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Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 Tablet Review

Well-conceived. The Pro version of Lenovo's 10-inch Yoga tablet is in a completely different price range than its smaller members. This is also noticed in all areas, starting with the casing over the screen, the integrated projector - even the accessories are higher quality. Moreover, the good battery life makes the device a really decent tablet.

For the original German review, see here.

With its Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10, the Chinese manufacturer offers a premium tablet that can present an excellent configuration. It is a smaller version of the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro with a 10.1-inch rather than 13.3-inch high-resolution screen. The Tab 3 Pro is powered by an Intel Atom SoC that can fall back on 2 GB of working memory and 32 GB of flash memory. Our review sample also offers the option of connecting to the Internet via LTE. However, the tablet's actual highlight is - besides its flexible modes of use - the integrated projector with improved qualities.

The Yoga Tab 3 does not have any real rivals because no tablets can present a comparable configuration. However, devices like Apple's iPad Air 2Samsung's Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 and Google's Pixel C are in the same price range. Lenovo asks an exorbitant RRP of 599 Euros (~$669) for the review sample.

Yoga Tab 3 Pro (Yoga Series)
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8500 4 x 1.4 - 2.2 GHz, Cherry Trail
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
10.10 inch 16:10, 2560 x 1600 pixel, capacitive touchscreen, Any Pen surface, native pen support, IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
, 21.54 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: combo headphone and microphone jack, Card Reader: micro-SD max. 128 GB (SD, SDHC, SDXC), Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, rotation sensor, vibration sensor, G sensor, digital compass, OTG, WiFi Direct
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, GSM/GPRS/EDGE (bands 2, 3, 5 and 8), UMTS/HSPA+ (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 34 and 39), LTE Cat. 4 (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39 and 40), LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 4.68 x 247 x 179 ( = 0.18 x 9.72 x 7.05 in)
Battery
23 Wh, 6200 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 3.75 volts, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 18 h
Operating System
Android 5.1 Lollipop
Camera
Primary Camera: 13 MPix
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 4 front-sided speakers by JBL, Dolby Atoms, Keyboard: virtual, power supply, data cable, quick start guide, SHAREit, SYNCit, Lenovo Voice, Mobile Assistant, 12 Months Warranty, integrated projector (50 lux, 480p)
Weight
665 g ( = 23.46 oz / 1.47 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Compared with its rivals, Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 is quite heavy. However, its casing is made entirely of plastic with an attractive metal look. The back features a soft leather cover that enhances the grip and looks good at the same time. Only the kickstand is metal, and makes a very robust impression.

The tablet's kickstand enables using the device in four different modes. It closes absolutely flush with the casing when folded in, and the Yoga-typical bulge makes it comfortable to hold. The kickstand is unlocked by pressing a button. It can then be placed in Tilt Mode, which is perfect for using the projector. The device can be set up at 90 degrees in Stand Mode. It is even possible to hang up the tablet as an alternative.

The manufacturer cheats a little about the height and apparently states the lowest height in the technical specs (4.68 mm/~0.18 in). We measured 10.15 millimeters (~0.4 in) at the screen's center edge and 22 millimeters (~0.86 in) at the cylinder bulge. The build makes a good impression. Although the tablet can be warped slightly and produces quiet cracking noises, the device is insensitive to pressure. The gaps are also beyond reproach.

The card slot's flap under the kickstand does not make a long-lasting impression. Only two thin plastic hooks, which look very fragile, keep it in place. A micro-SD and micro-SIM card can be inserted or ejected comfortably from the spring-loaded slot.

262 mm / 10.3 inch 159 mm / 6.26 inch 7.7 mm / 0.3031 inch 432 g0.952 lbs247 mm / 9.72 inch 179 mm / 7.05 inch 4.68 mm / 0.1843 inch 665 g1.466 lbs242 mm / 9.53 inch 179 mm / 7.05 inch 7 mm / 0.2756 inch 517 g1.14 lbs240 mm / 9.45 inch 169.5 mm / 6.67 inch 6.1 mm / 0.2402 inch 444 g0.979 lbs237.3 mm / 9.34 inch 169 mm / 6.65 inch 5.6 mm / 0.2205 inch 387 g0.853 lbs210 mm / 8.27 inch 148 mm / 5.83 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 2.9 g0.00639 lbs

Connectivity

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 has a micro-USB 2.0 port for data sharing and recharging the device. The port also supports OTG, which enables connecting external storage devices and peripherals.

