DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Android tablets

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Review: Is the First-Generation Tablet Still Worth Buying?

By Freedom251 Team · · 6 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The first-generation Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is a strong fit for indoor video, browsing, study and everyday productivity: it pairs a 12.7-inch, 3K, 144Hz display with four JBL speakers and a capable Dimensity 8300 processor. Its main trade-offs are a large, heavy body, screen brightness that may disappoint outdoors, and an Android tablet experience that one reviewer found less polished than iPadOS. Whether it is still a good buy in 2026 depends on your local price and the exact storage, pen and keyboard bundle.

What this review covers

This is the first-generation Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, identified by Lenovo’s specifications as the model with a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor and a 12.7-inch display. It is not the later Idea Tab Pro Gen 2. The specifications below are from Lenovo’s official Idea Tab Pro Product Specifications Reference, last modified 2024-12-17. Independent usage observations are attributed to TechRadar reviewer Dashiell Wood, whose review was published 2025-04-06.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What are the first-generation Idea Tab Pro’s key specs?

Feature Lenovo specification
Processor and graphics MediaTek Dimensity 8300 with Arm Mali-G615 MC5 graphics
Memory 8GB or 12GB soldered LPDDR5x
Internal storage 128GB UFS 3.1 or 256GB UFS 4.0; not upgradeable internally
Expansion microSD support up to 1TB
Display 12.7-inch LTPS, 2944 × 1840 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 400 nits, 96% DCI-P3; glossy or paper-like anti-glare surface configurations
Battery 10,200mAh typical capacity
Audio Four JBL 1W speakers optimized with Dolby Atmos
Cameras 8MP front; 13MP rear with autofocus and flash
Connections Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C with charging and DisplayPort out, microSD, and three-point pogo-pin keyboard connector
Biometrics and body Fingerprint reader in the power button; approximately 620g and 6.9mm thick
Software plan Android 14 or later; Lenovo’s reference says to expect Android 15 and 16 upgrades and four years of security updates

Memory is soldered, so choose 8GB or 12GB at purchase. A microSD card can expand room for downloaded video and other files, but it does not replace faster internal storage. Lenovo’s stated software plan is not confirmation that every update has reached every regional variant: consult Lenovo Support for the latest delivery information.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How good is the display and media experience?

The screen and speakers are the tablet’s clearest strengths on paper. Its 12.7-inch panel offers 2944 × 1840 resolution and a manufacturer-rated 144Hz refresh rate, while the four JBL speakers are tuned with Dolby Atmos. That combination suits films, streaming, web pages and reading documents side by side better than a compact tablet would.

#1 Best Overall
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro with Google Gemini - Student Tablet - 12.7” 3K LCD Display - 8 GB Memory - 128 GB Storage - MediaTek Dimensity 8300 - Includes Pen and Folio Case
  • LEVEL UP – Synergize your work and play with the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro. It’s lightweight, jam-packed with battery life, and has the AI-enhanced smarts to make studying a breeze. “Google and Gemini are trademarks Google LLC. Check responses. Compatibility and availability varies.
  • NEXT-GEN PERFORMANCE – Perform at your best with the super-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor. Supported by Wi-Fi-6E, get ready for smooth multitasking and lightning-quick downloads.
  • IMMERSIVE VISUALS AND RICH SOUND – Whether you’re streaming lectures or decompressing after class, the glittering 12.7” 3K LCD display supported by quad JBL Dolby Atmos speakers makes your media crystal clear.
  • GAME LIKE A PRO – Get ready to up your game; the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is PUBG certified for FPS excellence. It’s kitted out with a super-responsive 360Hz touch sampling rate and lightning-fast 90fps so you’re always a step ahead of the action.
  • CHARGE LESS TO EXPERIENCE MORE – Leave battery-anxiety back at the dorm with 11 hours of unplugged video streaming. For long days out, the 45W quick charge gets you back in the action fast.

Wood praised the display and sound in his TechRadar review after using the tablet for over a month. He also found the 400-nit screen comfortable indoors but liable to struggle in bright sunlight. If much of your use will be outdoors, brightness is a more consequential limitation than the high resolution or refresh rate. Lenovo’s reference lists both glossy and paper-like anti-glare surface configurations; check which one the local SKU actually has.

