Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£120RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:8 GBScreen size:8 inchesChipset:MediaTek MT8382

Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 4 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

5.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.0

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 89% of tablets
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

22%

4.4

Performance

20%

4.5

Display

16%

5.3

Camera

14%

4.1

Battery

12%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Software

5%

5.8

Design

3%

6.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 88%
5.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

5.0

Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

6.6

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 91%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet

What reviewers say about the Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB)

Based on 4

Reviewers praise the rich screen colors, lasting battery and sturdy build, though most find the screen not bright enough.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of tablet Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

22%

4.4

Performance

20%

4.5

Display

16%

5.3

Camera

14%

4.1

Battery

12%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Software

5%

5.8

Design

3%

6.8

Audio

5.0
Reviews score
5.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.1
RAM capacity
1 GB
This tablet has 1 GB of RAM, which is less than 78% of tablets and equal to 19.1% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
8 GB
This tablet has 8 GB of internal storage, which is less than 93.6% of tablets and equal to 4.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
MediaTek MT8382
This tablet runs on MediaTek MT8382, which is less advanced than 88.6% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
1280×800
This tablet has a 1280×800 screen, which is less sharp than 68.1% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
189 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 189 ppi, which is lower than 66.5% of tablets and equal to 6.8% of tablets.
Display glass type
Chemically Strengthened Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Chemically Strengthened Glass, which is less durable than 65.1% of tablets and the same as 12.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 5 MP resolution, which is lower than 63.7% of tablets and equal to 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
2 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 2 MP resolution, which is lower than 53.8% of tablets and equal to 25.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
?
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,200 mAh
This tablet has 4,200 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 81.7% of tablets and equal to 1.2% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
11 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 11 hours, which is longer than that of 60.8% of tablets and equal to that of 3.8% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
short
This tablet offers short update support, which is shorter than the support period of 52.4% of tablets and equal to that of 47.6% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
350 g
This tablet weighs 350 g, which is lighter than 80.6% of tablets and equal to 1.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
no
This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory. 84.3% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
?
N. of speakers
?
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more

Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 28.6% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (350 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    350 g vs 490 g
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 1 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (11 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    11 hours vs 10 hours
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£120 vs £260).
    £120 vs £260
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£120 vs £260).
    £120 vs £260
  • 1 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (11 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    11 hours vs 10 hours
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 28.6% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (350 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    350 g vs 490 g
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    5.0

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-400 MP2 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-400 MP2 vs Mali-G51
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 3 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    2 MP vs 5 MP
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    5.0

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • 6.2% worse value for money
    Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.11 vs 7.6).
    7.11 vs 7.55
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-400 MP2 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-400 MP2 vs Mali-G51
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 35% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 87.5% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (8 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • 71.8% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (4.2 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    4.2 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • 5 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2014 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    April 2014
    2014 vs 2019
  • 16.3% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (544 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    544 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 101 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (300 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    300 nits vs 401 nits
  • 2.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1280×800 vs 1920×1200).
    1,280×800 vs 1,920×1,200
  • Less durable glass
    This tablet has less durable glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 14.5% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (189 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    189 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Narrower color gamut
    This tablet supports a narrower color gamut than the average tablet (NTSC vs sRGB). The average tablet covers sRGB color gamut.
    NTSC vs sRGB
  • 3 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • 3 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • No tap-to-focus
    This tablet does not support touch autofocus, while the average tablet does. 83% of tablets support touch autofocus.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No burst mode
    This tablet does not support burst mode, the average tablet does. 60.6% of tablets support burst mode.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 36.4% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,200 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This tablet supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average tablet (2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz). The average tablet supports 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • No Ethernet support
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.5% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No location privacy
    This tablet does not support location privacy, while the average tablet does. 76.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No keyboard accessory
    This tablet does not support a keyboard accessory, the average tablet does. 84.2% of tablets support a keyboard accessory.
  • 0.9 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (8.9 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    8.9 mm vs 8 mm
  • 41.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (217 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    217 mm vs 175.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.7
cnet.com
✓ explicit
13/06/2014
Review · Budget 8-inch tablet
Verdict
The Lenovo A8 is a light, comfortable budget 8-inch tablet for basic needs, but the missing app tray makes app menus messy and rival tablets more appealing.
8.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
12/06/2014
Lab test · Budget 8-inch tablet
Verdict
The Lenovo A8 is a well-built 8-inch tablet with a sharp screen and long battery life for the money, but it is dim and struggles with 3D games.
7.0
slashgear.com
≈ estimated
14/06/2014
Hands-on review · Budget 8-inch tablet
Verdict
The Lenovo TAB A8 is a light 8-inch tablet whose battery lasts weeks on standby, suited to casual users, though its grainy photos hold it back.
8.3
notebookcheck.nl
✓ explicit
23/06/2014
Short lab test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Lenovo Tab A8 is an attractive choice for price-conscious buyers, with more than enough speed for everyday tasks and a full day's battery.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB)

  • Affordable price point for a tablet with 3G connectivity
  • Front-facing speakers enhanced with Dolby Digital Plus provide clear and loud audio
  • IPS display offers wide viewing angles and vivid colours
  • Lightweight and comfortable design, making it highly portable
  • Solid battery life that can last through a full day of casual use
  • Includes a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion

What customers don't like about Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8 3G (1GB + 8GB)

  • Limited 1GB of RAM leads to performance lag during heavy multitasking
  • Display resolution (1280 x 800) results in relatively low pixel density
  • Cameras (5MP rear, 2MP front) produce dull, washed-out, and pixelated images
  • Lack of an app drawer in the default UI can make home screen organisation tedious
  • Graphics performance is insufficient for demanding 3D games
  • Large bezels around the screen give it an outdated appearance

Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A8-50 (A5500) 3G is an 8-inch budget-friendly tablet featuring an HD IPS display with 1280 x 800 resolution and wide viewing angles. It is powered by a MediaTek MT8382 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD slot. A key characteristic is its 3G cellular connectivity with a micro-SIM slot for data on the go, alongside dual front-facing speakers enhanced by Dolby Audio. Main pros include its lightweight, portable design (360g), surprisingly rich sound quality, and a solid 4,200 mAh battery that offers up to 11 hours of usage. However, cons include limited multitasking capabilities due to the low RAM, a mediocre 5MP fixed-focus rear camera, and the lack of a dedicated app drawer in its older Android-based interface.

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