Premium ambitions, mid-range reality

Discover the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus: a sleek tablet blending premium features with mid-range pricing, but is it worth it?

As tablet shipments inch upwards, the mid-premium segment has become increasingly crowded. Into this space steps the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus — a large-screen Android tablet that promises immersive entertainment, stylus support and 5G connectivity in a slim aluminium chassis. Positioned at ₹45,001, it aims to strike a balance between productivity and multimedia consumption. The question however, is whether its specifications and real-world performance justify its ambitious pricing in an intensely competitive market.

With dimensions of 10.98 × 7.13 × 0.25–0.34 inches, the Idea Tab Plus is remarkably thin for its class. It’s a “toss-in-the-bag” kind of device that fits into standard sleeves without a struggle. The 530-gram aluminium body offers a reassuring heft without being fatiguing during extended handholding. While I tested the understated Luna Grey model, it also comes in Cloud Grey. Crucially, the metal finish feels durable enough to survive daily commutes and minor scratches.

I only wish they included a folio cover in the box. It has been a while since I’ve encountered a 12.1-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) panel with 800 nits of brightness and 96 per cent DCI-P3 coverage. Out of the box, the screen delivers excellent text clarity and vibrant colour rendition. While some may find the default tuning a bit oversaturated, this is easily adjusted in the display settings. Streaming Lucky Bhaskar on Netflix was a treat; the panel beautifully captured the film’s 1960s and 70s aesthetic, skin tones and scenes.

Furthermore, that 800-nit peak brightness makes the tablet genuinely usable outdoors in broad daylight. However, since this is an LCD rather than an OLED, one can expect passable contrast levels rather than deep, true blacks but it nevertheless makes for a pleasant viewing experience. The tablet packs in quad speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, providing an impressive multimedia experience. Tested with tracks  such as Masakali from Dilli-6, the tuning delivered a convincing surround sound effect with a well-defined balance between vocals and instrumentation.

While the audio lacks the deep low-end thump found in higher-end slates, the clarity remains sharp enough to distinguish every individual element in the mix. The connectivity is a bit of a mixed bag. You get a USB-C port (480 Mbps) and a pogo-pin connector for a keyboard, but the USB 2.0 speeds feel slightly dated for 2025. The physical button placement is intuitive, with the power and volume keys easily accessible and the quad-speaker vents are well-placed for landscape use.

The Lenovo Tab Pen performs well on the software side, handling pressure sensitivity with ease, whether you’re taking notes or doodling. However, the ergonomics are less than ideal; there is no natural magnetic “home” for the pen on the tablet’s chassis. The biggest drawback, however, is the power source: it requires two AAAA batteries. In an era where most competitors offer rechargeable Bluetooth pens, sourcing these rare disposable batteries is an unnecessary hurdle for the user.

Under the hood, the Idea Tab Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400, a capable budget-tier chipset paired with a generous 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage. For those needing more space, the inclusion of a microSD card slot is a welcome addition. In our synthetic testing, the device posted an AnTuTu score of 5,69,143, placing it in the territory of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+(575,335) and the Infinix XPAD 20 Pro (562,766), which are more like mid-budget range processors.

Gaming on BGMI was consistent at a steady 60 fps, heat management was also fine under gaming and didn’t get too warm over gaming or benchmarking. The tablet ships with Android 15 and a promise of updates through Android 17. Lenovo deserves credit for a remarkably clean experience — bloatware is virtually non-existent. It also integrates Google’s latest AI features, including Circle to Search and Gemini Live.

A standout feature is Lenovo Smart Connect, which facilitates seamless content sharing across Motorola phones, earbuds, and even iPhones. While the setup requires being signed into the companion app on both devices, the cross-platform functionality works reliably once connected. For professionals, the PC Mode offers a desktop-like interface reminiscent of Samsung DeX. However, its functionality as a mini laptop is somewhat hampered by the USB-C port’s limitations; I was unable to output video to a Thunderbolt-4 monitor or PC hub.

On the plus side, the 5G SIM slot ensures high-speed connectivity on the go, making it a highly mobile workstation regardless of Wi-Fi availability. The Idea Tab Plus features a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus and an 8 MP fixed-focus front sensor. As with most budget tablets, the rear camera is purely utilitarian; daytime shots often appear washed out, while low-light images are marred by noticeable grain and a lack of contrast at 1x zoom.

However, the Document Mode is a genuine highlight, capturing text and fine details from boxes and papers with impressive clarity. For video conferencing, the 8 MP front camera is functional, delivering just passable video quality for the occasional virtual meeting. Powering the Idea Tab Plus is a substantial 10,200 mAh battery with support for 45W Quick Charge. On a typical day of mixed use comprising video calls, streaming, Spotify playback, and some light doodling, the tablet comfortably cleared 9 hours of screen-on time.

For lighter users, reaching two or three days on a single charge is well within reach. Charging is equally impressive. Using the included 45 W adapter, I was able to top up the battery in roughly 1.5 hours. This is good for the category, as many tablets in this size bracket still take 2–3 hours to reach a full charge. The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus offers a compelling display and strong audio. However, its mid-range processor and pricing, which are closer to flagship territory, make competitors such as the OnePlus Pad 2, Samsung Tab S10 FE, and Apple iPad Air better value for performance.

Consider the Idea Tab Plus primarily if you plan to use its PC mode and can secure a good online deal.

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