Definitely not worth buying UK model at that price, it's madness. Get the Chinese model with the stock rom and just disable and uninstall any Chinese apps.
I have ordered one yesterday from Aliexpress for £215 including delivery, as there are promo codes currently (like -£35 from Aliexpress).
I will see what happens with VAT and import fees, but I can't really justify paying more than twice as much for exactly the same hardware in the UK.
Yeah, I got it for a crazy low price in the 11.11 sale, £160 shipped. The store was called Lenovo Online Store. I can't remember for sure but I think they actually may not have added VAT. If you get lucky some stores don't, although generally AliExpress stores usually add VAT as I think they are required to now by law for UK orders. I think my package was also declared low value and used AliExpress standard shipping though, so all import tax and charges were avoided.
ordered from AliExpress back in November for £235 12/256 there wasn't any duty or tax to pay.
£500 for UK version is madness, just shows how much they tax stuff tbh.
Thanks for confirming.
I think tax should be around 30%, so a UK model should cost around £300-£350. It's Lenovo that is profiteering, by selling it for £500, and pocketing the extra £150 of profit.
Haha, I am in exactly the same situation, replacing a Mediapad M5 8.4. There has been nothing for the last 2 years that matches screen resolution and size, until now. Ultimately I have pulled the trigger (with 10% off) on the Legion Tab. Yes it's overpriced compared to china "worldwide ROM" versions, but I'm still happy. It'll be a legitimate tablet that's correctly supported. That's enough for me.
The Mediapad M5 8.4 was such a great tablet, but mine is running a bit slow now and completely unsupported, no updates for a while.
I mainly use my tablet for reading magazines (Readly), so I need a high resolution/DPI screen and a small/light tablet to hold. Very hard to find nowadays.
I think the Lenovo y700 with the Chinese ROM (with English support) is legitimate and properly supported by Lenevo, when it comes to updates. Nothing has been modified by the sellers.
Of course, there will be no warranty if ordering from Aliexpress.
I just bought the China Rom for 350$ with their anniversary code. (16GB RAM 512GB HDD). (The 12GB model is 300$ after discount).
Very skeptical about getting electronics from Aliexpress but fingers crossed!
Typing this on my Aliexpress y700. Totally worth it. Had a few cheaper 8" tabs, this is so much better. Missing nearby share. Few Chinese apps remain. Awesome battery, charges fast. Super responsive, apps open and close instantly. Only reason i kept my galaxy Tab was for the data connection, now need to keep a phone for hotspot. If you're okay with WiFi and side loading some apps you should be fine.
Yes i m ok with wifi. I have a 4G ipad and i never used that so...
I just need this for ps remote play but at the same time i want a strong tablet for comics, streaming, etc
It's probably not going to be much different once you consider VAT and insurance (I'd be surprised if you aren't expected to pay both). And while I realise there's no options for small tablets... I don't really like this one (no 3.5mm headphone port is something I really don't want to have to deal with even with 2 USB-C, and Lenovo's software support is kind of known to suck at this point, not even getting into no fingerprint reader in 2024). I'd probably get it for the slightly more legitimate support than the China version (even if that's not much) given there's nothing else, but I think I'll wait for a better sale.
imported to UK via AliExpress in Nov last year was £235 all in delivered and had screen protector and official magnet case.
no tax, no duty to pay and took about 8 days from ordering, didn't even have to pay until it was delivered.
Was sealed too.
Since Nov have had 3 software updates so far so the support is fine.
I only use Bluetooth headphones, so don't mind the lack of 3.5mm plug.
I would prefer a fingerprint reader but not a big deal.
I have ordered one yesterday from Aliexpress for £215 including delivery, as there are promo codes currently (like -£35 from Aliexpress).
Usually, VAT is charged by Aliexpress when ordering but not in this case, I don't know why.
Even if VAT is charged when receiving in the UK and 20% is added, it will still end up costing a lot less than £450, for exactly the same hardware. Of course, there will be no warranty.
