Lenovo Tab M9 (2023) Review: Budget Tablet, Everyday Hero

Let’s be real — not everyone wants to drop a small fortune on a tablet. Some of us just want a device that gets the job done, whether that’s reading, browsing, watching Netflix, or keeping the kids entertained on long car rides. Enter the Lenovo Tab M9 (2023) — a small but mighty Android tablet that quietly checks all the right boxes for casual use.

I’ve been using this tablet for a little over two weeks now, and here’s what stood out — the good, the quirky, and why it might just be your next favorite budget gadget.

First Impressions: Compact but Confident

When I first unboxed the Lenovo Tab M9, the design honestly surprised me. It doesn’t scream budget. The gray matte finish, clean bezels, and included folio case give it a sleek, understated look. At just 9 inches, it hits a sweet spot — larger than your phone, but small enough to hold comfortably in one hand.

It feels light, yet solid. Not plasticky or toy-like, which I half expected at this price point.

Performance: Smooth Enough for the Basics

This isn't a multitasking beast, and it’s not pretending to be. With 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, it’s designed for lighter use — and in that realm, it performs surprisingly well. I used it for:

YouTube and Netflix
Web browsing and online shopping
Google Docs and note-taking
Casual games like Candy Crush and Wordscapes

No laggy nightmares or stutters, as long as you’re not trying to juggle a dozen apps at once. It runs Android 12 (or later) with a clean Lenovo skin that doesn’t feel bloated or overdone.

And yes, you can expand the storage via microSD, which is a huge plus for folks like me who hoard photos and download offline content.

Display: Not Fancy, But Functional

Let’s talk about the screen — it’s HD, not Full HD, so don’t expect retina-level sharpness. But for watching YouTube, reading articles, or scrolling through social media, it’s more than serviceable.

The brightness is decent, though not ideal for direct sunlight. Indoors, it looks perfectly fine. Viewing angles are solid, and colors are natural rather than overly saturated.

If you’re coming from a high-end phone or tablet, you’ll notice the difference. But if you’re looking for a screen that simply works without fuss, this one delivers.

Battery Life: All-Day Longevity

Now here’s where the Tab M9 shines — battery life. I regularly squeezed out a full day’s use with 25–30% left in the tank. That’s with moderate use: streaming video, checking email, reading, and a bit of gaming.

Lenovo claims up to 13 hours, and while I haven’t clocked it exactly, I can confirm it comfortably lasts through a full workday or long road trip without needing a top-up.

Cameras: There If You Need Them

The front 2MP and rear 8MP cameras aren’t mind-blowing, but they do the trick for video calls, document scans, or quick snapshots.

I wouldn’t use this tablet as my primary camera (who does, anyway?), but it’s nice to have in a pinch. Zoom and Google Meet calls looked fine, and audio from the built-in mic came through clear enough.

Extras: Folio Case Included

It’s a small detail, but I really appreciate that Lenovo throws in a folio case. It saves you an extra purchase and doubles as a stand for watching shows hands-free. Little things like this go a long way when you’re shopping budget gear.

Who Is the Lenovo Tab M9 For?

Students who need an affordable study companion
Seniors who want something simple for browsing and video calls
Parents looking for a kid-friendly device for learning and games
Minimalists who want just enough tech, no fluff

The Bottom Line

The Lenovo Tab M9 (2023) won’t replace your laptop. It’s not meant to. But for under $150, it offers a clean, reliable tablet experience with strong battery life, smooth day-to-day performance, and a compact design that’s easy to carry around.

If you're in the market for a no-nonsense Android tablet that just works, without draining your wallet — this is it.

✅ Pros:

Solid build and compact size
Long-lasting battery
Expandable storage
Clean Android interface
Folio case included

❌ Cons:

Low base storage
Basic screen resolution
Cameras are just okay
FAQ: Lenovo Tab M9 (2023)

Does the Lenovo Tab M9 come with a charger?
✅ Yes, it comes with a charger in the box — along with a USB-C cable and even a folio case, which is a nice bonus.

Can I use it for gaming?
🎮 Light to mid-tier gaming? Sure. It runs casual titles like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush without a hitch. For heavier games like PUBG or Asphalt 9, you’ll need to stick to low graphics settings.

Is the display Full HD?
❌ No — it has a 9-inch HD (1340x800) LCD display. It's decent for streaming and reading, but not the sharpest screen out there.

Can I use it for video calls or Zoom classes?
📸 Yes — it has a 2MP front camera that gets the job done for basic video calls. Audio is clear enough for Zoom or Google Meet sessions.

Does it have expandable storage?
💾 Absolutely. You can pop in a microSD card up to 128GB, which is great for storing extra apps, media, or study material.

Is this a good choice for kids?
🧒 Definitely. It supports Google Kids Space, has parental controls, and the compact size makes it easy for small hands to use. Plus, the included folio case adds some protection.