Lenovo Legion Tab Review: Three Months with Android’s iPad Mini

Android tablets have experienced a resurgence, moving beyond their previous limitations to offer compelling alternatives to other platforms. With enhanced support for tablet-optimized applications and improved hardware, the Android ecosystem now presents viable options for users seeking versatile devices. Among these, the Lenovo Legion Tab stands out as a compact yet powerful tablet that caters to both gaming enthusiasts and general users.

Design and Display

The Lenovo Legion Tab features an 8.8-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels, delivering sharp visuals. The display supports a 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth motion, and boasts a 288Hz touch sampling rate for responsive interactions. With HDR10 support and a brightness that reaches up to 900 nits in high-brightness mode, the screen offers vibrant colors and clarity, even in well-lit environments. The tablet’s compact size makes it highly portable, fitting easily into bags and suitable for on-the-go use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Legion Tab is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This combination ensures robust performance for gaming, multitasking, and media consumption. To maintain optimal performance during intensive tasks, Lenovo has incorporated the Legion Coldfront Vapor Chamber, a cooling system designed to dissipate heat effectively. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, providing fast and reliable wireless connections.

Software and User Experience

The Legion Tab runs on Android 14, complemented by Lenovo’s Legion Space software, which offers customizable settings tailored for gaming. This interface allows users to balance performance and battery life according to their preferences. Lenovo has committed to providing three major Android OS updates for the device, ensuring longevity and access to new features over time.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 6,550 mAh battery, the Legion Tab supports 45W charging through its two USB-C ports. The inclusion of dual ports allows for passthrough charging, enabling users to power the device while simultaneously connecting peripherals. This feature is particularly beneficial for extended gaming sessions or productivity tasks.

Audio and Additional Features

Audio performance is enhanced by dual 2712 superlinear speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive sound quality. The tablet also includes an 8MP front-facing camera and a 13MP rear camera, suitable for video calls and casual photography. The metal chassis, available in Eclipse Black, provides a sleek and durable design, weighing approximately 350 grams and measuring 7.8mm in thickness.

Market Reception and Availability

Since its launch, the Lenovo Legion Tab has experienced strong demand, selling out within 48 hours of its initial release. Subsequent restocks have also sold out quickly, indicating a positive reception from consumers. Initially priced at $499, the tablet’s price was later adjusted to $549.99. Despite the price increase, the device remains a competitive option in the market, especially for those seeking a compact yet powerful Android tablet.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Tab successfully bridges the gap between compact form factors and high-performance hardware in the Android tablet market. Its combination of a high-refresh-rate display, powerful internals, and thoughtful design makes it a compelling choice for both gaming enthusiasts and general users. While the absence of biometric authentication options is a noted drawback, the overall package offers significant value. As Android tablets continue to evolve, the Legion Tab sets a high standard for what users can expect from a small yet capable device.