As a tech industry analyst who has tested devices hands-on for over 20 years, I constantly get asked – "Which tablet brand should one choose between smartphone giants Samsung and Lenovo?". Both Korean and Chinese tech conglomerates respectively have come to dominate global tablet sales, combining for over 50% market share in early 2022.
Let‘s examine how their flagship tablet offerings technically compare based on display, performance, software and more key parameters – starting with some history on their origins in the tablet space.
A Brief History of Tablet Offerings
Samsung catalyzed the modern Android tablet space when it launched the original Galaxy Tab in September 2010. Sporting a 7-inch display paired with a 1GHz processor running Android 2.2 Froyo, it kickstarted the Korean giant‘s tablet lineup. Fast forward 12 years later, Samsung‘s premium tablet portfolio has bifurcated into:
- Galaxy Tab S series – High-end consumer tablets with OLED displays
- Galaxy Tab A series – Mid-range tablets focused on affordability
Chinese multinational Lenovo entered the tabs market in 2011 with the business-oriented ThinkPad built on Android Honeycomb. After initially focusing on commercial tablet offerings, Lenovo expanded into the mainstream space five years later with its mass-market Tab 4 series.
Today, Lenovos consumer tablet families cover:
- Tab P series – Premium tablets with OLED display options
- Tab M series – Mid-range devices focused on multimedia experiences
- Tab E series – Most affordable entry-level tabs
Now having set the stage, let‘s do a technical showdown of Lenovo and Samsung‘s tablet flagships.
Design and Physical Attributes
Samsung‘s top-end Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra sports an exceptionally slim 5.5mm chassis made out of sturdy armored aluminum that prevents it from bending under pressure. Tipping scales at just around 728g, the S8 Ultra remains featherlight enough for comfortable one-handed holding over extended durations. You have your choice of three colors – Graphite, Silver and Pink Gold.
The Lenovo Tab Extreme Gen 2 equals Samsung on ruggedized aluminum construction and measures marginally thicker at 5.59mm. However, it does edge out the S8 Ultra on weight at approximately 730g. Available color variants are Storm Grey and Cloud White only.
Both technology giants have done an excellent job of keeping dimensions compact and portable given the large screen tablets we have at hand. But Samsung sneaks ahead with its bigger selection of colorways for personalization.
Display Panel Insights
Now onto the all-important tablet display analysis!
Samsung deploys its signature 14.6 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel on the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra running at 120Hz refresh. With 2960 x 1848 pixels resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and 265 PPI density, you get ultra-sharp visuals. Certified for the Dolby Vision HDR format with peak 1200 nits brightness, this 10-bit color depth screen renders true-to-life images. Response times of 0.2ms ensure lag-free stylus latency too.
Lenovo incorporates a 14 inch IPS LCD sporting 120Hz rate and the same 3000 x 2000 resolution on its Tab Extreme Gen 2 for incredibly fluid, vivid visuals. Though Lenovo touts superior 1600 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision support, IPS cannot match Samsung‘s inky OLED contrast. Expect a delta in color accuracy and dynamic range (contrast ratio) between the two panels – important considerations for color sensitive graphics work.
Both excel at reducing eyestrain via TÜV Rheinland-certified Low Blue Light hardware solutions. With minimal bezels and sturdy chassis, landscape orientation makes working comfortable. But Samsung‘s deep OLED blacks provide it meaningful separation.
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Lenovo Tab Extreme Gen 2 |
| Display | 14.6" AMOLED | 14" IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1848 px | 3000 x 2000 px |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Format | Dolby Vision | Dolby Vision |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits |
Let‘s move onto tablet performance metrics next.
Battle of the Chipsets & Benchmarks
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra houses the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 system-on-a-chip with eight cores clocked at a peak speed of 3.0 Ghz. Paired with a healthy 12GB RAM, Samsung promises effortless multitasking prowess. The Adreno 730 graphics engine also impresses – 9.4 billion transistors deliver up to 40% better graphical output over predecessor 888 chip seen in Lenovo‘s last generation tablet.
Lenovo offers the Tab Extreme Gen 2 in two variants – with the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 or the flagship 5nm MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset. The more premium Dimensity-powered model boasts 16GB RAM for intensive workloads. MediaTek touts up to 32% faster productivity app response times over competing chips. Both their CPU solutions support Wi-Fi 6E standards.
Let‘s quantify graphics handling improvements via reliable industry benchmark AnTuTu:
AnTuTu v9 scores:
| Tablet | Chipset | Score |
| Samsung S8 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 978012 |
| Lenovo Tab Extreme 2 | Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 | 1120095 |
| Lenovo Tab Extreme 2 | Dimensity 9000 | 1210654 |
The Dimensity 9000 rightfully claims the fastest graphics capability – 15-20% quicker speeds than the Snapdragon equivalent. This gives Lenovo the upper hand for gaming or creative work needs. Rest assured – both tech giants deliver elite tablet muscle!
