Lenovo Tab Plus Review: 5 Reasons to Buy, 2 to Skip!

Lenovo Tab Plus Technical Specifications

• Display: 11.5in, 2000×1200 LCD with 90Hz refresh rate
• CPU: MediaTek Helio G99
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Cameras: 8MP rear with autofocus, 8MP front
• Storage: 128GB on-board, microSD card slot
• Operating System: Android 14 (2 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches)
• Battery: 8600mAh with 45W wired charging
• Weight: 650g
• Audio: Octa JBL Hi-Fi Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Speaker Mode, Hi-Res Audio supported with wired headphones
• Microphones: Two Microphones
• Bluetooth: 5.2
• Variants: 8/128GB, 8/256GB

What's in the box: Lenovo Tab Plus, 45W USB Type-C charger, MicroSD tray pin, SIM tray pin, documentation

PROS

• Exceptional eight-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos
• Long-lasting 8600mAh battery with fast charging
• Sturdy build with a built-in kickstand
• Intuitive Lenovo ZUI interface

CONS

• Display lacks brightness
• Screen lacks sharpness
• Not suitable for power users
• Noticeable wobbling on flat surfaces due to uneven back

Last month, Lenovo launched the Lenovo Tab Plus, a new Android tablet designed to deliver an outstanding audio experience. This tablet is equipped with an impressive eight-speaker system, featuring four tweeters and four force-balanced woofers housed in four separate speaker boxes. Developed in partnership with the renowned American audio brand JBL, the audio system supports Dolby Atmos and offers high-resolution audio up to 24-bit and 96kHz when using headphones.

Now available in India, I've had the opportunity to thoroughly test its features and performance. Here are five compelling reasons to consider the Lenovo Tab Plus, along with two reasons why it might not be the perfect choice for everyone.

5 Reasons to Buy the Lenovo Tab Plus

1. Exceptional Speakers

The standout feature of the Lenovo Tab Plus is its audio quality. The tablet is equipped with octa-JBL Hi-Fi speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos support. This setup delivers an immersive audio experience, making it perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The sound is clear and well-balanced, providing an exceptional listening experience that can fill a room.

The eight JBL speakers create a soundstage that's almost unbelievable for a tablet. This is particularly noticeable in action-packed movies and games where sound effects play a crucial role in the experience.

For audiophiles, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers high-resolution audio support with wired headphones. The tablet can handle audio files up to 24-bit and 96kHz, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality. This means that you can enjoy your music the way it was meant to be heard, with all the nuances and details intact.

In everyday use, this translates to an incredibly rich and detailed sound experience. Streaming services, whether it's Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube, sound fantastic. Voices are clear, instruments are distinct, and there's a good balance between bass, midrange, and treble. Even in noisy environments, the tablet's powerful speakers manage to deliver clear and loud audio, making it ideal for various settings, from your living room to a bustling café.

2. Intuitive Lenovo ZUI Interface

Lenovo's ZUI skin adds a layer of polish to Android 14. This customized user interface brings several enhancements and features that elevate the user experience beyond the standard Android offering. Here are some of the standout features:

Lenovo Freestyle

Lenovo Freestyle is a device collaboration framework that enhances user productivity and helps manage digital tasks more efficiently.

One of its key features is Smart Display Collaboration, which allows users to pair a Lenovo tablet with a Windows 10 or 11 Lenovo PC. This pairing process is secure and straightforward, enabling users to extend their desktop onto the tablet for more screen space or mirror it when necessary.

Additionally, Lenovo Freestyle includes Smart Task Collaboration. This feature allows users to use the touch, pen, and on-screen keyboard inputs of their tablet directly within the extended or mirrored Windows environment of their PC. This functionality lets users utilize their tablet as a second screen, work on the go, play PC music through the tablet, share files, and stream apps.

Lenovo Vantage

Lenovo Vantage is a comprehensive management tool that provides easy access to system updates, diagnostics, and security features. With this app, users can keep their device running smoothly and securely without having to delve into complex settings. It offers a user-friendly interface to manage updates and perform system checks, ensuring the tablet remains up-to-date and optimized.

You can even check your warranty information, which is pretty handy.

Preloaded Apps

The Lenovo Tab Plus comes with several preloaded apps that enhance its functionality right out of the box:

• WPS Office: This productivity suite provides tools for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, making the tablet a viable option for work and study.

• Nebo: An advanced note-taking app that supports handwriting recognition, allowing users to jot down notes with a stylus or their finger and convert them to text. This app is ideal for students and professionals who need a reliable note-taking solution.

3. Long-Lasting Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any tablet, and the Lenovo Tab Plus shines in this area. It boasts an 8600mAh battery that delivers up to 8 hours and 30 minutes of continuous video playback or web browsing, as confirmed by PCMark tests. Moreover, its 45W fast charger rapidly recharges the tablet, with just a 30-minute charge providing enough juice to breeze through YouTube videos.

4. Solid Build Quality with Built-in Kickstand

The build quality of the Lenovo Tab Plus is impressive. It feels sturdy and durable, akin to a tank. The unconventional design, influenced by the large built-in speakers, includes a robust hinge that allows the tablet to prop up on any surface.

This kickstand feature is particularly useful for hands-free viewing, whether you're watching movies, following recipes, or making video calls.

5. Decent Everyday Performance for Casual Users

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, the Lenovo Tab Plus delivers reliable performance for casual users. It handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, streaming, and light multitasking without significant issues.

While it's not designed for heavy multitasking or high-end gaming, it performs well within its intended use case.

2 Reasons to Skip the Lenovo Tab Plus

1. The Screen Isn't as Sharp

Despite its 2K (2000 x 1200) resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, the display on the Lenovo Tab Plus isn't as sharp as one might expect. With a PPI of 204, individual pixels are noticeable, which can detract from the visual experience.

This is especially disappointing given the excellent audio quality. A higher-resolution panel would have significantly enhanced the tablet's appeal for media consumption.

2. Outdated MediaTek Helio G99 Chipset

The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset is somewhat outdated. While it offers decent performance for casual multitasking and light gaming, it falls short for power users. If your routine involves switching between multiple apps, keeping many tabs open, or playing high-end games, you might experience stutters and lag. For a more powerful and seamless experience, a tablet with a newer, more capable processor would be a better choice.

Price and Accessories

The Lenovo Tab Plus is priced at Rs 22,999 for the 8/256GB model. There is also an 8/128GB variant available. The tablet supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing you to increase storage up to 1TB.

Additionally, there are several accessories available for purchase separately, including the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus, Lenovo Tab Plus Sleeve, and Lenovo Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard.

Verdict

If you prioritize sound quality and a long-lasting tablet for everyday tasks, the Tab Plus is worth considering. However, if a sharp display and top-tier performance are essential, you might want to explore other options.