Lenovo quotes about 11 hours of YouTube streaming in internal testing and cautions that real runtime varies with configuration, use, software, settings and conditions. Separately, Wood reported that his unit lasted a full day and then some in his use. He measured roughly two hours for a full charge from empty using supported 45W charging. These are different kinds of evidence, not a guarantee of a particular day’s runtime.

Rank #2

How does it perform for apps, games and everyday work?

The Dimensity 8300 and 8GB or 12GB of memory give the first-generation model substantial hardware for general Android use. Wood described it as responsive and praised its gaming capability, but his game results are observations on his test unit, not controlled comparisons with other tablets or guarantees for later game and software versions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • In his test, Call of Duty: Mobile ran smoothly above 60fps at Very High settings.
  • Zenless Zone Zero ran smoothly at 30fps on Low. At 60fps it was mostly stable, but the tablet heated quickly.

For study and productivity, the large display can make reading, note-taking and split-screen work more comfortable than on a smaller device. The three-point pogo connector supports Lenovo’s Keyboard Pack for Idea Tab Pro (KB566U), whose connection details are covered on Lenovo’s KB566U accessory support page. This makes typing a possible add-on workflow, not a reason to assume that the keyboard is included.

Rank #3
Lenovo Idea Tab Plus - Lightweight Tablet - 12.1″ 2.5K IPS Touchscreen Display - 90Hz - MediaTek Dimensity 6400-8GB Memory - 128GB Storage - Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 - tab Pen & Folio case
  • A VIBRANT, SLIMMER BUILD FOR SHARPER MINDS – Engage in AI-powered smart learning on the stylish Lenovo Idea Tab Plus. The svelte tablet packs a powerful punch with quad speakers, sharp graphics, and all-day battery life.
  • CARRY LIGHT, FEEL BRIGHT – Weighing just over a pound, the Idea Tab Plus is light enough to carry from morning to night and thin enough to easily slip between your notebooks. The Luna Grey color is soft, fresh, and designed to feel just right anywhere.
  • CIRCLE TO SEARCH – Stay focused and use your Lenovo Tab Pen or fingertip to circle items for instant search results or to translate other languages without switching apps. Circle to Search is powered by Google.
  • LET YOUR LEARNING CLICK – Write, organize, sketch, and calculate with four learning apps built to match your flow. Lenovo Notepad, Squid, Nebo, and MyScript Calculator help you stay clear, focused, and ready for every study session.
  • MORE TO SEE, MORE TO ENJOY – The 12.1″ 2.5K display delivers rich color and sharp detail. With TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and up to 800 nits brightness, the display keeps every frame clear in any light.

Is the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro good for note-taking?

It can be a capable note-taking tablet if the listing includes the Tab Pen Plus or you are prepared to buy it separately. Lenovo lists pen-included and no-pen configurations. Wood praised the pen in the configuration he tested; Lenovo’s specifications also describe pressure-sensitive input. Check both the exact SKU and box contents before ordering rather than relying on a general product-page photo or headline.

Consider the size as well as the pen: the 12.7-inch display offers room for handwritten notes and documents, but the tablet weighs about 620g before adding a case or keyboard. Lenovo lists the Tab Pen Plus as a separate accessory in some configurations, and Wood reported that his pen charged by USB-C rather than charging while attached to the tablet.

Rank #4
Lenovo Idea Tab - College Tablet - 11″ 2.5K IPS Touchscreen Display - 90Hz - MediaTek Dimensity 6300-8 GB Memory - 256 GB Storage - Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 - Tab Pen and Folio Case
  • POWER YOUR STUDY, FUEL YOUR PLAY – Discover smarter learning with the Lenovo Idea Tab. Stay campus-ready with all-day battery life, AI-powered apps to enhance your work, and sharp graphics for tv marathons with friends.
  • SMOOTH, POWERFUL, IMMERSIVE – The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor is more powerful than ever, with the AI-enhanced multitasking you need to stay ahead.
  • CIRCLE IT, SEARCH IT – Use your Lenovo Tab Pen or fingertip to circle items for instant search results or to translate other languages without switching apps. Circle to Search with Google ensures answers are only a circle away.
  • SHARP VIEW, CLEAR SOUND – Experience sharp visuals and immersive sound for study sessions and streaming breaks. With 72% NTSC and quad Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers you can enjoy your study breaks with vivid videos and crystal-clear sound.
  • LEVEL UP YOUR STUDY – Write, organize, sketch, and calculate with four learning apps built to match your flow. Lenovo AI Note, Squid, Nebo, and MyScript Calculator help you stay clear, focused, and ready for every study session.

