The Lenovo Tab One has emerged as one of the most compelling budget tablets in the market today.
With its 8.7-inch HD display, MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and impressive 12.5-hour battery life, this tablet promises to deliver exceptional value at an affordable price point.
But does it truly live up to these promises? Let’s dive deep into every aspect of this tablet to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional Value: At just $99-129, the Lenovo Tab One offers remarkable features for its price range, making it one of the most affordable Android tablets available today
- Solid Performance: The MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor paired with 4GB RAM delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and light gaming
- Long Battery Life: The 5,100mAh battery provides up to 12.5 hours of YouTube streaming, ensuring all-day usage without frequent charging interruptions
- Modern Android Experience: Ships with Android 14 and promises updates to Android 15, giving users access to the latest features and security enhancements
- Portable Design: The compact 8.7-inch form factor with lightweight construction makes it perfect for reading, traveling, and one-handed use
- Complete Package: Includes a folio case in the box, adding extra value and protection right out of the gate
Lenovo Tab One Design and Build Quality
- COMPACT SIZE, COMPACT FUN – The Lenovo Tab One is compact, efficient, and provides non-stop...
- SIMPLICITY IN HAND - Add a touch of style with a modern design that’s tailor-made to fit in...
The Lenovo Tab One showcases a thoughtful approach to budget tablet design. The device features a dual-tone design that feels surprisingly premium for its price point. The tablet maintains a lightweight profile that makes it comfortable for extended use, whether you’re reading in bed or watching videos during your commute.
The build quality exceeds expectations for a sub-$130 tablet. Lenovo has used quality materials that resist fingerprints and provide a secure grip. The 8.7-inch form factor strikes an excellent balance between portability and usability. Unlike larger tablets that can feel unwieldy, the Tab One sits comfortably in one hand while still providing enough screen real estate for productive tasks.
The button placement feels intuitive, with volume rockers and power button positioned for easy access. The USB-C port brings modern connectivity standards to this budget device, a feature that many competitors in this price range still lack. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack will please users who prefer wired audio solutions.
Display Performance and Visual Experience
The 8.7-inch HD display with 1340 x 800 resolution delivers solid visual performance for its price category. While it may not match the pixel density of premium tablets, the display provides decent clarity for most everyday tasks. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling through apps and web pages.
Color reproduction appears natural and balanced, making it suitable for streaming content and casual photo viewing. The display brightness levels handle indoor use well, though direct sunlight visibility could be better. The IPS panel technology provides good viewing angles, allowing multiple people to watch content comfortably.
Text rendering appears sharp and readable for most users, making it an excellent choice for e-reading and document viewing. The screen size provides enough space for split-screen multitasking while maintaining good readability for individual apps.
Performance Analysis: MediaTek Helio G85 in Action
The MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor serves as the heart of the Tab One, delivering competent performance for a budget tablet. This chipset features a combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores, providing a good balance between performance and power efficiency.
With 4GB of RAM, the tablet handles multitasking reasonably well for light to moderate usage. You can switch between several apps without significant slowdowns, though heavy multitasking may show some limitations. The ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU provides adequate graphics performance for casual gaming and video playback.
App launching times are reasonable, with most common applications opening within a few seconds. The tablet handles streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video without issues. Web browsing feels responsive, though complex web pages with heavy graphics may take slightly longer to load completely.
Gaming performance covers most casual titles effectively. Popular games like Candy Crush, Among Us, and similar titles run smoothly. More demanding games may require reduced graphics settings for optimal performance.
Storage Options and Expandability
The Lenovo Tab One comes with 64GB of internal storage, which provides adequate space for essential apps and moderate media storage. However, with the Android system taking up a portion of this space, users have approximately 50GB available for their content.
The tablet supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB, which significantly extends storage capabilities. This expandability makes it practical for users who want to store large media libraries, offline content, or extensive app collections.
The eMMC storage provides decent read and write speeds for this price range. App installations and file transfers happen at reasonable speeds, though they may not match the performance of more expensive tablets with faster storage solutions.
Top 3 Alternatives for Lenovo Tab One
- Fire HD 8 offers an 8" HD display for seamless streaming and gaming, coupled with a 5MP rear...
- Fast and responsive with long battery life - With up to 4 GB RAM (2X more than 2022 release),...
No products found.
No products found.
