The Lenovo Legion Tab is a powerful device aimed at gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, and professionals looking for a high-performance tablet with a focus on versatility. Packed with a flagship-level processor, a large, high-refresh-rate screen, and Lenovo’s robust Legion software, the Legion Tab offers a compelling combination of hardware and features. However, as with any tech product, it comes with its share of pros and cons. This article will provide a detailed look at the Lenovo Legion Tab, its key features, and common issues reported by users. Finally, we'll assess if it’s a worthy investment or if you should consider alternatives.
Device Overview: Lenovo Legion Tab
Brand: Lenovo
Model: Legion Tab
Release Date: Early 2023
OS: Android 12, customized with Legion UI
Price Range: Mid-range to Premium (~$400-$700, depending on configuration)
Key Features of the Lenovo Legion Tab
- Display: 12.3-inch IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Memory and Storage: 8GB/12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
- Battery: 9600 mAh, supports 45W fast charging
- Camera Setup: Dual rear (13MP main, 5MP ultra-wide) and 8MP front camera
- Audio: Quad stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos
- Other Features: Wi-Fi 6, optional LTE support, USB-C 3.1, support for stylus and keyboard attachments
Common Issues and Problems with the Lenovo Legion Tab
As powerful as it is, the Lenovo Legion Tab is not without its share of reported issues. Here, we’ll go through the common challenges users have faced, along with potential fixes where possible.
1. Display Issues: Ghosting and Color Calibration Problems
The Lenovo Legion Tab’s large, high-refresh-rate screen is one of its main attractions, especially for gaming. However, some users report issues with ghosting (especially at high refresh rates) and color calibration that can make certain colors appear oversaturated or washed out.
Symptoms:
- Ghosting and motion blur: Particularly noticeable in fast-paced games or videos.
- Color inconsistency: Colors appear overly saturated or occasionally washed out.
- Brightness fluctuations: Screen brightness changes unexpectedly, even when auto-brightness is turned off.
Possible Cause:
The high-refresh-rate IPS panel Lenovo has chosen for the Legion Tab prioritizes smoothness over perfect color accuracy, which can lead to ghosting and motion blur at higher frame rates. This could also be a result of inconsistent panel calibration from Lenovo’s display suppliers.
Potential Fixes:
- Lower refresh rate: In display settings, reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz or 90Hz to minimize ghosting.
- Enable adaptive refresh rate: Allowing the device to automatically adjust the refresh rate based on usage can reduce motion blur.
- Use a third-party color calibration app: Some apps can help fine-tune color settings if you notice inconsistency.
2. Performance Throttling During Extended Gaming Sessions
The Legion Tab, with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, is designed for high-performance tasks, especially gaming. However, many users report that after extended gaming sessions, performance tends to throttle as the device heats up, leading to frame drops and decreased responsiveness.
Symptoms:
- Frame rate drops: Noticeable slowdown after about 30 minutes of gaming.
- Increased heat: The device heats up, especially near the center.
- Battery drain acceleration: Fast battery consumption during gaming, further impacted by heating.
Possible Cause:
The Legion Tab’s slim design limits the thermal management capabilities, and the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is known to generate heat under load. The high refresh rate and graphic demands of games exacerbate the issue, forcing the system to throttle to protect internal components.
Potential Fixes:
- Use gaming mode settings: Lenovo’s gaming mode allows you to optimize the tablet for gaming, adjusting CPU and GPU power to balance performance and temperature.
- Take breaks between sessions: Allow the device to cool down periodically to avoid prolonged throttling.
- Lower graphics settings: Setting games to medium or low graphics can help reduce the processing load.
3. Battery Life Issues and Fast Charging Inconsistencies
With a 9600 mAh battery, the Lenovo Legion Tab should offer long-lasting usage, yet some users experience faster-than-expected battery drain. Additionally, the 45W fast charging capability doesn’t always deliver consistent results, and users have reported fluctuations in charging speed.
Symptoms:
- Battery drains quickly: Especially noticeable during gaming, video streaming, or multitasking.
- Slow charging: Fast charging doesn’t always engage, taking longer to reach full capacity.
- Battery overheating while charging: Increased heat output when charging, which can slow down the process.
Possible Cause:
The tablet’s large screen, high refresh rate, and powerful chipset consume substantial power, especially during intensive tasks. Fast charging inconsistencies might result from software bugs in power management or incompatibility with certain third-party chargers.
Potential Fixes:
- Optimize settings: Lower refresh rate, reduce brightness, and use Battery Saver mode.
- Check for software updates: Lenovo may release patches to improve battery management.