Does the Idea Tab Pro come with a pen and keyboard?

Not consistently. Lenovo’s configurations vary by market and can include the Tab Pen Plus, a folio case, a keyboard pack or other accessories; some configurations list no pen. The keyboard can also be sold separately. Verify the precise SKU and itemized package contents with the retailer, and check the keyboard layout and local stock if you need one. A review unit’s included accessories do not establish what another region or listing includes.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What are the drawbacks?

  • Outdoor readability: Wood found the 400-nit display could struggle in bright sunlight.
  • Size and weight: At approximately 620g and 12.7 inches, it is less convenient to hold for long periods than a smaller tablet.
  • Software polish: Wood described setup as awkward, with unwanted preinstalled apps, and found the Android tablet experience less seamless than iOS. Lenovo’s reference lists preinstalled Google and Lenovo apps; whether that app selection is a nuisance is a matter of preference.
  • App hiccups: Wood reported occasional YouTube stutters and Firefox crashes that he said he could reproduce on other devices. These are his experience, not evidence that every user will encounter the same behavior.
  • Cameras: Wood considered them average, so this is not the obvious choice if camera quality is a priority.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is it still a good buy in 2026?

It remains worth considering if you want a large Android screen for media, browsing, study or casual gaming and find a local configuration at a price that leaves room for any accessories you need. It is a less compelling fit if you prioritize reliable outdoor viewing, a compact tablet, a particularly seamless tablet app experience, or an included keyboard and pen that the listing does not explicitly promise.

Best Value
Lenovo Idea Tab - College Tablet - 11″ 2.5K IPS Touchscreen Display - 90Hz - MediaTek Dimensity 6300-4 GB Memory - 128 GB Storage - Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 - Tab Pen and Folio Case
  • POWER YOUR STUDY, FUEL YOUR PLAY – Discover smarter learning with the Lenovo Idea Tab. Stay campus-ready with all-day battery life, AI-powered apps to enhance your work, and sharp graphics for tv marathons with friends.
  • SMOOTH, POWERFUL, IMMERSIVE – The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor is more powerful than ever, with the AI-enhanced multitasking you need to stay ahead.
  • CIRCLE IT, SEARCH IT – Use your Lenovo Tab Pen or fingertip to circle items for instant search results or to translate other languages without switching apps. Circle to Search with Google ensures answers are only a circle away.
  • SHARP VIEW, CLEAR SOUND – Experience sharp visuals and immersive sound for study sessions and streaming breaks. With 72% NTSC and quad Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers you can enjoy your study breaks with vivid videos and crystal-clear sound.
  • LEVEL UP YOUR STUDY – Write, organize, sketch, and calculate with four learning apps built to match your flow. Lenovo AI Note, Squid, Nebo, and MyScript Calculator help you stay clear, focused, and ready for every study session.

Current price and availability are not established here. TechRadar’s 2025-04-06 review recorded launch-era starting prices of $349.99 in the US and £379.99 in the UK; it also noted that the UK 128GB configuration included the Tab Pen Plus and mentioned a 256GB version around £400. These are historical regional prices, not current offers. A separate TechRadar deal report dated 2025-12-02 recorded a temporary US Lenovo price of $259.99, reduced from $389.99, and a UK Amazon offer at £249, reduced from £379.99. Those were holiday promotions, not evidence of today’s price or stock. Compare live local listings and account for the bundle before judging value.

Verdict

The first-generation Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s appeal is straightforward: a spacious, sharp, fast-refreshing screen, four speakers, expandable storage and capable everyday performance. Its strongest use case is indoor media and general-purpose study, with pen input available when the right configuration or accessory is chosen. The compromises are its bulk, merely moderate outdoor brightness, and software experience that may not feel as cohesive as iPadOS. Decide on the exact first-generation SKU, accessory contents and current local price before buying; do not assume the Gen 2 specifications or bundle apply.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Android tabletsLenovo Idea Tab ProLenovo Tab Pen PlusLenovo tabletstablet review

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.