Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Mobile Gamers

The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is a standout in the tablet market, offering a compact 8.8-inch form factor tailored for gamers. With flagship-level performance, a thoughtful accessory bundle, and a design that prioritizes portability, it’s a compelling choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Below, we’ve updated the specs chart to reflect the availability of an Android 15 update, as requested, and provide a detailed review of its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal audience.

Legion Tab 3 Specs Chart

Show in sidebar

Unboxing: A Generous Accessory Bundle

Lenovo sets the Legion Tab Gen 3 apart with its accessory package. Included in the box are a 65W or 68W fast charger (region-dependent) with a USB-C cable, a tempered glass screen protector with installation tools, and a folio case with a detachable magnetic cover. The case features a kickstand with perforations for heat dissipation and corner bumpers for drop protection, though it leaves buttons and ports exposed. The screen protector kit includes a microfiber cloth and dust removers for easy application. These additions enhance value, especially since finding third-party accessories for this niche tablet can be challenging.

Gaming Performance: Built for Speed

The Legion Tab Gen 3 is a gaming beast, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It effortlessly runs demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings, with the 165Hz refresh rate ensuring smooth visuals and responsive touch input. The Legion ColdFront cooling system keeps temperatures manageable, preventing performance drops during long sessions.

Gamer-centric features shine here. Dual USB-C ports (one USB 3.2 Gen 2 for 10 Gbps data transfer and DisplayPort output, one USB 2.0) allow charging without interfering with grip or connecting accessories like controllers. Bypass charging routes power directly to the motherboard, reducing heat and preserving battery health. Stereo speakers deliver solid audio, though their placement can be obstructed in landscape mode. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide fast, stable connections, with real-world Wi-Fi 6 speeds hitting up to 547Mbps. For emulation fans, the tablet excels with PS2, GameCube, and PSP games when paired with controllers like the Abxylute S9.

Where It Excels

• Compact Design: The 8.8-inch size and 0.77-pound weight make it ultra-portable, ideal for gaming on the go or slipping into a bag.
• Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB RAM rival flagship smartphones, delivering seamless gaming and multitasking.
• Gaming Features: The 165Hz display, dual USB-C ports, bypass charging, and cooling system cater specifically to gamers.
• Value-Added Accessories: The included charger, case, and screen protector save you from hunting down compatible add-ons.
• Premium Build: Aluminum alloy, Gorilla Glass 5, and IP52 resistance ensure durability and a high-end feel.

Where It Falls Short

The 8.8-inch LCD display, while smooth, lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED panels, and its 500-nit typical brightness (900 nits peak) struggles in bright sunlight due to reflections. Some users report minor backlighting inconsistencies. Storage is limited to 256GB (512GB in China only) with no microSD slot, which may frustrate users with large game libraries. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a drawback for wired audio fans, and there’s no fingerprint scanner, relying instead on face unlock or patterns. The folio case’s kickstand could be sturdier, and its open-edge design leaves the screen partially exposed. The 6,550mAh battery charges fast (~48-60 minutes to full) but offers average life under heavy gaming. The front camera’s short-bezel placement can be obscured in landscape mode, impacting video calls.

Who It’s For (and Who It Isn’t)

The Legion Tab Gen 3 is perfect for mobile gamers who value portability and performance. Its compact size and robust hardware make it a top pick for gaming on the go or as an emulation device. Tech enthusiasts nostalgic for smaller tablets like the Nexus 7 will appreciate its form factor, and the accessory bundle and dual USB-C ports add versatility for light productivity or extended display setups.

It’s less suited for professionals needing a tablet for heavy multitasking or creative work, as it lacks stylus support (the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus is separate) and has a smaller screen than alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE. Outdoor users may find the display’s brightness limiting, and those needing expandable storage or wired audio might look elsewhere. For general-purpose use, the iPad mini 7 offers a more polished ecosystem, though at a higher cost.

Why the Small Size Wins

The 8.8-inch display is a key strength, offering a balance between smartphone portability and tablet functionality. It’s easy to hold for extended gaming, reduces hand fatigue, and fits effortlessly into small bags. In a market filled with larger tablets, this size feels refreshing, delivering a phone-like experience with tablet power, perfect for gamers and compact-device lovers.

Final Thoughts

The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is a stellar choice for gamers seeking a portable, high-performance tablet. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 165Hz display, and gaming-focused features like bypass charging and dual USB-C ports make it a standout, while the included accessories add exceptional value. However, its LCD display, limited storage, and minor design quirks keep it from universal appeal. For mobile gaming and compact tablet fans, it’s a near-perfect device—just don’t expect it to excel in bright sunlight or replace a full workstation.