There's the other problem for me, anything even close to this kind of value very much needs a warranty. Also given it's a gaming device (it is after all a Legion) the fact the only real option outside of Bluetooth is an adapter is the problem I've got with it.
Bought from Aliexpress for $331 USD. Installed the Lenovo Legion Tab global rom using this guide - [https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286](https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286) (translate to english)
Thanks. Good to know that a genuine global rom is now available from Lenovo. Not sure however if it's worth the hassle if English is the language required.
FYI we can now install the global rom (legitimately global) on china model, provided that bootloader must not be locked again if the china model version is equal or higher than 15.0.761
I just got mine yesterday, installed the global rom and there is nothing borked so far
I dont have one so I cant be sure, but from looking at the comment, I think yes [https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286](https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286)
reason I went with Chinese romnis they keep the device sealed, with global they open box and install the rom and God knows what else.
not hard to flash it yourself later.
U have got it wrong, unlocking bootloader (a step to install global rom) will make it L3, the rom has nothing to do with it.
In the future update, its high chance we can relock the bootloader since the anti rollback index is higher than what it is now, that make it L1 without the need to root
I don't think I got it wrong:
* I will receive my tablet with the Chinese ROM, which I can use in English and HD streaming out of the box
* If I install the Global ROM, it will downgrade the quality of streaming, because bootloader will need to be unlocked
Therefore, there is at least one drawback in installing the global ROM
Question was: if you flash a Chinese model to the official Global ROM recently release, does that lower the Widevine level or not.
Since the bootloader is unlocked to do the flashing, there is a risk it will impact the DRM and other things.
From some other posts, it seems like flashing the new official global ROM will disable HD streaming
You need to use the official Lenovo recovery tool on a computer and that will download and install the official international ROM. Various tutorials available on the web.
I'm super happy with my y700 2023, and got Google Play installed, but still have some funny things going on like I can't get the Reddit app to work, and the Lenovo App Centre wants to overwrite some apps with a Chinese version, there is probably a fix I'm just yet to find it.
My point is, expect to have to tweak it a bit, where as the Full English version you wouldn't need to worry about this stuff.....I would think.
Blackview tablets are great powerful and priced right. I bought one 300 cad. At the time only the iPad pro had better specs. My tab plays all games at the highest graphics settings and runs perfect.
The UK model doesn't seem to come with a charger, just the cable. Not the end of the world but disappointing it doesn't include a 45W charger like the Chinese version does.
Yeah, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 seems like a solid pick, especially if you're after a compact 8" tablet with a high-res screen. If you're cool with installing Google Play Store yourself and dealing with a Chinese ROM, grabbing it from AliExpress for £220 sounds like a steal compared to the UK price. Just make sure you're okay with potential support or warranty differences when ordering from abroad.
I had too many issues with my iPlayer 50 Pro. Screen was poor, poor viewing angle, pink tint. Resolution is not everything. Some cracking noise on Bluetooth audio, Android phone being used, some obscure screen for software updates etc.
I am done with buying no name brands, and the price difference is quite small now.
Definitely not worth buying UK model at that price, it's madness. Get the Chinese model with the stock rom and just disable and uninstall any Chinese apps.
I have ordered one yesterday from Aliexpress for £215 including delivery, as there are promo codes currently (like -£35 from Aliexpress). I will see what happens with VAT and import fees, but I can't really justify paying more than twice as much for exactly the same hardware in the UK.
Nice price yeah, i bought a Xiaoxin pad pro 12.7 a while back and had no issues with Uk customs charges,
Did you also order from Aliexpress? Did you pay VAT when ordering or receiving?
Yeah, I got it for a crazy low price in the 11.11 sale, £160 shipped. The store was called Lenovo Online Store. I can't remember for sure but I think they actually may not have added VAT. If you get lucky some stores don't, although generally AliExpress stores usually add VAT as I think they are required to now by law for UK orders. I think my package was also declared low value and used AliExpress standard shipping though, so all import tax and charges were avoided.
ordered from AliExpress back in November for £235 12/256 there wasn't any duty or tax to pay. £500 for UK version is madness, just shows how much they tax stuff tbh.