The micro-SD memory slot accepts memory cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB and supports App2SD. Thus, compatible applications can be moved to the additional storage.

In addition to Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0 is present. However, NFC is not installed.

Portrait mode upper edge: Power, USB, volume, microphone
Portrait mode upper edge: Power, USB, volume, microphone
Portrait mode left: Projector
Portrait mode left: Projector
Portrait mode right: No interfaces
Portrait mode right: No interfaces
Portrait mode lower edge: Audio, projector button
Portrait mode lower edge: Audio, projector button

Software

Google's Android 5.1 Lollipop is preloaded on Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10. The desktop has not been greatly modified. Only the looks have been revamped slightly. Lenovo treats the users to multitasking, making it possible to work with several applications simultaneously. A sidebar application that enables accessing key features, such as the projector, is also present. Lenovo's DOit apps are on-board the same as a sketchpad application.

It is not certain whether an update to Google's Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be available. Lenovo has not made any statements concerning this.

Communication & GPS 

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 connects to the Internet via an integrated WWAN modem on the go. It supports HSPA+ (max. 42 MBit/s) and LTE Cat. 4 (max. 150 MBit/s). Both connection standards feature a wide frequency coverage so that connections should be possible worldwide. The reception using the German O2 network in an urban center was inconspicuous.

The tablet's configuration for Wi-Fi at home is appropriate for the price. It supports the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards, and can thus use both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz networks. The module's range is good and does not give any reason for complaint. The reception was good, even at 10 meters (~33 ft) away from the router (Fritz!Box 6360) and through two walls, while streaming HD videos was easily possible.

GPS Test: Outdoors
GPS Test: Outdoors
GPS Test: Indoors
GPS Test: Indoors

The tablet uses the GPS and GLONASS satellite networks for localization. Finding satellites functioned quite reliably indoors with an accuracy of 16 to 32 meters (~52 to 105 ft). It was considerably more accurate outdoors; the accuracy increased to six meters (~20 ft).

The Yoga Tab 3 Pro also had to compete with Garmin's Edge 500. Our short bike trip shows that the device is quite suitable for navigation purposes, although it does not trace the route as precisely as the bike computer. However, the deviation of approximately 3.6% for the total route is still within limits.

Garmin Edge 500
Garmin Edge 500
Garmin Edge 500
Garmin Edge 500
Garmin Edge 500
Garmin Edge 500
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L)

Cameras

Front-facing camera photo
Front-facing camera photo

The front-facing camera of Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 has a resolution of 5 MP and has a fix focus, which is typical of the category. The photos are quite good in the category comparison, although the common blurriness and low range of dynamic for these lenses are seen on closer inspection. The available performance is sufficient for social networks or video chats.

The primary camera's maximum resolution of 8 MP is slightly higher and it features an auto focus. Decent pictures are quite possible in good light conditions, although they are relatively dark. The richness in details and range of dynamics cannot compete with the camera module in current premium smartphones. Furthermore, the release speed is only average.

Videos can be recorded in 480p, 720p or 1080p. The auto focus is quite slow and heavy image noise becomes visible as soon as the light conditions are not ideal.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3

Sharpness & Color Accuracy

ColorChecker Passport: The target color is displayed in the lower half of each patch
ColorChecker Passport: The target color is displayed in the lower half of each patch

We also tested the color accuracy and reproduction performance of the primary camera in defined light conditions. Most colors are slightly too pale; only yellow and bright green are very strong.

The sharpness is not good, even in the center of the image on the test chart. However, there are no reproduction errors. The image fades slightly toward the edge, but the sharpness does not decrease any further.

Accessories

The accessories included with the Yoga Tab 3 Pro are not very extensive and limited to a USB data cable and modular power supply. The latter has a nominal output of 10.4 watts (5.2 volts, 2.0 ampere), and is TÜV certified (German technical inspection agency) and GS safety tested.

Lenovo offers optional sleeves that were not sold in the shop at the time of testing.

Warranty

Lenovo includes a 12-month warranty on its product. The additional two year dealer warranty applies for private customers. It is also possible to extend the warranty up to three years for an extra charge. Prices can be requested from Lenovo.

Input Devices & Handling

The capacitive touchscreen in Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro supports up to ten inputs simultaneously. The surface's gliding properties are very good, and the touch-sensitive surface responds very reliably and quickly to inputs.

As with other products, the tablet supports Lenovo's AnyPen technology that enables using any metal object for inputting. This can be a conventional pen, a screw driver or even a fork. It functioned quite well in practice, and is particularly handy when the user does not want to touch the screen directly due to grubby hands or when making a handwritten note.

