▷Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab review: the tablet for entertainment 🥇

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is proof that the tablet sector still has something to say. And no, I'm not just talking about the high-end ones. To bring home a good product, more than enough to play, browse and enjoy some multimedia content, it is enough less than 300 euros.

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab review: unusual is better

The first thing you will notice about the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is the design. The tablet of the Chinese multinational challenges conventions by proposing a device that is not only not completely flat, but which even comes with a tubular base. And this is precisely what makes the difference. First of all because it allows the Yoga Smart Tab to accommodate two powerful JBL speakers optimized with Dolby Atmos and, believe me, the acoustic experience offered is definitely superior to any other product belonging to the same price range. Secondly this aesthetic peculiarity allows you to hold it with one hand without major difficulties, an advantage that you will especially appreciate when reading, whether it is via a browser or with a dedicated application.

It is also unusual the integration of a stand within a structure. Found it on the back of the tablet and just a button to release it and then orient it according to your needs. In addition, it has a hole large enough for you to hang the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab almost anywhere.

Alongside these two unusual characteristics we also find some traditional elements. I'm talking about the solid structure in iron gray aluminum, the elegant soft finish and the indisputable build quality. Along the edges then we find the inevitable power button, the volume rocker and a USB-C input for charging.

On the front we then have the 10,1-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution. The yield is absolutely satisfactory, with vivid colors and good brightness. Too bad for the sensor dedicated to the automatic balancing of this parameter: sometimes it is a bit slow to adapt, forcing you to change the brightness manually.

The bare essentials

The gaming experience on the Yoga Smart Tab is satisfying but not exactly great. The reason? Lenovo has opted for a Snapdragon 439 processor, not exactly the best Qualcomm can offer. Obviously this does not translate into a disappointing experience: you can play practically everything but giving up a few frames and some details on challenging titles like Call of Duty Mobile.

Apart from video games, however, there is nothing you can complain about. The 32/64 GB of internal memory - expandable via microSD - allow you to install everything you need, while the 3/4 GB of RAM help manage multiple processes at the same time without difficulty. In short, you can browse, check emails and watch videos on YouTube without any kind of problem or delay.

On the connectivity side we have the Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, with support therefore for the double band, the Bluetooth 4.2, the aforementioned USB-C input and the inevitable 3,5 mm jack.

We also have two cameras, but don't expect anything fancy. The front one, 8 megapixel, is positioned on the short side on the right and is mainly suitable for video calls, although getting used to its unusual positioning will take a few days. The rear one, on the other hand, is 5 megapixel, it is located at the bottom, right where the stand is hooked, and you will hardly use it. Consider it more of a useful tool in an emergency or to scan some QR code or barcode.

[

Ok Google!

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab monta Android 9.0 with security patches updated to August 2019. Nothing strange so far. The peculiarity is the presence of Ambient mode of Google Assistant. This means it can emulate Nest devices with screens. You can then use it to find out about your upcoming appointments, use it as a digital frame - clearly linked to your Google Photos account - and ask it all kinds of questions. In addition, you have all the features typical of a smart hub, which will allow you to control the thermostat, lights, security cameras and any other device in your smart home. All of this, of course, using only your voice.

Of course, it is nothing revolutionary, but it is certainly an added convenience.

Autonomy a bit disappointing

In recent years my reference tablet has been an iPad Air 2. It has a certain age but still offers good performance and, above all, an incredible autonomy. Using it on average 2/3 hours a day for watching multimedia content or for reading - and leaving it free to receive all sorts of notifications all the rest of the time - I can cover a good part of the week. I can't say the same thing about Yoga Smart Tab.

The 7000 mAh of its battery allows me to get there 1/2 day of activity. An autonomy in my opinion a bit disappointing but still able to support you in everyday life.

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab review: buy it or not?

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab has a clear calling: entertainment. If you want to read, surf, watch movies and TV series or listen to music, this is the tablet for you, especially considering the price. The 3/32 GB variant is in fact available at only 249 euros, while for the 4/64 GB one - which we tried - it costs 299 euros. In short, the cost is not prohibitive at all and this makes it really affordable for everyone.

If, on the other hand, you have artistic ambitions, you love extreme gaming or you want to use the tablet to work, you probably want to focus on something more bodied.