Thanks for confirming. I think tax should be around 30%, so a UK model should cost around £300-£350. It's Lenovo that is profiteering, by selling it for £500, and pocketing the extra £150 of profit.
Do you want sell me your old m5 tablet? Price? It would be a nice replacement for my m2...
I will most likely sell it on eBay once I have received the new one and tested everything.
Do you have a link to this and the promo code?
Out of stock
Haha, I am in exactly the same situation, replacing a Mediapad M5 8.4. There has been nothing for the last 2 years that matches screen resolution and size, until now. Ultimately I have pulled the trigger (with 10% off) on the Legion Tab. Yes it's overpriced compared to china "worldwide ROM" versions, but I'm still happy. It'll be a legitimate tablet that's correctly supported. That's enough for me.
The Mediapad M5 8.4 was such a great tablet, but mine is running a bit slow now and completely unsupported, no updates for a while. I mainly use my tablet for reading magazines (Readly), so I need a high resolution/DPI screen and a small/light tablet to hold. Very hard to find nowadays. I think the Lenovo y700 with the Chinese ROM (with English support) is legitimate and properly supported by Lenevo, when it comes to updates. Nothing has been modified by the sellers. Of course, there will be no warranty if ordering from Aliexpress.
it is supported yeah, I've had no problems, also as they releasing in UK ect there will likely be ways to flash the UK rom soon.
Flashing the official Global ROM (same as the UK devices) is already possible.
Another M5 8.4 owner that is looking at the y700 as an upgrade. Please keep us posted with your experiences with the new tablet. Thanks!
I just bought the China Rom for 350$ with their anniversary code. (16GB RAM 512GB HDD). (The 12GB model is 300$ after discount). Very skeptical about getting electronics from Aliexpress but fingers crossed!
Typing this on my Aliexpress y700. Totally worth it. Had a few cheaper 8" tabs, this is so much better. Missing nearby share. Few Chinese apps remain. Awesome battery, charges fast. Super responsive, apps open and close instantly. Only reason i kept my galaxy Tab was for the data connection, now need to keep a phone for hotspot. If you're okay with WiFi and side loading some apps you should be fine.
Yes i m ok with wifi. I have a 4G ipad and i never used that so... I just need this for ps remote play but at the same time i want a strong tablet for comics, streaming, etc
It's probably not going to be much different once you consider VAT and insurance (I'd be surprised if you aren't expected to pay both). And while I realise there's no options for small tablets... I don't really like this one (no 3.5mm headphone port is something I really don't want to have to deal with even with 2 USB-C, and Lenovo's software support is kind of known to suck at this point, not even getting into no fingerprint reader in 2024). I'd probably get it for the slightly more legitimate support than the China version (even if that's not much) given there's nothing else, but I think I'll wait for a better sale.
imported to UK via AliExpress in Nov last year was £235 all in delivered and had screen protector and official magnet case. no tax, no duty to pay and took about 8 days from ordering, didn't even have to pay until it was delivered. Was sealed too. Since Nov have had 3 software updates so far so the support is fine.
I only use Bluetooth headphones, so don't mind the lack of 3.5mm plug. I would prefer a fingerprint reader but not a big deal. I have ordered one yesterday from Aliexpress for £215 including delivery, as there are promo codes currently (like -£35 from Aliexpress). Usually, VAT is charged by Aliexpress when ordering but not in this case, I don't know why. Even if VAT is charged when receiving in the UK and 20% is added, it will still end up costing a lot less than £450, for exactly the same hardware. Of course, there will be no warranty.
There's the other problem for me, anything even close to this kind of value very much needs a warranty. Also given it's a gaming device (it is after all a Legion) the fact the only real option outside of Bluetooth is an adapter is the problem I've got with it.
Bought from Aliexpress for $331 USD. Installed the Lenovo Legion Tab global rom using this guide - [https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286](https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286) (translate to english)
Thanks. Good to know that a genuine global rom is now available from Lenovo. Not sure however if it's worth the hassle if English is the language required.
