iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) Vs Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 (10.1", 2022)

The iPad Pro 2021 M1 Series and the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 2022 10 1 represent distinct approaches to tablet computing, released in 2021 and 2022 respectively. While both devices offer portable digital experiences, they cater to different user needs through their hardware and software ecosystems. The iPad Pro 2021, running on Apple's iPadOS, is designed for demanding tasks and creative professionals, whereas the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3, powered by Android, focuses on everyday entertainment and family use.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and build quality. These two devices offer different expectations in terms of their practical lifespan and update cycles.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2021 M1 Series was released in May 2021, while the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 became available in 2022. This difference in release year means the iPad Pro has been on the market longer, potentially impacting its remaining software support window compared to the newer Lenovo model.
• Software Support: The iPad Pro 2021 launched with iPadOS 14.5.1 and has received consistent updates, with iPadOS 26.4 being current as of March 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to software longevity from Apple. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 shipped with Android 11 and was slated to receive Android 12, along with approximately three years of security updates from its release.
• Durability and Repairability: Both tablets feature robust designs, with the iPad Pro utilizing premium materials and the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 incorporating a plastic and metal chassis. The iPad Pro 2021 also benefits from a strong accessory ecosystem, including protective cases and keyboards, which can contribute to its overall practical lifespan.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user experience.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2021 M1 Series is equipped with a powerful processor, enabling it to handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and demanding creative workflows with ease. Users report that heavy apps and gaming run smoothly, with significant performance headroom for future software. In contrast, the Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 features a processor designed for everyday tasks, providing adequate performance for web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2021 offers configurations with up to 16GB of unified memory, allowing for seamless switching between numerous applications and efficient handling of large files. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 comes with up to 4GB of RAM, which is suitable for typical tablet usage but may show limitations when running many applications simultaneously or engaging in more intensive multitasking.
• Storage Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2021 provides a wide range of storage options, from 128GB up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large projects, media, and applications. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 offers up to 64GB of internal storage, with the flexibility of microSD card expansion for additional space.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and differences in screen technology, resolution, and brightness significantly affect the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 features a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, offering exceptional contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, making it well-suited for HDR content and professional visual work. The 11-inch model uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 utilizes a 10.1-inch IPS LCD with a WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution, providing clear visuals for general use and media consumption.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 can reach up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content and features a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, resulting in very smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 offers a brightness of 320 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for indoor use and casual viewing.
• Viewing Experience: Both devices offer wide viewing angles due to their IPS technology. The iPad Pro's advanced display technology provides a more immersive and color-accurate experience, particularly for tasks requiring precise visual detail. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3's display is TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light-certified, which can be beneficial for extended reading and reducing eye strain.

Camera capabilities on tablets vary, with some focusing on video conferencing and others offering more advanced photography and augmented reality features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2021 M1 Series includes a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 12MP Wide lens, a 10MP Ultra-Wide lens, and a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality applications. This system supports high-quality photo and video recording, including 4K video. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 is equipped with an 8MP autofocus rear camera, suitable for casual photography and document scanning.
• Front Camera and Video Conferencing: The iPad Pro 2021 features a 12MP Ultra-Wide TrueDepth front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps the user centered in the frame during video calls, even as they move around. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 has a 5MP fixed-focus front camera, which is functional for video calls and basic selfies.
• Audio for Media and Calls: The iPad Pro 2021 boasts a four-speaker audio system and five studio-quality microphones, providing rich sound output and clear audio input for calls and recordings. The Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 3 includes dual speakers optimized with Dolby Atmos and a single microphone, offering a good audio experience for media consumption.