What You Need to Know at the Start

This 8.8-inch tablet is positioned as a compact, high-performance device for gaming and entertainment. The main package includes a 2.5K 165Hz LCD panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, a 6,590 mAh 68W battery, stereo speakers, dual USB-C ports, haptic x-axis, and accidental damage protection (ADP1). The thin and lightweight metal design maintains portability without the gimmick gaming aesthetics.

Key Points in 60 Seconds

• Flagship performance class in an 8.8-inch body: heavy games run smoothly, multitasking is seamless.
• The 165Hz 2.5K display is very smooth and sharp; still LCD, not OLED.
• Long-lasting battery for a compact size, fast charging at 68W, plus bypass charging.
• Loud and clear stereo audio; there are two USB-C ports with DisplayPort.
• Average camera, and software polish is not yet on par with certain high-end tablets.

In the Midst of the Large Tablet Trend, the 8–9 Inch Segment is Still in Demand

While many manufacturers focus on 11–13 inches for productivity, the compact segment remains popular due to its lightweight, one-handed usability, and comfort for content consumption. Legion—err, the compact line—typically compromises on performance. Here, the manufacturer pushes the opposite approach: small dimensions, high performance, extreme refresh rates, and gaming features usually found only in larger devices.

What Indonesian Reviewers Say About the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3

This summary encapsulates many local reviewers’ opinions, focusing on consensus patterns and differences. Generally, they agree on three points: performance is considered “flagship in a small body,” the 165Hz display significantly impacts gaming and navigation experiences, and battery life is adequate for a high-powered compact tablet. Cooling with a large vapor chamber helps maintain performance stability during long gaming sessions.

Differences in opinion arise regarding display quality: some consider the 2.5K LCD with 165Hz, wide gamut, and HDR10/Dolby Vision support to be “premium for LCD”; others still lament the absence of OLED at this price/class. On the software side, some find ZUI 17 on Android 15 quite functional—split screen and floating window are effective; others feel that animations and tablet app optimization are not as smooth as certain ecosystems (e.g., iPadOS). The camera is deemed sufficient for video calls but lacking for serious photography.

What Stands Out in Real-World Use

• Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 16GB RAM, and UFS 4.0 ensure short load times, instant app switching, and high frame rates in heavy games. Performance stability is also good thanks to the cooling system and performance/power-saving mode options.
• Display: The 8.8-inch 2.5K 165Hz provides smooth animations and noticeable touch responsiveness, especially compared to 60/90Hz. High brightness keeps content readable outdoors.
• Portability: Weighing approximately 347 grams and with a thin profile, it facilitates long usage—reading, watching, gaming in portrait—without quick fatigue.
• Audio & vibration: Loud stereo speakers with a clean character, plus the rare x-axis haptic feedback in Android tablets enhance immersion.
• I/O & flexibility: Two USB-C ports support charging while using accessories/external monitors (DP 1.4), facilitating light “PC-like” scenarios.
• Battery life & charging: The 6,590 mAh is sufficient for 1–2 days of casual use; intense gaming lasts 7–8 hours depending on the title/settings. 68W fast charge + bypass charging reduces heat and maintains battery health while gaming plugged in.
• Protection: ADP1 (Accidental Damage Protection) for 12 months for one accidental incident is considered a post-purchase value addition.

Things to Watch Out for Before Buying

• The panel is still LCD: contrast/black levels are not as deep as OLED.
• Average camera: adequate for video calls, less consistent in low light.
• Software polish: UI and animations are not yet on par with “reference class” tablets; some Android apps are not optimized for wide screens.
• The ecosystem of accessories and productivity app optimization may be less mature compared to certain non-Android alternatives.

Who is This Tablet Best Suited For

Suitable for:

• Mobile gamers who want stable frame rates and a super smooth display in a compact form.
• Entertainment users: streaming HDR, social media, reading, and casual to serious gaming.
• Users needing a lightweight yet powerful device for light to medium multitasking, plus options for external monitors when needed.

Not suitable for:

• Users prioritizing tablet camera quality.
• Those seeking a display with OLED-level contrast.
• Anyone requiring a desktop-level productivity app ecosystem.

Purchase decision trade-off:

• Gaining flagship performance, a 165Hz display, strong audio, and flexible I/O in a small body; trading off for an average camera and software polish that is not yet best in class.

Is It Worth Buying Now?

For buyers prioritizing gaming performance and display smoothness in a small form factor, this device is quite worth purchasing. For users demanding OLED panel quality and the smoothest software experience, consider re-evaluating or preparing for compromises—the other features offered may bridge that gap for most entertainment scenarios.

Other Options Worth Considering

• iPad mini (latest generation): a very mature tablet app ecosystem, fast performance, but lower refresh rate, and price/storage may be less friendly.
• Xiaomi Pad 6/Pad 6S Pro (larger): a larger display for productivity, high refresh rate, but not as compact and may not always match peak performance per core.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (larger): a neat Android ecosystem with stylus, larger display, mid-range performance, and not in the compact segment.

GizmoKita, Your Gadget Decision-Making Friend

GizmoKita summarizes the consensus and differing viewpoints of Indonesian reviewers so you can decide quickly without watching many videos.

Frequently Asked Questions by Potential Buyers

Who is the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 suitable for?

Suitable for gamers and entertainment enthusiasts prioritizing high performance, a 165Hz display, and 8.8-inch portability.

Is the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 worth buying for gaming?

Yes. The flagship chipset, large cooling, and performance mode options make heavy games run smoothly with high frame rates.

How long is the battery life?

Casual use lasts 1–2 days; intense gaming generally lasts 7–8 hours, depending on the title, brightness, and performance mode.

What are the main drawbacks to consider?

The panel is still LCD (not OLED), the camera is average, and the software experience is not as smooth as top tablet platforms.

Can it be used with an external monitor?

Yes. There are two USB-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 support for external displays and light “PC-like” scenarios.

Source: Sobat HAPE