Battery Life and Charging Performance
The 5,100mAh battery represents one of the Tab One’s strongest features. Lenovo’s claim of 12.5 hours of YouTube streaming proves to be quite accurate in real-world testing. Most users can expect a full day of mixed usage without needing to reach for the charger.
The 15W fast charging support helps reduce downtime when you do need to charge. From completely drained to full charge typically takes around 3-4 hours, which is reasonable for this battery capacity and charging speed.
Battery performance remains consistent across different usage scenarios. Light tasks like reading and web browsing can extend usage time even further, while more intensive activities like gaming or video calls will reduce battery life proportionally.
The tablet includes battery optimization features that help extend usage time by managing background app activity and adjusting performance based on usage patterns.
Camera Capabilities and Image Quality
The rear 8MP camera with auto-focus provides basic photography capabilities suitable for document scanning and casual snapshots. Image quality in good lighting conditions produces acceptable results for sharing on social media or storing memories.
The front-facing 2MP camera handles video calls adequately for services like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. While the resolution is modest, it provides clear enough video for professional calls and family conversations.
Low-light performance shows the limitations typical of budget tablets. Images become grainy and lose detail in challenging lighting conditions. However, for well-lit scenarios and document capture, the cameras serve their purpose effectively.
Audio Experience and Speaker Quality
The dual speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos deliver surprisingly good audio quality for a budget tablet. The sound profile provides clear dialogue for video content and adequate bass response for music playback.
Volume levels reach comfortable listening levels for personal use and small group viewing. The speaker placement provides good stereo separation, enhancing the multimedia experience.
The 3.5mm headphone jack offers high-quality audio output for users who prefer wired headphones or speakers. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures stable connections with wireless audio devices.
Android 14 Experience and Software Features
The Lenovo Tab One ships with Android 14, providing users with the latest Android features and security updates. The software experience remains close to stock Android, with minimal bloatware or heavy customizations that could slow down performance.
The promise of upgrades to Android 15 ensures that users will receive continued software support and new features. This commitment to updates adds significant value to the tablet’s long-term usability.
Google Play Store access provides full compatibility with the vast Android app ecosystem. Popular applications run well, and users have access to millions of apps, games, and services.
Connectivity and Communication Features
Wi-Fi 5 support provides stable internet connectivity for streaming, browsing, and downloading content. Connection speeds are adequate for most home and office networks.
Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved connectivity with peripherals like keyboards, mice, speakers, and headphones. The latest Bluetooth standard provides better range and connection stability.
The USB-C port supports both charging and data transfer, bringing modern connectivity standards to this budget device. File transfers between the tablet and other devices happen at reasonable speeds.
Gaming Performance and Entertainment
The MediaTek Helio G85 processor includes gaming optimizations that enhance the mobile gaming experience. Popular casual games run smoothly, while more demanding titles may require adjusted settings.
The 8.7-inch display provides a comfortable gaming experience that doesn’t strain the eyes during extended sessions. The screen size offers good visibility for game interfaces while maintaining portability.
Touch response feels accurate and responsive for most gaming scenarios. The display supports 10-point multi-touch, enabling complex gaming gestures and controls.
Productivity and Work Applications
Despite being a budget tablet, the Tab One handles basic productivity tasks effectively. Google Workspace applications like Docs, Sheets, and Slides run smoothly for document creation and editing.
The screen size provides adequate space for reading and editing documents, though extensive typing may benefit from an external keyboard. The tablet supports Bluetooth keyboards for enhanced productivity.
Split-screen functionality allows users to run two applications simultaneously, improving multitasking capabilities for work scenarios.
Educational and Learning Applications
The Lenovo Tab One serves as an excellent educational device for students of all ages. The 8.7-inch screen provides comfortable reading for textbooks and educational content.
Popular learning applications like Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Coursera run effectively on this hardware. The long battery life ensures uninterrupted study sessions.
The tablet’s portability makes it ideal for classroom use or studying in various locations. The included folio case provides protection during transport to and from school.
Value Proposition and Pricing Analysis
At its $99-129 price point, the Lenovo Tab One delivers exceptional value. The combination of modern hardware, recent Android version, and solid build quality creates a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers.
Compared to similarly priced competitors, the Tab One often provides better specifications and longer software support. The inclusion of a folio case adds additional value that competitors typically charge extra for.
