I’ve been looking for a small lightweight Android based tablet with good HCR (Handwritten Character Recognition) for a while now. I like to write while kicking back in my recliner and watching TV. A phone is too small for me to comfortably write on for very long.
I’ve always thought that the iPad mini was about the perfect size and weight. I have tried one several times, but I struggle to write with Scribble (Apple’s HCR). My Galaxy Fold 3 was a perfect fit for using in relaxed writing positions. The Fold 7 didn’t support an S-Pen, so I skipped it and went with an Ultra phone. Hence my desire for a mini tablet.
I borrowed my spouse’s 6th gen iPad mini to give Scribble another chance recently. I wanted it to work, I really like the form factor and screen.. Scribble has improved. It works great for forms and jotting a few lines. It still feels clunky for my style of handwriting. I have to correct more than I would like.
There are more Android based tablets than I expected in the 8-to-9-inch range. I appreciated having choices, but many candidates were under powered and easily ruled out. Lots of the mini tablets seem to favor a generic octa-core CPU with 4 gigabytes of RAM. I passed on them because HCR takes a lot of computer resources all on its own. Slow recognition makes handwriting a miserable input option for me.
I ordered the Legion Tab from Lenovo’s site. It was on sale for $420.00 with free expedited shipping if you’re a member of their rewards program. Even with the sale, it is on the more expensive side of the mini-tablet market. You get a lot for the price though. It has a late model Snapdragon chip, 12 GB of RAM, a 165 FPS HDR screen, and 256GB of storage capacity. It ships with a 65 watt power brick, a fitted folio case, and high-end screen protector. The active stylus is a $40.00 accessory.
I haven’t used a Lenovo Android device before this. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Lenovo’s fit and finish is top-shelf. The cameras are good enough and include an LED flash. The speakers are the best sounding, loudest speakers, I have heard on any tablet or phone to date. There are two USB-C ports. The bezels are thin and straight. The chip is intentionally positioned far away from where your hands touch the back. The case hovers just above the tablet’s back surface to further dissipate heat away from your hands.
Lenovo’s One Vision launcher provides similar functionality as Samsung’s One UI. Most of the features I am used to are present, but some don’t go as deep. For example, One Vision supports themes. The Lenovo app store isn’t available in the United States, so I can’t acquire more.
I didn’t realize that Lenovo had a PC Mode on their tablets. If you have ever seen Samsung’s DEX, the idea is similar. In PC Mode everything runs in a floating window. There’s a start button and taskbar, all the hallmarks of a PC operating system are there.
Some of the UI functions seem superior to the other tablet manufacturers’ equivalents. Legion Space is one of the best gaming overlay utilities I’ve seen for Android.
Lenovo opts for GBoard instead of a homegrown keyboard like Samsung does. GBoard is excellent and has the functions I rely on. You can float or split the keys and swiping is available too. The handwriting recognition mode offered by default is in-line and similar to Scribble. I’m adjusting to its quirks and getting better at it every day.
At first, I didn’t realize that I needed to install the English handwriting language option. Without it you can’t access the full writing input panel experience. I’m getting closer to writing at top speed. I’m confident I’ll get there with a little more practice.
The stylus links to the tablet via Bluetooth. It’s USB-C rechargeable. The shape is round, except for the flat edge that it magnetically sticks to the back of the tablet with. The tips are stiffer than an S-Pen’s. The writing instrument glides across the screen smooth and fast like the Apple pencil on an iPad does. It’s well balanced in the hand and features a single button. I’ve written this entire post with it and have enjoyed the experience.
Of course, bearing the Legion moniker in its name means this thing is built for gaming. Let me tell you it doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it is the best experience I’ve had playing on any Android device. Rush Rally 3 runs at 130 FPS in 1440 P ultra. Destiny Rising plays perfectly on Ultra settings too.
It’s small and light enough to hold while using the on-screen controls. It’s also large and loud enough to use as a tabletop console when paired with a controller. The power, screen refresh rate, and screen size are astonishing compared to a phone, any phone. Legion Space lets you monitor and tweak your settings to squeeze the most out of each game while you are playing.
The learning curve going from Samsung to Lenovo has been easier than I expected. Android is Android, but I have had issues when changing device brands in the past. Once I ended up with a tablet that couldn’t access the Google Play store without me resorting to trickery. There’s been none of that this time around. All of my apps, games, and cloud connections work well with the device.
If you have wished somebody would make an Android based iPad mini competitor, Lenovo has granted it. Even improved on it I dare say. The Legion Tab 8.8 Gen 3 has quickly become my favorite device for home use. Now I can sit in my recliner and write for as long as I please without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
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