Google's standard keyboard layout is preloaded. Another layout can be installed via the Play Store. The physical keys have a firm and short drop, and make a good impression.

Display

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 10 3 Pro 10 offers the tablet-typical display diagonal of 10.1 inches, unlike the IPS panel's resolution. 2560x1600 pixels are very high, and equate to an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a pixel density of approximately 299 PPI. Content is razor-sharp.

The screen's average brightness of 434 cd/m² is on a good level. This rate decreases slightly by approximately 60 cd/m² in the more practical measurement with equally distributed bright and dark areas on the panel (APL 50). The brightness rates do not increase with enabled sensor.

The uniformity of the illumination is rather below average with 82%. However, this will not be noticed unfavorably in everyday use. The tablet's low black level is a pleasant surprise and results in a high contrast ratio that is surpassed only by Google's Pixel C   in the comparison field.

402
cd/m²
421
cd/m²
467
cd/m²
397
cd/m²
429
cd/m²
481
cd/m²
395
cd/m²
431
cd/m²
484
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 484 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 434.1 cd/m² Minimum: 5.95 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 82 %
Center on Battery: 429 cd/m²
Contrast: 1226:1 (Black: 0.35 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.61 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 6.64 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.42
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
Screen
11%
2%
-1%
22%
0%
Brightness middle
429
363
-15%
458
7%
423
-1%
358
-17%
487
14%
Brightness
434
344
-21%
434
0%
427
-2%
357
-18%
510
18%
Brightness Distribution
82
87
6%
86
5%
92
12%
86
5%
91
11%
Black Level *
0.35
0.34
3%
0.43
-23%
0.61
-74%
0.39
-11%
Contrast
1226
1068
-13%
1065
-13%
693
-43%
1249
2%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.61
3.25
30%
4.18
9%
2.86
38%
1.78
61%
5.24
-14%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
9.28
5.68
39%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
6.64
2.78
58%
4.54
32%
2.37
64%
1.38
79%
7.95
-20%
Gamma
2.42 91%
2.23 99%
2.15 102%
2.43 91%
2.24 98%
2.16 102%
CCT
6929 94%
6722 97%
7083 92%
6941 94%
6366 102%
6565 99%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
88

* ... smaller is better

Seen purely subjectively, the color reproduction of Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 makes a very rich and vivid impression. We examine this using a photospectrometer and CalMAN.

The average DeltaE of 6.6 in grayscale levels is quite decent, but could be better in view of the price. A light greenish tint also becomes evident, which however will not be annoying in everyday use. The mixed color reproduction is slightly more accurate, but also remains behind the precision of the rivals. Only Google's Pixel C comes with an even worse calibrated screen.

Grayscale (target color space: sRGB)
Grayscale (target color space: sRGB)
ColorChecker (target color space: sRGB)
ColorChecker (target color space: sRGB)
Saturation Sweeps (target color space: sRGB)
Saturation Sweeps (target color space: sRGB)
Colorspace (target color space: sRGB)
Colorspace (target color space: sRGB)

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 scores with its high-contrast screen in the outdoors. Although the glossy screen lessens legibility in direct sunlight, its use is not otherwise restricted.

Direct sunlight
Direct sunlight
Indirect sunlight
Indirect sunlight

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 17 ms rise
↘ 19 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 93 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
42 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22 ms rise
↘ 20 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The viewing angle stability of the IPS panel installed in the Yoga Tab 3 Pro is beyond reproach. Colors do not invert even in extremely flat angles, and the brightness loss is barely visible.

Viewing angle stability: Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10
Viewing angle stability: Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10

Projector

A key feature and unique selling point of Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 is the integrated projector. The manufacturer relies on a projector based on DLP technology that is particularly characterized by its ability to reproduce especially rich black tones. In contrast to LCD projectors, an annoying rainbow effect could be produced, but we did not observe in the test. The manufacturer states a light intensity of 50 lumens and a resolution of 480p (640x480 pixels). That is to enable a projected surface area of up to 70 inches (177.8 cm).

However, we would not recommend this for practical use because the projector's luminosity is simply too weak and greatly affects the image quality. The latter is also primarily due to the projector's low resolution. The naked eye already sees that when looking at the Android desktop; its reproduction is very grainy.

It is not noticed as much when rendering videos. The kickstand not only can be used for placing the tablet on a flat surface for using the projector, it can also be rotated infinitely by 180 degrees, allowing the user to for example lie down beside the device and project content onto the ceiling.

