Discover Why the Lenovo Legion Tab 3 Outshines the iPad Mini as the Ultimate Compact Tablet

There’s an undeniable charm in owning a smaller tablet. Although the trend has been leaning towards larger devices, I find that a more compact tablet is often more practical. It’s easier to carry around and more convenient to use when you need a screen slightly larger than what a smartphone offers.

Despite my preference for Android, I recently had the opportunity to test one of the leading iPads—the iPad mini 7. Transitioning from Android to iPadOS was a bit of a challenge, but I found the experience quite enjoyable. Nevertheless, my affection for something akin to the Nexus 7, a classic from Google, has persisted over the years.

Earlier this year, I discovered the perfect Android tablet to satisfy my preference for a compact yet powerful device. At CES, Lenovo showcased various innovative products, but it was their new 8.8-inch Android tablet that truly caught my attention.

While I hadn’t considered a gaming tablet before, the compact size and robust features of the Lenovo Legion Tab 3 intrigued me enough to purchase it outright instead of requesting a review unit.

A Complete Package

Unlike many other big brands that have stopped including chargers with their premium devices, Lenovo ensures you have everything you need with the Legion Tab Gen 3. The package not only includes a 68W fast charger and a cable but also a glass screen protector and a folio case with a detachable magnetic cover. Lenovo even provides the necessary tools and instructions for perfect screen protector application.

The Legion Tab 3 is impressive in terms of specifications. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB of storage, a 6,550 mAh battery, and is one of the first tablets to support Wi-Fi 7. Upon setup, I immediately tested its capabilities with my fiber internet and a top-notch Wi-Fi 7 router, achieving download speeds over two gigabits per second.

Although it’s not ideal for photography, the Tab 3 is equipped with a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro camera at the back, and an 8MP front camera for video calls. Its build quality is excellent, featuring a solid metal construction and a matte finish, which gives it a premium feel without any flex. Measuring 8.21 x 5.10 x 0.31 inches, it’s slightly larger than the iPad mini 7, but this is advantageous, especially for gaming, as it offers a 16:10 aspect ratio compared to the iPad mini’s 3:2.

Interestingly, the Tab 3 includes dual USB-C ports, with one on the bottom and another on the side. The main port supports 10GB/s transfer rates, while the secondary port offers 480Mb/s, which is still quite useful for simultaneous charging and gaming with top mobile controllers.

Always at Your Fingertips

As previously mentioned, the compact size of smaller tablets makes them less obtrusive on a desk. While my Nothing Phone 2 is usually within arm’s reach, I’ve found a permanent spot for the Tab 3 in a phone holder at the edge of my desk.

Thanks to its powerful processor, the Tab 3 handles all tasks smoothly without any lag. Although it lacks a built-in fingerprint scanner, features like double-tap to wake and Face Unlock make it almost as quick to access as the iPad mini 7. The 6,550 mAh battery is a significant upgrade, and during a trip to New York for a hands-on with the Switch 2, it lasted over 15 hours on a single charge in our tests. If needed, fast charging can restore up to 38% of battery life in just 30 minutes.

All essential accessories are included with the Tab 3, but I opted to purchase an additional accessory, the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus. It charges via USB-C, eliminating the need for AAAA batteries. I find it excellent for browsing news, navigating menus, and taking notes. The stylus also features a button for quick access to Lenovo’s stylus menu, which includes functions like note-taking and screenshots.

While it would have been nice to have the Tab Pen Plus included in the box, the value provided by the included accessories made the additional purchase worthwhile.

Geared for Gaming

Although I generally prefer gaming on a console or PC, the Tab 3’s perfect size and features made it an ideal candidate for mobile gaming. Initially, I tested remote play with an iPad mini 7, but soon found that the Tab 3 provided a superior experience due to its Wi-Fi 7 capabilities and better-suited aspect ratio for gaming. The 16:10 screen allowed me to fully utilize the 8.8-inch display, unlike the iPad mini 7, which had larger black bars due to its 3:2 ratio.

During my review of the Razer Kishi Ultra, I installed several demanding Android games on the Tab 3. Games like Grid Autosport performed exceptionally well, showcasing the tablet’s capabilities as a gaming device. While there are more high-quality games available on iPadOS, the iPad mini 7 struggles with demanding titles that are available on the latest iPhones.

The design of the Tab 3 also facilitates the use of gaming accessories like the Razer Kishi Ultra without the need to remove the protective case, although the folio cover must be detached.

Additionally, I’ve been exploring PlayStation exclusives remotely using the Tab 3 and the Kishi Ultra in combination with a PS5 Pro. This setup has proven effective, but more details will be shared in a forthcoming article during our Gaming Week event.

Zero Regrets on This Purchase

The Legion Tab 3 had already impressed me at CES, prompting me to order one as soon as it became available. Although Lenovo is set to release the Legion Tab 4 soon, I have no regrets about choosing the Tab 3. It excels in speed, storage, and gaming-specific features like the dual USB-C ports. Plus, as an Android user, I appreciate being able to access all my previously purchased games.

If you’re looking for the latest technology, you might want to wait for the Legion Tab 4. However, if your priority is a capable, compact Android tablet, the Tab Gen 3 is an excellent choice, especially at a discount. I’m thoroughly satisfied with my purchase and now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more games to explore with this fantastic device.

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