Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) Review: A Compact Contender in the Gaming Arena

In a market saturated with tablets that cater primarily to productivity or casual media consumption, Lenovo's Legion Tab Gen 2 stands out as a bold entrant aimed squarely at gamers.

Priced comparably to the recently launched OnePlus Pad 2, this tablet promises a high-performance experience in a compact form. But does it deliver? Let's dive into the specifics.

PROS

• Impressive 8.8-inch 2.5K display with 144Hz refresh rate.
• Strong gaming performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and 12GB RAM
• Good battery life with 6550mAh capacity and fast 45W charging.
• Dual USB-C ports for versatile connectivity.
• Clean Android 14 interface with gaming-focused features.
• Very lightweight and portable.
• Compatible with controller attachments for enhanced gaming.

CONS

• No 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.
• Can get hot during extended gaming sessions.
• Slightly overshadowed by the more powerful OnePlus Pad 2.

Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2): Key Specifications and Price

Design and Display: Sleek and Stunning

From the moment you unbox the Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2), its premium design is evident. The all-metal body exudes a sense of quality and durability, while the slim bezels create an immersive viewing experience.

At 208.54 x 129.46 x 7.6 mm and weighing around 350 grams, the tablet strikes a balance between portability and screen real estate. Though not the thinnest tablet available, its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.

However, the absence of a fingerprint sensor might be a minor inconvenience for some users, though it's unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

The 8.8-inch 2.5K display is where the Legion Tab Gen 2 truly shines. With a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate, the screen offers vibrant colors and sharp details that are a treat for both gaming and media consumption.

The 16:10 aspect ratio, a departure from the more common 3:2 ratio found on devices like the iPad Mini, ensures that movies and games are displayed with minimal black borders and a more engaging view.

The display's brightness, at 500 nits, ensures visibility even in outdoor conditions. Whether you're watching YouTube videos or exploring new anime, the screen's clarity and brightness are impressive.
Coupled with Dolby Atmos support, the audio experience is rich and immersive, though the stereo speakers, positioned on the top half of the tablet, could use a bit more texture compared to some larger competitors such as the Pad 2.

Performance: Gaming Powerhouse or Hot Mess?

The Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) positions itself as a formidable contender in the gaming tablet market, thanks to its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and up to 12GB of RAM.

These specs promise a high-performance gaming experience, but how does it fare in real-world scenarios? Let's break down its performance across several popular games.

Asphalt Legends Unite: Smooth but Not Without Hiccups

In Asphalt Legends Unite, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 2 handles high settings with a commendable performance. It achieves a 99% high FPS of 57 and a 1% low FPS of 44. While the tablet manages to deliver smooth gameplay in most scenarios, there are occasional frame rate drops during particularly action-packed sequences.

Despite this, the tablet remains comfortable to hold, with manageable heat levels that don't affect gameplay significantly. The overall experience is fluid and enjoyable, making it well-suited for fast-paced racing.

Wuthering Waves: Decent Performance with Minor Stutters

For Wuthering Waves, the Legion Tab Gen 2 starts with medium graphics by default. At these settings, it can achieve an average FPS of around 45, with a 99% high FPS of 47 and a 1% low FPS of 40 when set to high graphics with a 60 FPS limiter.

The gameplay is generally smooth, though there are some minor stutters when navigating through more complex city environments filled with NPCs and objects.

The tablet's temperature reaches 41.5°C during intense sessions but cools down to 33.5°C after a brief break. While the performance is solid, it's not without occasional hiccups.

Genshin Impact: Smooth and Immersive

Genshin Impact showcases the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 2's strengths, delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience. At custom settings with many parameters set to high, the tablet maintains a 99% high FPS of 57 and a 1% low FPS of 54. The gameplay is smooth and lag-free, even with high-quality graphics. The tablet does get warm, reaching temperatures of up to 43.5°C, but this doesn't detract from the overall performance. The punchy colors and high refresh rate of the display enhance the visual appeal, making it a great choice for fans of this expansive RPG.

The Legion Coldfront cooling system helps manage heat, but the device can still get noticeably hot, which might impact comfort during long gaming marathons.

Software and Features: Clean Yet Functional

Lenovo has opted for a near-stock version of Android 14 for the Legion Tab Gen 2, providing a clean and straightforward user interface. This minimalist approach is refreshing and allows the tablet's hardware to shine without unnecessary software bloat. The performance mode is a notable addition, boosting CPU and GPU speeds to enhance gaming performance.

The Entertainment Space feature is a highlight, aggregating content recommendations from various apps into a carousel format. This makes it easier to discover new shows and games without sifting through multiple apps.

One feature that stands out, albeit missing from the current package, is the lack of a controller attachment. While the tablet performs well on its own, a dedicated gaming controller could elevate the experience, particularly for gamers looking for that extra edge.

Finally, you'll receive Android 15 along with four years of security updates until 2028.

Camera and Connectivity: Adequate but Not Outstanding

While the Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) isn't primarily designed as a camera device, it offers a functional camera system. The front-facing 8MP camera performs adequately for video calls and virtual meetings, while the rear 13MP camera, complemented by a 2MP macro lens, provides decent performance for casual photography.

When it comes to connectivity, the Legion Tab Gen 2 doesn't disappoint. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. One practical feature for gamers is the microSD card slot, which allows for expandable storage-a welcome addition for those who need ample space for large game files.

However, it's worth noting that the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a missed opportunity. For gamers, wired audio is often preferred to avoid the latency issues associated with wireless headphones. This omission could be a drawback for those who prioritize precise audio performance in their gaming experience.

Battery Life: Reliable and Robust

The Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) excels in battery performance, making it a strong choice for both gaming and everyday use. With a 6550mAh battery, it offers impressive endurance that supports prolonged sessions and general tasks effectively.

In a practical battery test, the tablet started from 17% at 9:30 AM and charged to 81% by 10 AM, reaching a full 100% well before 10:30 AM. This swift charging capability is bolstered by the included 45W charging brick.

The dual USB-C ports add to its convenience, allowing for simultaneous charging and use. This feature is especially beneficial during long gaming sessions, letting you continue playing without interruptions.

Pricing Details

The Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) is priced at ₹39,999 and is available for purchase from Lenovo's official website and Flipkart. As of now, Flipkart is offering the tablet at a discounted rate of ₹35,000.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?

The Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 2) stands out with its strong gaming performance, vivid 8.8-inch display, and reliable battery life. Its design is tailored for gamers, featuring dual USB-C ports for versatile connectivity and a clean Android 14 interface that enhances usability.

However, if you're after cutting-edge performance, the OnePlus Pad 2 (review) is a stronger contender. At a comparable price, it features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which represents a significant upgrade in power and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Legion Tab (Gen 2). This advanced chipset delivers smoother gameplay, enhanced graphics, and overall better performance.

Furthermore, the OnePlus Pad 2's larger display adds to its versatility, making it an attractive option for those who want the latest technology and a more immersive gaming experience.

However, if you're primarily interested in a smaller form factor, the Legion Tab (Gen 2) is a great choice.