The budget tablet market is heating up, with the HMD T21 and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for attention. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets: the HMD T21 utilizes the Unisoc Tiger T612, while the Realme Pad 2 Lite boasts the MediaTek Helio G99. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and efficiency, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is the better choice. Its Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the HMD T21’s 12nm Unisoc Tiger T612, and translates to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life despite a slightly slower charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 15 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 15 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8200 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Steel | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 160 EUR |
HMD T21
- PD3.0 charging offers wider compatibility.
- 18W charging is faster on paper.
- Potentially lower cost due to older chipset.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Helio G99.
- 12nm process is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat.
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A75).
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful and efficient MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm).
- Faster CPU cores (Cortex-A76).
- Better sustained performance due to improved thermal management.
- Slower 15W charging.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Lacks PD3.0 charging standard.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Realme Pad 2 Lite, benefiting from a more modern chipset, may have slightly better image processing capabilities. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, which is a brand-specific strength for Realme.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, it’s safe to assume both tablets feature modest camera setups geared towards casual use. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in photography. Focusing on the chipset, the Helio G99’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced, potentially offering slightly better image processing capabilities, but this will be limited by the sensor quality.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, a significant step up from the HMD T21’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) with its 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process node of the Helio G99 is substantially more efficient, leading to lower heat generation and potentially less performance throttling during extended use. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural improvements in the A76 cores and the process node give the Helio G99 a clear advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The GPU performance will also favor the Realme Pad 2 Lite.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging is slower than the HMD T21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support. PD3.0 offers more flexible charging options and potentially faster charging with compatible chargers. Despite the slower charging, the Helio G99’s 6nm efficiency could translate to longer real-world battery life, offsetting the charging speed difference. The efficiency gain is more impactful than the 3W charging difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD T21 if you prioritize wider compatibility with charging standards thanks to PD3.0 and are looking for a tablet primarily for basic tasks like media consumption and light browsing. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you want a more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and value a more modern and efficient processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The MediaTek Helio G99 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process will also help maintain stable performance during longer gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the HMD T21 get hot during prolonged use?
The Unisoc Tiger T612, being built on a 12nm process, is more prone to heat generation under sustained load compared to the 6nm Helio G99. While it won't likely overheat to the point of malfunction, you may experience some performance throttling during extended gaming or video editing.
❓ Is the PD3.0 charging on the HMD T21 a significant advantage?
PD3.0 offers broader compatibility with various chargers and power banks, potentially allowing for faster charging speeds if you have a compatible power adapter. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite's efficiency may offset the slower 15W charging in real-world usage.
