Update! You can pick up the Lenovo Duet 3 on a record sale for $199 this week!
A couple weeks back, we reviewed the original Lenovo Duet and declared it the best tablet for Cloud gaming that we had tried up to that point.
Now, however, we have gotten our hands on the second generation version of that tablet: the recently released Lenovo Duet 3. It’s very similar to the original but… better in every way. Assuming this tablet gets sale prices similar to the original, we are ready to declare it the new tablet to beat for everyday use including Cloud gaming from Xbox, GeForce Now, Luna, Blacknut and more!
Duet 3 Specs
Let’s start by comparing the specs to the original:
| Original Duet | Duet 3 | |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio P60T | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7CG2 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920×1200 | 2000×1200 |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inch | 10.9 inch |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 or 128 GB | 64 or 128 GB |
| Weight | 517g | 450g |
| Battery Life | 10 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Updates Supported Through | June 2028 | June 2029 |
| USB-C Ports | 1 | 2 (with 30W charger) |
| Physical Size (Tablet) | 23.98cm x 15.98cm x 0.74cm | 25.8cm x 16.46cm x 0.79cm |
What is hard to describe in just the specs, however, is how the device now feels a lot more premium:
- The new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor makes the device feel a lot snappier. Both the Duet 3 and the original stream cloud games well, but actually browsing the various stores and libraries feels faster on the newer tablet.
- The included cover is thinner (even though the tablet itself is slightly thicker) and feels more refined.
- The slightly bigger length of the device makes using it with the included keyboard attachment quite a bit more practical. The included keyboard accessory itself also feels higher quality. It’s both light and sturdy.
- The two USB-C ports is a big quality of life win.
The original tablet is still an amazing device. So, these refinements aren’t revolutionary – they just make the experience a bit better in some key areas.
ChromeOS For Tablets
Something that affects both of these tablets is the fact that the Chrome OS tablet experience has slowly and steadily continued to improve over the past few years since the original was released. The Chrome OS tablet UI is now quite mature, and it is easy to use the device productively in tablet mode.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), including those from Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Luna, Blacknut, feel perfectly at home on the device in either laptop or tablet mode. And, the number of Android apps with tablet interfaces that you can run on the devices continues to grow. A quick check of the Android runtime on the Duet 3 after boot told us that it was still on Android 9. All Chrome-OS devices are expected to get an update to Android 11 in the near future.
As we mentioned in our review of the original duet, we recommend using these apps (as well as Stadia if you are still playing) from the PWA. To install one of these web apps, use the browser to navigate over to xbox.com/play (for example) and click the little install button as shown in this screenshot to add the app to your launcher.
Our only missed wishlist item for the Lenovo Duet 3, would be an option with more RAM – 8GB would be nice to see. That said, the RAM shouldn’t really limit your use of the device as long as you keep your number of open tabs to about a dozen or so and don’t try to do too much with the linux container simultaneously.
Our recommendation is to wait for the Lenovo Duet 3 to go on sale (in the $250-$275 range) and pick one up! If it goes on sale as frequently as the original, it should hit that price regularly
Lenovo Duet 3 – Cloud Gaming Review
Summary
The Lenovo Duet 3 is our new favorite tablet for Cloud Gaming and other day to day use. It improves on the original in just about every way. It makes a fantastic travel device and just feels fun to use around the house. Chrome OS has really matured as an OS ready for tablets.
Awesome! Would love to get one of these!
How does compares to the HP X2 11? The HP has a similar processor, better resolution, and 8 GB RAM option. Plus it does not have issues with USI stylus like the Duet 3, and includes a wireless rechargeable stylus that sticks magnetically to the side of the tablet. Stadia and GeForce NOW fly!
Good question. We’ll have to test out the HP X2 11 – but it’s hard to get your hands on one for under $400 right now. The 8GB of memory and finger-print reader are enticing though!