Generally, the room should not be too bright when using the projector. It would be best to darken the room somewhat to achieve a satisfactory result. We examined the projector's color reproduction with the photospectrometer and CalMAN. Here, large deviations from the target colors, which are usually too bright, are noticed. Light pink tones shift into beige. The sharpness can be controlled via the touchscreen, and tablet normally corrects any potential keystone effects.

The projector in the Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 is certainly not a replacement for a full-fledged device. However, it is a nice feature for users who occasionally want to project a video, some photos or a presentation on a wall. Its resolution could definitely be higher, though.

CalMAN ColorChecker analysis of the projector ((target color space: sRGB), distance: approx. 1.8 m)
CalMAN ColorChecker analysis of the projector ((target color space: sRGB), distance: approx. 1.8 m)

Performance

Lenovo relies on an Intel Atom x5-Z8500 SoC for its premium Android tablet. The quad-core processor clocks at 1.44 to 2.24 GHz, and can definitely compete with a Snapdragon 810 in terms of CPU performance. Unfortunately, this is not true for the integrated Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) graphics unit. Nevertheless, the powerful bundle provides fast performance for routine use and the system runs smoothly. The 2 GB of LPDDR3 working memory could have been slightly more generous.

These expectations are not quite reflected in the benchmarks. Geekbench is known for not supporting all APIs of x86 CPUs, and thus they cannot develop their full performance in this benchmark. However, the SoC also lags behind its potential in the 3DMark Physic test, as the direct comparison with Xiaomi's MiPad 2 based on the same chipset illustrates. This quite possibly points to throttling.

Geekbench 3
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
1001 Points
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
1816 Points +81%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
1247 Points +25%
Google Pixel C
1411 Points +41%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
990 Points -1%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
3190 Points
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
4530 Points +42%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
4221 Points +32%
Google Pixel C
4216 Points +32%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
3170 Points -1%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
20081 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
4488 Points -78%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
21707 Points +8%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
10236 Points -49%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
19867 Points -1%
Google Pixel C
40665 Points +103%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
25460 Points +27%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
21327 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
4092 Points -81%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
31542 Points +48%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
10844 Points -49%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
20482 Points -4%
Google Pixel C
52816 Points +148%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
27537 Points +29%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
16673 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
6786 Points -59%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
10379 Points -38%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
8558 Points -49%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
17981 Points +8%
Google Pixel C
22527 Points +35%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
20142 Points +21%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
8.5 fps
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
3.8 fps -55%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
27 fps +218%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
12 fps +41%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
12 fps +41%
Google Pixel C
22 fps +159%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
6.3 fps -26%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
18 fps
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
1.8 fps -90%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
37.6 fps +109%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
7.2 fps -60%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
17 fps -6%
Google Pixel C
40 fps +122%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
8.4 fps -53%
PCMark for Android - Work performance score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
5152 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
2720 Points -47%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
4061 Points -21%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
5565 Points +8%
Google Pixel C
6858 Points +33%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
5279 Points +2%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
1325 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
402 Points -70%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
1967 Points +48%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
663 Points -50%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
1103 Points -17%
Google Pixel C
1909 Points +44%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1419 Points +7%
System (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
1643 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
793 Points -52%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
4104 Points +150%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
1433 Points -13%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
2867 Points +74%
Google Pixel C
2724 Points +66%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1921 Points +17%
Memory (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
1141 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
229 Points -80%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
832 Points -27%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
275 Points -76%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
590 Points -48%
Google Pixel C
868 Points -24%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1379 Points +21%
Graphics (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
1886 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
274 Points -85%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
4920 Points +161%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
573 Points -70%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
1385 Points -27%
Google Pixel C
6355 Points +237%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1609 Points -15%
AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
70385 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
22422 Points -68%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
101062 Points +44%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
30993 Points -56%
Google Pixel C
90568 Points +29%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
73083 Points +4%

Legend

 
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L Intel Atom x5-Z8500, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 APQ8009, Qualcomm Adreno 304, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Apple iPad Air 2 2014 Apple A8X, PowerVR GXA6850, 128 GB eMMC Flash
 
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015 Mediatek MT8135, PowerVR G6200, 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE Samsung Exynos 5433 Octa, ARM Mali-T760 MP6, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Google Pixel C Nvidia Tegra X1, NVIDIA Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, 64 GB eMMC Flash
 
Xiaomi MiPad 2 Intel Atom x5-Z8500, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 16 GB eMMC Flash

Subjectively, the browser performance using Google's preloaded Chrome browser is very good and does not give any reason for complaint. Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 also delivers a good performance in the benchmarks, and is only defeated by the iPad Air 2 in Octane 2.0 and Mozilla Kraken.

