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Verdict
In a sea of slates and smartphones, crafting a device that has enough personality to stand out and enough quality to be worth caring about is a difficult proposition.
With the Tab 4 8 Plus, Lenovo has succeeded in producing something with a flavor of its own, and something that makes the mid-range Android tablet market worth attention once again.
There is one enormous question mark hanging over it however: the new iPad.
Who’s this for?
If you already have an Android device, commute regularly and want something a little nicer than a bog-standard Amazon tablet, this is the obvious next step.
For the older generation in particular, especially those without a home PC or laptop, the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus is a strong proposition as a ‘do-all-device’.
Should you buy it?
If the Tab 4 8 Plus had been released before the new iPad, recommending it as a purchase would have been very simple. Yet, for not that much more it is possible to get a device with a better screen, smoother performance and a far more mature tablet operating system.
As such, unless you're on a strict budget it is really a question of preference for iOS or Android, and all of the baggage that entails.
On its own merits however, the Tab 4 8 Plus is an astoundingly solid all-rounder, with great performance, a good screen, solid battery life and a comfortable design. If you have £200 (around $270 / AU$340) to burn, and absolutely must have a tablet, there are no better choices available.
The Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus is a seriously impressive slate, but there are similarly impressive alternatives, such as the following.
New iPad
For not a vast amount more money, the new iPad offers a more comfortable design, far more apps designed for a tablet and better battery life.
On the other hand, the Tab 4 8 Plus does have front-facing speakers in its favor, and the flexibility of Android, and it is cheaper, so this is mostly down to personal taste and budget.
Read the full new iPad review
Acer Iconia One 10 (2017)
The Acer Iconia One 10 (2017), for a similar price offers a bigger, bolder screen and four front-facing speakers. At 10.1 inches it is better for watching movies and TV.
This impacts its portability however, while the Lenovo features a nicer design, stronger battery life and a different league of performance in everyday tasks.
Read the full Acer Iconia One 10 (2017) review
iPad Mini 4
Though a little long in the tooth and due an upgrade, Apple’s smallest tablet is also worth your consideration.
It has a higher resolution screen than the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus and a better app library, while the Lenovo features better storage options.
Read the full iPad Mini 4 review
First reviewed: September 2017