Let‘s investigate software capabilities next.
Tablet-Optimized Software Experiences
While Samsung and Lenovo tablets operate on Android 12 OS out-of-the-box, both overlay proprietary UX layers that enhance the experience. These custom skins crucially allow you to run multiple app windows simultaneously via a desktop-mimicry mode for efficient content creation.
Samsung offers its well-established DeX environment – connect an external monitor and leverage keyboard/mouse for a full-fledged computing experience. DeX capabilities are further deepened via the One UI interface with deeper S-Pen and Bixby digital assistant integration. Expect a phone-mirroring functionality for Galaxy smartphone users too.
Lenovos in-house Productivity Suite offers similar capabilities like intelligent split-screen floating windows and multi-display support. You have optimized hardware-level stylus integration with sub-millisecond response times. Lenovo also incorporates its business-centric ThinkShield suite for hardened security.
Both brands work closely with leading developers like Zoom, Adobe and Google to enhance Android with tablet-friendly features. But Samsung‘s DeX proves more refined after multiple OS iterations. Lenovo however isn‘t far behind and catches up quick.
But a crucial factor remains ongoing software support:
| Software Promise | Samsung | Lenovo |
| Android Version Updates | 4 years | 2 years |
| Security Updates | 5 years | 3 years |
Samsung commits to twice the number of Android OS updates compared to Lenovo devices. This guarantees better future proofing and longevity. Both brands pack future-ready hardware connectivity too – Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 with support for adoptions like aptX lossless audio.
Let‘s turn our attention to battery life next.
All Day Endurance Promised
Battery capacities seem quite generous on paper for both contenders. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra actually offers a mammoth 11200 mAh battery compared to Lenovo Tab Extreme Gen 2‘s 10200 mAh capacity. Both support 45W fast charging. Samsung promises over 12 hours of continuous internet use, while Lenovo claims its intelligent energy optimization can stretch upto 15 hours usage on LTE networks.
Real world battery benchmark tests reveal closer metrics though:
| Tablet | Battery Rundown Test | Hours |
| Samsung S8 Ultra | Web Browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits brightness | 13 hours |
| Lenovo Tab Extreme 2 | Video Playback | 12 hours |
Both deliver all-day endurance even if their optimized estimates are ambitious. Carry your 65W charger brick as needed during travel.
For content creators, camera specs might often sway decisions. Let‘s examine how they stack up.
Imaging Capabilities Compared
The Samsung flagship offers higher resolution rear and front cameras – dual 12MP back sensors and a sharp 12MP ultra-wide front shooter. Video recording maxes out at 4K 60fps on both sets of cameras. An auto-framing feature keeps you centered during video calls leveraging the 12MP selfie camera.
Lenovo interestingly provides a higher resolution 13MP rear but opts for a lower resolution 12MP front camera. You still get 4K video capture abilities all-round. Some software gimmicks make their way over – customizable beauty filters and multi presenter support for calls. But Samsung claims better photographic dynamic range and autofocus speeds.
Let‘s examine a camera shootout below with images sourced from professional tablet reviewer site TabletMonkeys:
Rear camera samples:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Lenovo Tab Extreme Gen 2 |
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab does reveal finer details and dynamic range in the flower image. But Lenovo keeps up respectably – most users will find the cameras comparable day-to-day.
Price and Value-For-Money Metrics
Flagship Samsung tablets sit at a slight premium – Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is priced $1099 in its Wi-Fi only avatar. Expect cellular LTE variants to cost even higher. In comparison, the identically specced Snapdragon-based Lenovo Tab Extreme Gen 2 comes in cheaper at $929 MSRP currently. The top-end Dimensity model costs upwards of $1199.
Mid-range tablet lineups reveal a similar story – Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab S7 FE Wi-Fi only model is priced at $669 against just $449 for the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro. The delta remains consistent even among base configurations like Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab A8 vs Lenovo‘s Tab M10 HD Gen 2.
So if you seek premium specifications at more affordable budget pricing tiers, Lenovo makes a compelling value argument against Samsung‘s best-in-class but costlier solutions. However, consider long term software support spans where Samsung shines over its Chinese competitor.
Let me summarize the pros and cons discussed in this shootout:
| Samsung | Lenovo |
| + Vibrant, true-to-life OLED colors | + Lower cost for similar hardware |
| + Mature DeX productivity environment | + Faster Dimensity CPU variant |
| + Longer software update support | + ThinkShield business security |
| – Slightly costlier | – Shorter software update lifespan |
Choose as per your priorities – while Samsung tempts creators with a gorgeous AMOLED canvas and robust DeX tools, Lenovo excels as a sub-$1000 Snapdragon powerhouse. Homework and research yields optimal technology investments – feel free to reach out with any other comparative insight requests!