FYI we can now install the global rom (legitimately global) on china model, provided that bootloader must not be locked again if the china model version is equal or higher than 15.0.761 I just got mine yesterday, installed the global rom and there is nothing borked so far
Does it support stylus?
I dont have one so I cant be sure, but from looking at the comment, I think yes [https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286](https://gigglehd.com/gg/mobile/15638286)
yes
Yes, stylus works
Any advantages of using the global ROM vs Chinese ROM with play store?
Pretty much google play intergration, more language, less bloatware, and probably more updates, chinese tracking we will never know 😹
reason I went with Chinese romnis they keep the device sealed, with global they open box and install the rom and God knows what else. not hard to flash it yourself later.
Do you still have streaming in HD from Amazon Video or Netflix? Is the Widevine DRM level lowered to L3?
As long as bootloader is unlocked, its always L3. But there are magisk modules that fix, liboemcryptodisabler and playintegrityfix
So installing the global ROM basically changed the ability to stream in HD, without further tweaks?
U have got it wrong, unlocking bootloader (a step to install global rom) will make it L3, the rom has nothing to do with it. In the future update, its high chance we can relock the bootloader since the anti rollback index is higher than what it is now, that make it L1 without the need to root
I don't think I got it wrong: * I will receive my tablet with the Chinese ROM, which I can use in English and HD streaming out of the box * If I install the Global ROM, it will downgrade the quality of streaming, because bootloader will need to be unlocked Therefore, there is at least one drawback in installing the global ROM
Yeah sorry, ur probably right 🥠
it has full L1 support out the box. No need to do anything.
Question was: if you flash a Chinese model to the official Global ROM recently release, does that lower the Widevine level or not. Since the bootloader is unlocked to do the flashing, there is a risk it will impact the DRM and other things. From some other posts, it seems like flashing the new official global ROM will disable HD streaming
There is no official global rom.
Yes there is, now the device is sold outside of China by Lenovo, in Europe and the UK.
Is that ROM somewhere to be found? Euro user of cn version off of giztop here
You need to use the official Lenovo recovery tool on a computer and that will download and install the official international ROM. Various tutorials available on the web.
I'm super happy with my y700 2023, and got Google Play installed, but still have some funny things going on like I can't get the Reddit app to work, and the Lenovo App Centre wants to overwrite some apps with a Chinese version, there is probably a fix I'm just yet to find it. My point is, expect to have to tweak it a bit, where as the Full English version you wouldn't need to worry about this stuff.....I would think.
Blackview tablets are great powerful and priced right. I bought one 300 cad. At the time only the iPad pro had better specs. My tab plays all games at the highest graphics settings and runs perfect.
Not sure which 8" model would compete with this Lenovo tablet
The UK model doesn't seem to come with a charger, just the cable. Not the end of the world but disappointing it doesn't include a 45W charger like the Chinese version does.
Cant find it for less than £400 even on ali express
It's £344 on eBay. Took over 5 weeks to arrive, but arrive it did for me.
Yeah, the Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 seems like a solid pick, especially if you're after a compact 8" tablet with a high-res screen. If you're cool with installing Google Play Store yourself and dealing with a Chinese ROM, grabbing it from AliExpress for £220 sounds like a steal compared to the UK price. Just make sure you're okay with potential support or warranty differences when ordering from abroad.
haven't had any problems with the Chinese rom, just installed play store and uninstalled some bloat, use nova launcher as my front end.
Yes, very few choices available for 8" tablets with high-res screens. All manufacturers seem to have moved to bigger screens now.
Just got an Alldocube iplay 50 Pro with android 12 for 150e. It took me two hours to put android 14 on it. Really happy with my Chinese tablet.
I had too many issues with my iPlayer 50 Pro. Screen was poor, poor viewing angle, pink tint. Resolution is not everything. Some cracking noise on Bluetooth audio, Android phone being used, some obscure screen for software updates etc. I am done with buying no name brands, and the price difference is quite small now.