Lenovo Idea Tab Pro with Pen Plus Review

Design and Build Quality

Sporting a sleek and minimalist design, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is offered in a Luna Grey colorway. Its dimensions of 291.8 x 189.1 x 6.9mm and a weight of 620g strike a balance between a substantial screen presence and portability. The tablet’s construction feels sturdy, with a premium finish that belies its price point. The inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button enhances security and offers a convenient unlocking method.

Display

At the heart of the Idea Tab Pro is its 12.7-inch LTPS LCD screen, boasting a 3K resolution of 2944 x 1840 pixels. This results in a pixel density of 273 PPI, delivering crisp and detailed visuals. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, enhancing the overall user experience. However, the display’s peak brightness is limited to approximately 400 nits, which, while adequate for indoor use, may pose challenges under direct sunlight or in brightly lit environments. Additionally, despite supporting HDR content, users may find limitations in HDR playback on certain streaming platforms.

Performance

Under the hood, the Idea Tab Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This octa-core processor, coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, delivers a performance boost of approximately 60% over its predecessor, the Dimensity 7050. Whether multitasking, streaming high-definition content, or engaging in light gaming, the tablet handles tasks with commendable efficiency. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, expandable via microSD up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive media libraries or storage needs.

Audio

Lenovo has a reputation for equipping its tablets with impressive audio systems, and the Idea Tab Pro is no exception. The quad JBL speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos support, produce rich and immersive sound quality. In direct comparisons, the Idea Tab Pro’s speakers not only achieve higher volume levels but also surpass competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ in audio clarity and depth. This makes the tablet particularly well-suited for media consumption, offering an auditory experience that complements its visual capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 10,200mAh battery, the Idea Tab Pro supports up to 11 hours of video playback, ensuring longevity for extended use. The inclusion of 45W wired fast charging allows for relatively quick replenishment of the battery, minimizing downtime and enhancing portability.

Stylus and Accessories

The Lenovo Tab Pen Plus stylus is a notable addition, included with the tablet. It offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, facilitating precise writing and drawing. While the pen charges via USB-C and lacks wireless charging capabilities, it provides functional features such as remote control for media playback. However, users may notice a slight delay in remote operations, and the pen’s build, while ergonomic, feels lighter compared to alternatives like the Samsung S Pen Pro. Additional accessories include the Idea Tab Pro 2-in-1 Keyboard and a folio case, enhancing the tablet’s versatility for productivity tasks.

Software and Features

Running on Android 14 with Lenovo’s ZUI 16, the Idea Tab Pro offers a user-friendly interface with features like “PC-mode,” which transforms the tablet’s interface to resemble a traditional desktop environment when paired with a keyboard and trackpad. This mode, combined with the ability to connect to external monitors, positions the tablet as a viable laptop alternative for certain tasks. However, the initial setup process is marred by the presence of pre-installed bloatware, including apps like Booking.com and LinkedIn, which may detract from the user experience. Lenovo commits to providing two major OS updates up to Android 16 and four years of security patches until 2029, which, while standard in this segment, falls short of the extended support offered by competitors like Samsung and Apple.

Connectivity

The tablet supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. The inclusion of a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen1 port facilitates quick data transfer and versatile connectivity options.

Camera

For photography and video calls, the Idea Tab Pro features a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. While tablets are not typically primary devices for photography, these cameras suffice for document scanning, casual photography, and clear video conferencing.

Positive Points:

• High-Resolution Display: The 12.7-inch 3K screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers sharp and fluid visuals.
• Robust Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications.
• Superior Audio Quality: Quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience.
• Comprehensive Accessory Support: Inclusion of the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus and compatibility with keyboard and folio cases enhance productivity and versatility.
• Long Battery Life with Fast Charging: The 10,200mAh battery supports extended use, and 45W fast charging reduces downtime.

Negative Points:

• Limited Brightness: The display’s peak brightness of 400 nits may be insufficient for outdoor use or brightly lit environments.
• Bloatware: Pre-installed third-party apps detract from the out-of-the-box experience.
• Stylus Limitations: The Lenovo Tab Pen Plus lacks wireless charging and exhibits slight latency in remote operations.
• Software Update Commitment: Lenovo’s promise of two major OS updates and four years of security patches falls short compared to competitors like Samsung and Apple.
• No Cellular Option: The absence of LTE/5G support limits on-the-go connectivity options.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro presents itself as a strong contender in the mid-range tablet segment, offering a high-resolution display, powerful performance, and a rich audio experience. Its thoughtful inclusion of a stylus and support for productivity-focused accessories make it an appealing choice for professionals, students, and multimedia enthusiasts.