The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is a unique device that stands out from the crowd, and its price on AliExpress and Amazon reflects its premium features, with the base model starting at around $400. As I delve into the details of this device, it’s clear that Lenovo has prioritized media consumption, resulting in a tablet that’s perfect for entertainment. The full unibody aluminum build with curved edges makes it comfortable to hold, and the built-in kickstand adds to its versatility.
The design of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is a significant departure from traditional tablets, with a focus on audio quality. The huge JBL speaker housing on the back may seem unusual at first, but it provides a unique identity to the device. The kickstand is also a notable feature, making it easy to use the tablet in various scenarios, from watching Netflix to gaming with a controller. The adjustability of the kickstand allows for precise positioning, and the tactile feedback is a nice touch.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 ‘s design is a bold statement, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics. The aluminum build provides a premium feel, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold. The kickstand is a game-changer, allowing for effortless switching between different use cases. The rubber feet on the bottom edge of the frame prevent the tablet from sliding around, ensuring a stable viewing experience.
The placement of the USB-C 2.0 port, speaker vents, and memory SD card slot has been carefully considered, with a focus on accessibility. The power and volume buttons have been moved to the back, providing a unique design element that sets the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 apart from other tablets. The lack of a headphone jack is a notable omission, but it’s not a deal-breaker for most users.
The design of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to innovation. By prioritizing audio quality and media consumption, they’ve created a device that’s perfect for entertainment. The unique design elements, such as the kickstand and speaker housing, make it a standout in the tablet market.
Audio Quality
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2’s JBL 9-unit Pro speaker system is a revelation, providing an immersive audio experience that’s unparalleled in the tablet market. The four tweeters, three woofers, and two passive radiators work in harmony to deliver deep bass and crystal-clear vocals. The Dolby Atmos tuning ensures that the sound is optimized for an immersive experience, making it perfect for watching movies or gaming.
The audio quality is a significant improvement over the first generation, with noticeable depth and punch. The vocals sound clean, and the stereo separation is excellent, making it easy to pinpoint the source of the sound. The volume gets extremely loud, and even at higher volumes, the sound remains controlled and distortion-free.
The Bluetooth speaker mode is a useful feature, allowing users to use the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 as a standalone speaker. The rear-facing speaker can be a limitation, but it’s a small trade-off for the exceptional audio quality. The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2’s audio capabilities make it an excellent choice for entertainment, and the unique design elements only add to its appeal.
Display and Performance
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2’s 12.1-inch 2.5K LCD display is sharp and vibrant, with excellent text clarity and video playback. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and navigation, making it perfect for browsing and gaming. The display is well-suited for streaming, with support for up to 4K 60 FPS with HDR, and the colors are punchy without being oversaturated.
The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset provides a balanced mid-range performance, prioritizing smooth everyday use over raw power. The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage ensure that the device can handle multitasking and light editing with ease. The Lenovo ZUI 18 based on Android 16 provides a streamlined user experience, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
The performance of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is well-suited for its intended use case, providing a seamless entertainment experience. The device can handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, but it’s not designed to be a hardcore productivity workstation. The focus on everyday performance ensures that the device remains responsive and efficient, even with multiple apps open.
Gaming Performance
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 ‘s gaming performance is capable, but not exceptional. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset can handle demanding games, but it requires dialing down the graphics to achieve a smooth experience. The device can handle games like Wuthering Waves and CarX Street, but it struggles with more demanding titles like Roblox and Fortnite.
The temperatures remain well-managed during extended gaming sessions, with a peak temperature of 40°C. The battery life is respectable, with a 9% loss during a 3-hour gaming session. The device can handle casual gaming with ease, but it’s not designed for hardcore gamers.
The gaming performance of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is a trade-off for its exceptional audio quality and unique design. While it may not be the best gaming device on the market, it’s well-suited for casual gamers who prioritize entertainment over raw performance.
Camera and Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 ‘s cameras are functional, but not exceptional. The 13-megapixel rear lens and 8-megapixel front-facing camera are suitable for basic tasks like document scanning and video calls. The rear camera can capture 4K video at 30 FPS, while the front camera can capture 1080p video at 30 FPS.
The battery life is a strong point, with a massive 10,200 mA battery providing a full day of use. The device can handle mixed daily use with ease, and the battery protection features like max charger 80% help prolong the battery’s health. The charging speeds are reasonable, with a 45W charger taking around 1.5 hours to fully charge the device.
The camera and battery life of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 are well-suited for its intended use case. The device is designed for entertainment, and the camera and battery life reflect this focus. While the camera may not be the best on the market, it’s functional, and the battery life is excellent.
Final Thoughts — Price & Value
The Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 is a unique device that offers exceptional audio quality and a unique design. The price, starting at around $400, reflects its premium features and performance. The device is well-suited for entertainment, with a focus on media consumption and casual gaming. The battery life is excellent, and the camera is functional, if not exceptional.
The value of the Lenovo Tab plus Gen 2 lies in its ability to provide an immersive entertainment experience. The device is perfect for streaming, gaming, and music, with a focus on audio quality and media consumption. While it may not be the best device for hardcore productivity or gaming, it’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize entertainment. The unique design elements, such as the kickstand and speaker housing, make it a standout in the tablet market, and the price reflects its premium features and performance.
