Lenovo Legion Tab Review (2025): The Best Compact Android Tablet for Gamers and More

If you’ve been hunting for a powerful, compact Android tablet lately, you’ve probably noticed the options are pretty slim. Most choices fall into either the underpowered budget category (think Amazon Fire tablets or Galaxy Tab A series), or you’re forced to leave Android entirely for the iPad Mini—which isn’t ideal for Android fans.

But there’s good news.

Lenovo is stepping in to fill the gap with the Lenovo Legion Tab, a high-performance gaming tablet that’s finally made its way to the U.S. market. I’ve spent a few weeks using it extensively, and I’m convinced: this tablet deserves a spot on your radar.

Let’s dive into the full review.

Sleek Design That Doesn’t Scream “Gamer”

You might expect a gaming tablet to look flashy—RGB lights, sharp lines, bright colors. But Lenovo went the opposite route. The Legion Tab is clean, modern, and professional-looking. Its stealthy matte gray aluminum finish and minimalist branding give it broad appeal, even if you’re not into gaming.

Thanks to its 8.8-inch size, it’s extremely portable. It’s ideal for long gaming sessions, reading, or watching videos, without feeling bulky.

Thoughtful Hardware Choices: Dual USB-C Ports

One of the most underrated features? Two USB-C ports. One is USB 2.0 and the other is USB 3.2. This means you can charge the tablet while using accessories like a keyboard, mouse, controller, or even an external drive—all without needing a hub.

It’s a small detail, but for productivity or gaming setups, it’s a game-changer.

Gorgeous Display with 165Hz Refresh Rate

The display is one of the Legion Tab’s biggest strengths. It features an 8.8-inch LCD with a 2560×1600 resolution, and it looks fantastic—especially with vivid wallpapers or colorful games. Brightness peaks at 900 nits, so it holds up even in direct sunlight.

But what really makes this display special is the 165Hz refresh rate. Most games run smoothly at around 145Hz, and you can force 165Hz in the settings. The difference is noticeable in UI navigation and especially in games like Warzone Mobile, where the smoothness gives it a near-console experience.

Performance That Matches Expectations

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM, this tablet handles everything thrown at it—games like Once Human, Delta Force, Prince of Persia, and Snowbreak Containment Zone ran like a dream.

Even when I pushed it to the limit, it held up well. Only when maxing out settings in a demanding open-world game did it get a little warm, but that’s to be expected. Outside of gaming, tasks like browsing, multitasking, and social media feel fast and responsive.

Clean Software with Gaming Features Built-In

The Legion Tab runs Lenovo’s ZUI, which is mostly stock Android with a few tweaks. It includes a gaming overlay with tools like screen recording, RAM cleaning, and performance stats. There’s also a bypass charging feature to power the tablet directly when gaming, reducing heat.

Even cooler? A desktop mode lets you connect to a monitor and turn your tablet into a mini-PC with resizable windows and a taskbar.

That said, software support is the weakest point. The tablet ships with Android 14, and while Lenovo promises Android 15 and security updates through 2029, major updates beyond that seem unlikely. Compared to the long-term iPad support, it’s not ideal.

Small Extras That Add Value

• No fingerprint scanner – Only camera-based face unlock, which isn’t great in low light.

• No SD card slot – A surprising omission for a tablet aimed at gamers and media users.

• Comes with a folio case and screen protector – A rare but welcome bonus included with every purchase.

• Great speakers – Loud, clear, and Dolby Atmos-supported—great for media and gaming.

Final Thoughts: Is the Legion Tab Worth It?

Absolutely. The Lenovo Legion Tab is probably the best compact Android tablet on the market right now. With flagship-level performance, a stunning high-refresh-rate display, dual USB-C ports, and thoughtful gaming features, it checks most of the right boxes.

If you’re an Android fan who’s been longing for a powerful alternative to the iPad Mini, this is it.

At $500–$550, it may overlap with entry-level laptops or dedicated handheld consoles, but for anyone who values a high-quality Android experience in a compact form, the Legion Tab is a fantastic choice.

What do you think? Would you consider the Lenovo Legion Tab for gaming, productivity, or entertainment? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you!