With CES 2023 fast approaching, Lenovo has jumped the start line on its competitors by revealing its latest Android tablet, the Lenovo Tab M9. It’s a solid, affordable device focused primarily on content consumption and entertainment.
As a successor to the Tab M8, the M9 brings familiar design and performance with quality-of-life upgrades from a significantly larger screen and a faster chip. It won’t go head-to-head with the iPad and other high-end tablets, but its affordable price tag makes it an excellent choice for those on the lookout for a media consumption device as an alternate to laptops.
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Pricing and Availability
The Lenovo Tab M9 is set to launch around Q2 2023. Although, there might be rumors that it could ship as early as February 2023. Additional information will be available later, most likely after CES 2023 ends when Lenovo starts planning their latest releases’ shipping schedule.
There are three variants available- the base model is equipped with 3GB with 32GB storage. The other two are slightly higher-end variants with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage or 4GB RAM and 128GB storage.
We have a better idea with pricing as the Tab M9 with the base variant starts at $139.99. For the higher-spec variants, Lenovo has not shared its pricing structure.
| Lenovo Tab M9 | Lenovo Tab M8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dimensions: 215.43 x 136.76 x 7.9 mm Weight: 344 g | Dimensions: 199.10 x 121.80 x 8.15 mm Weight: 305 g |
| Screen | Size: 9-inches, 16:10 Type: LCD Resolution: 1340 x 800 (176 PPI) | Size: 8-inches, 16:10 Type: LCD Resolution: 1280 x 720 (189 PPI) |
| Performance | CPU: MediaTek Helio G80 Octa-core RAM: 3GB RAM Storage: 32/64/128GB | CPU: MediaTek Helio A22 Quad-core RAM: 2GB RAM Storage: 16/32GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.1 USB Type-C | Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 micro-USB 2.0 |
| Camera | Rear: 8MP Front: 2MP | Rear: 8MP Front: 2MP |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh 15W wired charging | 5,000 mAh 10W wired charging |
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 9 |
Design
The most noticeable difference between the Lenovo Tab M9 and its predecessor is its size. The Tab M9 is larger in terms of screen size sporting a 9-inch display. This translates to a slightly wider and longer tablet but thinner than the Tab M8.
Lenovo also kept its signature two-tone back panel on the Tab M9, offering it in two available colors, Arctic Grey and Frost Blue. Weighing just shy of a pound at 344g, the tablet is comfortable to carry around and use.
Display
The Lenovo Tab M9 sports a 9-inch IPS LCD panel with a 1340 x 800 pixel resolution. It’s a bit of an upgrade, as it offers a slight bump in pixels for an improved HD viewing experience, especially on Netflix.
The tab’s display provides up to 400 nits of brightness and offers a decent outdoor experience. While it’s a great device to watch your favorite content creators, the Tab M9 also comes with an immersive Reading Mode that supposedly mimics real book pages by softening the tone and making it easier on the eyes.
The screen also comes with a TUV Rhineland eye care certification to ensure your eyes are protected so you can continue reading at any time of the night or day.
Performance
Powered with the Mediatek Helio G80 SoC, there is a promise of a smooth and snappy operation thanks to the two Cortex A75 and six A55 cores. We don’t have the actual performance and benchmark numbers, so we’ll have to wait until the tablet is released in 2023.
With 3GB of RAM on the base model, don’t expect the Tab M9 to compete with high-end tablets. Although it’s certainly enough for watching videos and reading, it’s not a tab you’ll use for demanding work and productivity tasks.
Running Android 12 out of the box, you will enjoy the latest quality-of-life improvements like scrolling screenshots, app hibernation, and improved security and privacy. Lenovo has also announced that they will upgrade the Tab M9 to Android 13 once it rolls off of Google’s shelves.
Features to Look Out For
Other features you will enjoy with the Lenovo Tab M9 include dual speakers for an upgraded stereo audio experience. You also get Face Unlock, a feature that’s not usually found on entry-level devices. This allows for secure and quick log-ins, so you can start using your tablet even if your hands are full.
For ports, this entry-level tablet surprises with a dedicated 3.5 mm audio jack.
Storage is built-in for the Tab M9, and getting the top-of-the-line 128 GB model should give you plenty of room for offline downloads on Netflix, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.
It also comes with a single card slot with room for a microSD card, allowing you to expand the storage up to 128 GB. If you get the LTE version, it also has a Nano SIM slot.
The 8MP rear-facing and 2MP front-facing cameras on the Tab M9 are decent enough for the usual selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging
Sporting a 5,100 mAh battery, the Lenovo Tab M9 can last up to 13 hours of video playback at full charge.
While not super fast, the 15 W fast charging support gives you versatility throughout the day so you can fully maximize the use of your tablet for your entertainment needs.
Wrap Up
The Lenovo Tab M9 is a respectable entry-level tablet that should be enough for your entertainment needs. It appears to be a good device for watching your favorite content creators, shows, and movies on your preferred platforms.
If reading is something you enjoy, the Tab M9 can double as an e-reader with its Reading Mode that’s easy on the eyes.
We’ll have to wait a few more months before the Lenovo Tab M9 hits the shelves in Q2 2023.