- Use the original charger: Third-party chargers may not always activate fast charging reliably.
4. Software Glitches in Legion UI
The Legion UI overlay offers a customized Android experience, optimized for gamers with several performance modes and settings. However, it’s still an Android overlay, and some users report various software bugs and crashes, especially during multitasking or using split-screen.
Symptoms:
- Random app crashes: Apps close unexpectedly, particularly after updates.
- UI lag: Noticeable delays in switching between apps or using split-screen.
- System crashes and reboots: Some users report the device occasionally restarts without warning.
Possible Cause:
Lenovo’s Legion UI is tailored for gaming, but with modifications to the standard Android OS, it can sometimes introduce bugs that cause system instability. Additionally, updates to Legion UI may cause compatibility issues with certain apps.
Potential Fixes:
- Clear cache: Go to Settings > Storage > Cached data and clear cached files to improve performance.
- Disable split-screen if issues persist: Avoid using split-screen if it causes instability.
- Check for firmware updates: Lenovo frequently releases updates to improve Legion UI stability.
5. Stylus and Keyboard Connectivity Issues
The Lenovo Legion Tab supports an optional stylus and keyboard accessory, transforming it into a powerful productivity tool. However, users have reported connection issues with the stylus and keyboard, including lags or unexpected disconnections.
Symptoms:
- Delayed stylus response: Slow or intermittent response when using the stylus.
- Keyboard connection drops: Keyboard disconnects randomly during typing.
- Pairing problems: Difficulty pairing the accessories with the tablet.
Possible Cause:
These connectivity issues may arise from either Bluetooth interference or compatibility issues between the accessories and the Legion UI’s settings.
Potential Fixes:
- Re-pair accessories: Go to Bluetooth settings, unpair, and reconnect the stylus or keyboard.
- Check for software updates: Updates may improve accessory compatibility.
- Avoid interference: Ensure the tablet isn’t close to other Bluetooth devices that could interfere with the signal.
6. Audio Quality and Speaker Distortion at High Volumes
With quad stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos, the Lenovo Legion Tab aims to deliver an immersive audio experience. However, some users have noted distortion at high volumes, which affects the overall quality, especially during media playback and gaming.
Symptoms:
- Distortion at high volume: Audio sounds muffled or crackles when volume is maxed.
- Uneven sound balance: Audio may sound louder or clearer from one side of the tablet.
Possible Cause:
The quad speakers are powerful but may lack the hardware fidelity for perfect sound at maximum volume. Software EQ settings or Dolby Atmos settings might also contribute to uneven audio output.
Potential Fixes:
- Adjust volume settings: Keeping the volume at 70-80% can reduce distortion.
- Use external speakers: Pairing with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones can enhance audio clarity.
- Customize Dolby Atmos settings: Experiment with sound profiles to achieve better quality at higher volumes.
Final Verdict: Is the Lenovo Legion Tab Worth Buying?
The Lenovo Legion Tab brings many features to the table, especially for users who prioritize gaming, multimedia, and productivity on a tablet. Its high-refresh-rate display, powerful Snapdragon chipset, large battery, and versatile accessory support make it a standout choice for those seeking performance and versatility.
Pros:
- High refresh rate for smooth gaming and browsing
- Excellent processing power with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Expandable storage and optional LTE support
- Compatibility with stylus and keyboard accessories
- Quad speakers for immersive sound
Cons:
- Display issues like ghosting and color inconsistencies
- Performance throttling during long gaming sessions
- Software glitches in Legion UI, especially with split-screen
- Battery drain and charging inconsistencies
- Connectivity issues with accessories
Alternatives to Consider:
If the common issues highlighted above raise concerns, here are some alternative tablets in a similar price range:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Known for its powerful hardware and refined One UI experience, the Galaxy Tab S8 offers an excellent AMOLED screen and smooth performance without many of the issues found in Lenovo’s Legion UI.
- Apple iPad Air (5th Generation): For those in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Air delivers strong performance with the M1 chip, seamless accessory support, and access to the expansive App Store, though gaming-centric features are limited.
- Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro: Another Android alternative, the Pad 5 Pro offers great performance with a solid display, excellent battery life, and fewer software issues.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Tab is a well-rounded tablet, ideal for gaming and general use with solid specs and impressive versatility. However, if you’re sensitive to issues like display ghosting, performance throttling, or software bugs, you might consider one of the alternatives. For those willing to overlook these minor drawbacks, the Legion Tab can still be a powerful choice, especially with its gaming-oriented features and accessory support that enhances productivity.