Lenovo Legion Tab: Has the iPad Mini of the Android world arrived?
With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and ultra-portable 8.8-inch design, the Lenovo Legion Tab is an attractive option, but a major security shortcoming could be a barrier.
The return of compact and powerful Android tablets.
The Android tablet market is experiencing a resurgence after years of being overshadowed by the iPad. With the Android platform and apps becoming better optimized, the user experience has significantly improved. However, there's still a gap in the hardware segment: tablets that are either very large and powerful, or compact but with weak specifications. The Lenovo Legion Tab emerges to address this issue, offering a compact device with flagship specifications.
Equipped with an 8.8-inch screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage, the Legion Tab targets two main groups: mobile gamers and users who need a compact, high-performance entertainment device as an alternative to the iPad Mini.
Optimized design for travel and leisure.
The biggest selling point of the Legion Tab is its size. The 8.8-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easy to slip into a backpack and comfortable to use on an airplane, where 11-inch tablets would be bulky. Its lightweight design is also a plus, allowing users to hold it for extended periods while watching movies or playing games without fatigue.
The body is made from solid aluminum, giving it a sturdy and premium feel. Its minimalist, understated design makes it suitable for a wide range of users, not just gamers. However, the aluminum surface is quite prone to fingerprints, so using the included protective case is recommended.
Although the 165Hz LCD screen offers a smooth gaming experience and good brightness, it still can't match AMOLED panels in terms of contrast and color. Some areas of the backlight are also uneven. This is a trade-off to keep the price reasonable.
Flagship performance and software experience
With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the Legion Tab has enough power to handle everything from basic tasks to playing high-graphics games. The overall experience is fast and smooth, although occasional minor lags may occur for no apparent reason.
In terms of software, Lenovo uses a relatively clean Android interface, incorporating Google's enhancements for tablets such as the taskbar and split notification interface. However, Lenovo's default launcher is quite slow and has many confusing design options. Replacing it with a different launcher like Lawnchair could significantly improve speed and provide a more familiar feel.
Gaming and multimedia experience
As its name suggests, the Legion Tab excels in gaming. Games like Fall Guys and Little Big Workshop run extremely smoothly. However, surprisingly, Fortnite suffers from severe lag despite trying various settings. Otherwise, the device handles other lighter games well. The 16:10 aspect ratio also optimizes display space for both games and movies compared to other foldable phones.
Battery life and included features
The Legion Tab boasts excellent battery life, especially in standby mode. It can remain unused for a week with plenty of power remaining. The 45W fast charging via one of the two USB-C ports is also a major plus, allowing for quick recharging. Lenovo is also generous, including a charger, a two-piece case that doubles as a stand, and a tempered glass screen protector in the box.
The biggest shortcoming: Biometric security.
The biggest drawback, and likely the biggest factor for many users, is the complete lack of secure biometric security features in the Legion Tab. It has no fingerprint sensor. The facial recognition feature relies solely on the camera, performs poorly in low light, and frequently fails to recognize users. Having to constantly enter a PIN on a device costing over $500 is an unacceptable inconvenience.
Conclusion: A niche product.
The Lenovo Legion Tab is a unique tablet that fills a gap many other manufacturers have overlooked. It's almost perfect for mobile gamers who need a powerful device, larger than a phone but not too bulky. It's also a great option for those who want a compact Android tablet for watching movies and entertainment.
However, with a price tag of $549 and a significant lack of biometric security, this isn't for everyone. If you fit Lenovo's target audience and can overlook the security weaknesses, the Legion Tab is an almost unrivaled option in the current Android world.