The tablet competes directly with entry-level Amazon Fire tablets and Samsung Galaxy Tab A series devices, often offering comparable or superior features at similar price points.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Tab One offers excellent value, potential buyers should understand its limitations. The HD resolution may not satisfy users accustomed to higher-resolution displays on premium devices.
Gaming performance has limits with demanding titles, and users seeking high-end gaming experiences should consider more powerful tablets.
Storage space may require expansion for users with large media libraries or extensive app collections.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
The Lenovo Tab One excels in several real-world usage scenarios. Streaming enthusiasts will appreciate the long battery life and decent display quality for Netflix binges and YouTube marathons.
Students benefit from the portable design, long battery life, and educational app compatibility. The tablet handles note-taking applications and digital textbooks effectively.
Casual users who primarily browse the web, check social media, and play simple games will find the Tab One more than adequate for their needs.
Comparison with Premium Alternatives
While premium tablets offer superior displays, faster processors, and better build quality, the Tab One provides 80% of the functionality at a fraction of the cost.
iPad Air and Samsung Galaxy Tab S series tablets offer better performance and displays but cost 3-4 times more than the Tab One.
For users whose needs align with the Tab One’s capabilities, spending significantly more on premium alternatives may not provide proportional value increases.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The included folio case provides basic protection and functionality. The case design allows for comfortable viewing angles and protects the screen during transport.
Third-party accessories like screen protectors, additional cases, and Bluetooth keyboards are readily available and affordable for the Tab One.
The tablet integrates well with Google’s ecosystem of services and applications, providing seamless synchronization across devices.
Longevity and Future-Proofing
The promise of Android 15 updates provides reasonable future-proofing for a budget device. Users can expect continued security updates and new features for at least 2-3 years.
The modern hardware specification ensures that the tablet will remain relevant for typical usage scenarios throughout its supported lifespan.
Build quality appears solid enough to withstand normal usage over several years, especially with proper care and the included protective case.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
Lenovo has made efforts to improve the environmental impact of their devices through better packaging and component sourcing.
The long battery life reduces the frequency of charging cycles, potentially extending battery longevity and reducing energy consumption.
The tablet’s durability and software support help extend its useful life, reducing electronic waste compared to devices with shorter lifespans.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Lenovo Tab One represents exceptional value in the budget tablet market. Its combination of modern Android software, decent performance, long battery life, and included accessories creates a compelling package for most users.
Recommended for: Students, casual users, families seeking an affordable entertainment device, and anyone needing a basic tablet for everyday tasks.
Not recommended for: Power users requiring high-end gaming performance, professionals needing premium display quality, or users who demand the absolute latest in tablet technology.
The Tab One succeeds in delivering a well-rounded tablet experience without the premium price tag, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lenovo Tab One good for gaming?
The Lenovo Tab One handles casual and moderate gaming well thanks to its MediaTek Helio G85 processor and Mali-G52 GPU. Popular games like Candy Crush, Among Us, and Subway Surfers run smoothly. However, demanding games may require reduced graphics settings for optimal performance.
How long does the battery last on the Lenovo Tab One?
The 5,100mAh battery provides up to 12.5 hours of YouTube streaming according to Lenovo’s testing. In real-world mixed usage, most users can expect a full day of use including web browsing, app usage, and video streaming.
Can I expand the storage on the Lenovo Tab One?
Yes, the Lenovo Tab One supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB. This significantly increases storage capacity beyond the built-in 64GB, making it suitable for users with large media libraries or extensive app collections.
Does the Lenovo Tab One support video calls?
The tablet includes a front-facing 2MP camera that handles video calls adequately for services like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. While the resolution is modest, it provides clear enough video quality for both professional and personal video conversations.
What Android version does the Lenovo Tab One run?
The Lenovo Tab One ships with Android 14 and includes a promise of upgrades to Android 15. This ensures users have access to the latest features and security updates, providing good long-term software support for a budget device.
Is the display quality good enough for reading and watching videos?
The 8.7-inch HD display with 1340 x 800 resolution provides decent clarity for reading e-books, browsing the web, and watching streaming content. While not as sharp as premium tablets, the IPS panel offers good viewing angles and natural color reproduction suitable for most everyday tasks.
Hi, I’m Sam! I’ve been passionate about technology for over a decade, fascinated by how innovative devices can transform our daily lives. As the founder of DeviceDiary.blog, I spend my days testing the latest gadgets, exploring AI innovations, and translating complex tech specs into practical insights.