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
41 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
14.19 Points -65%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
41.12 Points 0%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
47.4 Points +16%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
43.04 Points +5%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
8197 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
2152 Points -74%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
10512 Points +28%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
5835 Points -29%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
6885 Points -16%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
7563 Points -8%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
7994 Points -2%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
4472 ms *
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
15229 ms * -241%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
2396 ms * +46%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
5658 ms * -27%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
6483 ms * -45%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
5533 ms * -24%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
4420 ms * +1%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
111 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
44 Points -60%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
158 Points +42%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
84 Points -24%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
79 Points -29%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
128 Points +15%
BaseMark OS II - Web (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
872 Points
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
527 Points -40%
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
1263 Points +45%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
856 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
648 Points -26%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
884 Points +1%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
952 Points +9%

* ... smaller is better

Actually, the rather mediocre storage performance is enough for a place in the upper third performance section in the comparison field. The user will not even have 22 GB of the 32 GB internal flash memory available after the initial start. The preloaded product video and proprietary apps reserve approximately 1.7 GB.

A micro-SD card can expand the storage quickly and affordably should the internal storage get tight. We tested the card slot's performance with our Toshiba Exceria SD-CX32UHS1 reference card (max. read: 95 MB/s; write: 60 MB/s). The rates the tablet achieves are rather weak (read: 56.41 MB/s; write: 15.93 MB/s), but should be enough for most application scenarios.

AndroBench 3-5
Sequential Read 256KB (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
153.7 MB/s
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
127.8 MB/s -17%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
126 MB/s -18%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
248.2 MB/s +61%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
154.3 MB/s 0%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
147.9 MB/s -4%
Sequential Write 256KB (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
51 MB/s
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
50.2 MB/s -2%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
12.06 MB/s -76%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
49.37 MB/s -3%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
109.4 MB/s +115%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
56.4 MB/s +11%
Random Read 4KB (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
23.7 MB/s
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
10.9 MB/s -54%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
13.84 MB/s -42%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
25.56 MB/s +8%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
19.96 MB/s -16%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
24.42 MB/s +3%
Random Write 4KB (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
10.57 MB/s
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
3.12 MB/s -70%
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
5.59 MB/s -47%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
9.82 MB/s -7%
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
10.08 MB/s -5%
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
13.96 MB/s +32%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
56.4 MB/s
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard (sort by value)
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
15.93 MB/s

Games

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 has good preconditions for gaming in terms of performance. The offered power is enough to render even demanding games like "Asphalt 8" in high details smoothly. The sensors and touchscreen do not thwart gaming fun, either. The comparatively high weight will sooner the reason for this. It quickly leads to fatigued hands, especially when gaming since the tablet has to be permanently held.

"Temple Run"
"Temple Run"
"Asphalt 8"
"Asphalt 8"
Asphalt 8: Airborne
 SettingsValue
 high47 fps
 very low58 fps
Temple Run 2
 SettingsValue
 default34 fps

Emissions

Temperature

Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 reaches a maximum idle surface temperature of 35 °C (~95 °F), and only climbs over 42 °C (~108 °F) in the SoC's area during permanent load. Thus, the tablet always remains within an uncritical range.

We also looked under the hood with the GFXBench Battery Test. T-Rex is performed thirty times in succession, and both the battery state as well as frame rates are recorded. Throttling is an issue as the benchmarks have already indicated. However, it is not very extreme. The tablet's performance decreases by about 9% from test start to finish.

Max. Load
 34.5 °C
94 F
36.7 °C
98 F
36.2 °C
97 F
 
 35.1 °C
95 F
36.8 °C
98 F
36.9 °C
98 F
 
 33.8 °C
93 F
34 °C
93 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 36.9 °C = 98 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
42.5 °C
109 F
39.1 °C
102 F
32 °C
90 F
39.6 °C
103 F
35 °C
95 F
36.9 °C
98 F
32.7 °C
91 F
34.6 °C
94 F
34.3 °C
94 F
Maximum: 42.5 °C = 109 F
Average: 36.3 °C = 97 F
Power Supply (max.)  35.3 °C = 96 F | Room Temperature 22.2 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.4 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.9 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.5 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 33.3 °C / 92 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 32.1 °C / 90 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.

