Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two devices to help you decide between the Echo Show vs. the Lenovo Smart Display.

Overall Findings

  • Works best with other Google smart devices.
  • The 10-inch model offers a higher resolution display.
  • Better for making video calls.

The Lenovo Smart Display has many built-in features that the Echo Show lacks. For example, it works with Google Home, Chromecast devices, and Roku devices through Google Assistant. The Lenovo Smart Display also works with the smart home devices that Google Home supports.

Product Design: It Depends on Your Tastes

The newer Echo Show models have an improved design over the original. A 10-inch LED/LCD screen covers the entire front. The back features a fabric cover that gives it a warmer look than the previous cold plastic look. The Echo Show comes in charcoal gray or white.

  • Fabric-covered back houses the speaker system.

  • Camera, microphones, volume controls located on the frame top.

  • The Kensington Lock Slot provides physical security.

  • No physical video or audio outputs.

  • Stylish design suitable for a kitchen or office.

  • The back provides a platform for horizontal or vertical positioning.

  • Portrait mode only works for video calling.

  • No physical video or audio output connections.

The Lenovo Smart Display has a unique style. The front has a speaker mounted on the left and either an 8-inch or 10-inch LED/LCD touchscreen covering the rest of the front. The back features a curved design that allows for vertical (portrait) positioning when making video calls.

Voice Interaction: Alexa Responds Faster

  • Alexa voice assistant response is fast.

  • Responds in whispers when Whisper Mode is activated.

  • More language context errors than the Lenovo.

  • Voice command text displays on the screen before execution.

  • Follow-up suggestions display at the bottom of the screen.

  • Can perform two successive tasks.

  • Voice assistant response is slower than Echo Show.

The Lenovo Smart Display is good at understanding and executing commands. Still, it’s slower than the Echo Show. Also, the Smart Display provides lengthier responses. For example, when asked to turn off the lights, it might say something like, “Turning off hue white lamp light 1.”

Screen and Display Quality: The Lenovo Smart Display Shines

Newer Echo Show models feature a screen size upgrade from 8 inches to 10 inches and a resolution upgrade to 720p.

  • The 10-inch screen is viewable from a distance.

  • Less effective off-angle viewing than the Lenovo.

  • The screen exhibits glare from room light.

  • Lower resolution than the Lenovo 10-inch screen model.

  • Two screen size options.

  • Control the brightness setting using voice commands.

  • The screen has similar glare issues as the Echo Show.

The Lenovo Smart Display is available with an 8-inch 720p or 10-inch 1080p resolution screen. The screen is bright, displays vivid colors, and has better off-angle viewing quality than the Echo Show due to the incorporation of IPS technology.

Speaker and Audio Features: The Echo Show Sounds Better

The Echo Show features a stereo sound system combining a 10 watts-per-channel amplifier with two speakers and a single passive radiator for enhanced bass response. Dolby Audio processing also aids in a fuller music listening experience.

  • Stereo speakers provide a wide sound field.

  • Bass, midrange, and treble controls are available.

  • Overall sound quality is better than the Lenovo.

  • Alexa voice is louder than the music playback.

  • Sufficient volume for music and hearing feedback responses.

  • One speaker means stereo audio is not provided.

  • No other audio settings or additional audio processing.

The Smart Display also includes a 10-watt amplifier that provides a suitable volume for music listening, but only one speaker is provided.

Bluetooth Capabilities: Both Offer Compatibility

You can stream audio from the Echo Show to other Echo devices and Alexa-enabled wireless speakers from a variety of brands, including Sonos. The Echo Show and Lenovo Smart Display provide Bluetooth, so you can stream music from the Lenovo Smart Display to Google Home and other compatible smart speakers.

  • Stream music from a smartphone to the Echo Show.

  • Stream music to a Bluetooth speaker or headset.

  • Occasional pairing issues.

  • Stream music from a smartphone to Smart Display.

  • Stream music to Bluetooth speakers or headsets.

  • Occasional pairing issues.

Music Streaming Features: It’s a Tie

Video Streaming: Lenovo Supports YouTube

  • Control Chromecast, Roku, and other streaming devices.
  • No direct access to Netflix.

The Smart Display allows you to watch YouTube, Facebook Video, Google Play Movies, and more on its screen. Similar to the Echo Show, it has additional video streaming and control capabilities.

Video Calling Features: Lenovo Is More Flexible

The Echo Show provides a 13 MP camera for video calling. You can also make audio-only calls.

  • Alexa Drop-In makes Echo Show a video intercom.

  • Make audio-only calls by asking Alexa to dial a number.

  • Takes still images and selfies.

  • Video calling is only supported through the Alexa app.

  • Can’t mute the camera and mics separately.

  • Make audio-only calls by asking Smart Display to dial a number.

  • A sliding cover for the camera enables privacy.

  • Video calling is limited to Google Duo app users.

  • Can’t use the camera to take still images or selfies.

  • The microphone and camera can be muted separately.

The Lenovo Smart Display has a 5 MP camera. You can make video or audio-only calls. The ability to cover the camera and mute the mic separately gives the Smart Display a slight edge over the Echo Show with regards to privacy options.

Smart Home Control: Echo Is the Way to Go

Through Alexa Skills and Zigbee, the Echo Show can control many smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, doorbells, locks, and other appliances. Alexa is compatible with more smart home devices than Google Assistant. However, if you have a Google Home, Roku, or Chromecast device, the Lenovo Smart Display might be a better match.

  • Control devices by voice and touchscreen options.

  • Routines use a single command for several tasks.

  • Displays video streams from compatible security cameras.

  • Searching for Alexa skills can be a challenge.

  • Requires an additional app to control Roku devices.

  • Control some features of Roku devices directly.

  • Voice commands say which device is being controlled.

  • Supports routines to execute a series of tasks.

  • Displays video streams from compatible security cameras.

Cooking Assistance: Lenovo Takes the Cake

The Echo Show sources recipes from Food Network and All Recipes. You can view cooking videos or recipes on the screen. Once you select a recipe, use voice commands or touchscreen prompts to guide you through the ingredient list and preparation procedure.

  • Food Network and All Recipes provide a good selection.

  • Recipe images are large.

  • Proceed through ingredients or steps at your pace.

  • Access recipe videos on YouTube in a web browser.

  • Sources for recipes and cooking videos include YouTube.

  • Repeat ingredient steps as many times as needed.

  • Displays initial recipe choices smaller than on the Echo Show.

The Lenovo Smart Display sources recipes from Food Network, Betty Crocker, Delish, and King Arthur Flour. Say, “OK Google, show me recipes for (food) from (source).” Then, use touchscreen prompts or voice commands to go through ingredient lists and preparation steps.

Although both devices are great kitchen helpers, the ability of the Lenovo Smart Display to access recipes and cooking videos from YouTube makes it a better choice.

Maps and Directions: Lenovo Is the Clear Leader

  • Doesn’t display maps.

  • Tells the drive’s length and the location’s address.

  • Doesn’t send map information to your smartphone.

  • Displays maps and precise directions on the screen.

  • Send maps and directions to your smartphone.

  • Can’t send maps and directions to a printer.

Final Verdict

Compared to the Lenovo Smart Display, the Echo Show has faster voice response, fuller sound, bidirectional Bluetooth, and more comprehensive smart home control capability.

In comparison to the Echo Show, the Smart Display has a better screen, better video streaming access, more flexible audio and video privacy, plus it’s better with maps and directions.

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