Starting at $287.99
I’ve had my hands on the Lenovo Tab Plus, and I have to say, my first impressions are a mix of curiosity and slight discomfort. This tablet definitely stands out in some interesting ways, but it also leaves me wondering about a few design choices.
Design and Build
The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Lenovo Tab Plus is the bump on the back designed to house the kickstand. This feature is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s incredibly useful for propping up the tablet for watching videos, video calls, or using it as a secondary screen. On the other hand, this bump creates an uneven surface, making it awkward to hold in your hand for extended periods. The bump causes the tablet to tilt slightly when laid flat, and it can be uncomfortable when holding the device in portrait mode, as your fingers naturally rest on or around the bump.
Aspect Ratio
Another aspect worth noting is the 16:9 aspect ratio of the Lenovo Tab Plus. This aspect ratio is ideal for media consumption, especially for watching movies and streaming video content, as it matches the widescreen format used by most media. However, this design choice raises some questions. Many users, including myself, find that the 16:9 aspect ratio isn’t as comfortable for tasks like browsing the web, reading, or using productivity apps compared to a 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio.
Tablet makers seem to shy away from exploring 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratios, which are more common in devices like the iPad, because these aspect ratios provide a better in-the-hand feel. They offer a more balanced and versatile experience, being more ergonomic for holding in one hand and providing more vertical space for productivity tasks. The Lenovo Tab Plus, with its 16:9 aspect ratio, feels more cumbersome and less natural in hand when used for anything other than media consumption.
Performance
Despite these design quirks, the Lenovo Tab Plus impresses with its performance. Equipped with a low-level MediaTek processor, I initially had reservations about the device’s capability. However, the operating system is surprisingly snappy and responsive. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and the overall user experience is quite pleasant. Lenovo has clearly optimized the OS to work well with the hardware, ensuring that even with a less powerful processor, the tablet doesn’t feel sluggish or underpowered.
This performance boost can be attributed to efficient software optimizations and perhaps a bit of clever caching and resource management under the hood. It’s a testament to how well a device can perform with thoughtful software design, even if the hardware specs aren’t top-of-the-line.
Weight
One more thing to note is the weight of the Lenovo Tab Plus—it’s around 650 grams (1.43 pounds). This makes it a bit heavier than some other tablets, which can add to the discomfort when holding it for extended periods. The weight, combined with the bump on the back, makes it less ideal for one-handed use.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers a mixed bag of experiences. The kickstand bump on the back, while practical for certain uses, makes it awkward to hold. The 16:9 aspect ratio is great for media consumption but falls short for other tasks, leaving me wishing for a more versatile aspect ratio like 3:2 or 4:3. Despite these design choices, the tablet’s performance is commendable, with a responsive and snappy OS that defies expectations given the MediaTek processor.
Overall, if you’re primarily looking for a media consumption device with good performance, the Lenovo Tab Plus is worth considering. However, if you need a tablet for a broader range of tasks and a more comfortable hand-held experience, you might want to explore other options with different aspect ratios and more ergonomic designs.
To Lenovo’s credit, it’s currently marketing the Tab Plus as an affordable entertainment-first device which is what it’s been best serving as for now.