Speakers

Four individual speakers by JBL are installed in the speaker bar of Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10. They can get very loud with up to 93.71 dB(A), and are one of the loudest components that we have ever measured. The sound is very treble-heavy. As the Pink Noise analysis shows, the playback quality up to the upper trebles (approx. 7.5 kHz) is quite homogeneous. However, mids and ultra-high tones are only weak and basses are virtually non-existent. Nevertheless, the given quality makes these speakers to the better of their kind. The tablet also supports Dolby ATMOS.

The audio jack delivers a subjectively good sound with low background noise.

Pink Noise evaluation
Pink Noise evaluation

Energy Management

Power Consumption

While the standby and shut down power consumption of Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro cannot be reproached, it is quite high when in use. This applies to both idle and load states. However, the energy requirement should be much lower particularly in idle mode. All rivals consume less than half the power here.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.13 / 0.22 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 8.6 / 11.26 / 11.3 Watt
Load midlight 14.57 / 14.9 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Gossen Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

In contrast to what the power consumption measurements suggest, Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 achieves very good battery runtimes. This is probably due to its high-capacity 6600 mAh battery.

The manufacturer promises a battery life of up to 18 hours. However, we only managed this in the Reader's test where the review sample ran at minimum brightness (5.95 cd/m²) in our tests. The tablet is convincing in the comparison field, and is only defeated by its much weaker sister model and Google Pixel C.

We tested video playback using the projector. Here, we rendered the same "Big Buck Bunny" video at maximum brightness under identical conditions as we use for our standard video test. Since the maximum power consumption is 7.68 watts in that case, the runtimes in projector mode should be slightly higher than when playing the video directly on the tablet.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
21h 01min
WiFi Websurfing
9h 18min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
10h 44min
Load (maximum brightness)
5h 23min
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 YT3-X50F
Adreno 304, 212 APQ8009, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch 2015
PowerVR G6200, MT8135, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Apple iPad Air 2 2014
PowerVR GXA6850, A8X, 128 GB eMMC Flash
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Google Pixel C
Tegra X1 Maxwell GPU, X1, 64 GB eMMC Flash
Battery Runtime
52%
-18%
-13%
-17%
22%
Reader / Idle
1261
2830
124%
1142
-9%
1364
8%
918
-27%
2090
66%
H.264
644
740
15%
624
-3%
562
-13%
651
1%
740
15%
WiFi v1.3
558
776
39%
450
-19%
393
-30%
638
14%
Load
323
415
28%
188
-42%
212
-34%
291
-10%
294
-9%
WiFi
630

Pros

+ fast SoC
+ integrated projector
+ decent build
+ AnyPen technology
+ good battery life
+ splash-water proof (IP 21)
+ expandable storage
+ LTE
+ flexible kickstand
+ high-contrast screen ...

Cons

- ... that could have a higher color accuracy
- weak cameras
- wobbly card slot flap
- high idle power consumption
- slow micro-SD slot

Verdict

In review: Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L). Review sample courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de
In review: Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L). Review sample courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de

Lenovo calls the Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 (YT3-X90L) the ultimate video tablet. The integrated projector is certainly a nice feature. However, primarily the projected content would need a higher resolution to create a real cinema feeling. Otherwise, the little DLP projector is absolutely sufficient in a dark room, but it cannot replace a high-quality model.

Lenovo's tablet also has other things to offer: LTE, a high-contrast screen, decent speakers and good performance let the hearts of multimedia fans beat faster. The flexible use modes, AnyPen technology and good battery life emphasize these ambitions even more.

Buyers looking for a flexible and high-performance multimedia tablet will find just that in Lenovo's Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10.

The Yoga Tab 3 Pro does not do anything seriously wrong. Nevertheless, the total package is not enough to achieve a very good grade. This is primarily because the performance in not on the highest possible standard and the cameras only deliver a rather mediocre image quality. Lenovo could also improve the casing slightly, which particularly refers to details such as the card slot's flap.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro 10 YT3-X90L - 03/16/2016 v5(old)
Daniel Schmidt

Chassis
83%
Keyboard
72 / 80 → 90%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
56 / 65 → 87%
Weight
80 / 40-88 → 83%
Battery
92%
Display
84%
Games Performance
47 / 68 → 70%
Application Performance
53 / 76 → 70%
Temperature
90%
Noise
100%
Audio
71 / 91 → 78%
Camera
57 / 85 → 67%
Average
75%
86%
Tablet - Weighted Average

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Daniel Schmidt, 2016-03-24 (Update: 2018-05-15)