entertainment experience, particularly in the audio department. I spent a week with the Lenovo Tab Plus, using it to watch anime, TV shows, and movies, as well as to listen to music. Here’s a comprehensive review of what I liked and disliked about this device.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Lenovo Tab Plus sports a sleek and modern design that is pleasing to the eye. The build quality feels solid, with a sturdy chassis that exudes durability. The tablet is light enough to hold comfortably for extended periods, making it ideal for on-the-go entertainment. The 11-inch display, with its Full HD resolution, delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, enhancing the viewing experience for movies and TV shows.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Lenovo Tab Plus is powered by the Helio G99 chipset, which, admittedly, is a bit dated compared to the processors found in similarly priced tablets. While the performance is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming, it falls short when handling more demanding applications and multitasking. The tablet runs on Android 11, which is fairly up-to-date, offering a smooth and user-friendly interface. However, there are occasional lags and stutters, particularly when switching between multiple apps.
Audio Quality
Where the Lenovo Tab Plus truly stands out is in its audio capabilities. The tablet is equipped with eight speakers – four tweeters and four force-balanced speakers – all tuned by JBL. This setup results in an immersive audio experience that is hard to match in this price segment. Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie, a dramatic TV show, or listening to your favorite music, the sound quality is rich, clear, and powerful. The stereo separation is excellent, and the bass response is impressive, making it a joy to use for any audio-centric activities.
Display Quality
The 11-inch Full HD display on the Lenovo Tab Plus offers a decent viewing experience. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use. However, the screen struggles in direct sunlight, where reflections and glare can hamper visibility. The lack of a higher refresh rate is noticeable, especially for users accustomed to the smoother scrolling and animations found on more expensive devices. Despite this, the display is perfectly adequate for binge-watching your favorite shows and movies.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Lenovo Tab Plus performs admirably. The 7,500mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with extended streaming sessions and constant usage, the tablet holds up well, making it a reliable companion for long trips or commutes. The fast-charging support ensures that you can quickly top up the battery when needed, minimizing downtime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers a unique proposition in the mid-range tablet market. While its performance may not be as snappy as some of its competitors, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional audio quality and solid build. The device is a perfect fit for users who prioritize entertainment, particularly those who enjoy watching movies, TV shows, and listening to music on the go. Its vibrant display, excellent battery life, and immersive audio make it a worthy contender in its segment.
For those seeking a tablet that delivers an outstanding entertainment experience without breaking the bank, the Lenovo Tab Plus is a compelling choice. It may not be the best in terms of raw performance, but it excels where it matters most for media consumption, ensuring that your time spent on the device is enjoyable and fulfilling.