The Android tablet market is heating up, with Honor and Xiaomi delivering compelling options. The Honor MagicPad 3 Pro arrives with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, promising a significant performance leap. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, offers a proven track record and a more established ecosystem. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and future-proofing, the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a substantial performance advantage. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro remains a strong contender, providing a balanced experience with efficient power management and fast charging at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 15 | 2023, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 23 | Available. Released 2023, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 293.9 x 201.4 x 5.8 mm (11.57 x 7.93 x 0.23 in) | 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm (10.0 x 6.50 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 595 g (1.31 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 2136 x 3200 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~289 ppi density) | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~309 ppi density) |
| Size | 13.3 inches, 527.0 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR Vivid, 1100 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 840 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 16, MagicOS 10 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 9 MP, f/2.2 | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, ASHA | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, Display Port 1.2, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired
5W reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 1 hour |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 12450 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, White, Gold | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | YLP-W00 | 23046RP50C |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Honor MagicPad 3 Pro
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Faster 80W wired charging
- More efficient 3nm process node
- Likely higher price point
- Potential for software optimization to take time
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
- Proven Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- PD3.0 and QC4 charging support
- Potentially more affordable
- Slower charging speed (67W)
- Less powerful processor compared to the Honor
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature high-quality LCD panels (specific panel tech is not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The absence of display specs necessitates focusing on the impact of the chipsets on rendering. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s superior GPU will translate to smoother visuals and higher frame rates in graphically intensive applications. The 3nm process node of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 should also contribute to improved power efficiency when displaying content.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera performance is less critical. However, the absence of detailed camera specs makes direct comparison difficult. We can assume both tablets will offer capable cameras for video conferencing and casual photography. The larger sensor size, if present in the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro, would provide better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms will also play a role, but without specifics, it’s impossible to determine which tablet excels in this area.
Performance
The Honor MagicPad 3 Pro’s Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) represents a significant architectural shift with its Oryon V3 Phoenix cores. The 2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores and 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M cores promise a substantial performance uplift compared to the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 utilizes a more traditional core configuration (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510). The 3nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers improved thermal efficiency, potentially leading to sustained performance during prolonged gaming sessions, a key advantage for power users. The Oryon architecture is designed for higher IPC (Instructions Per Clock), meaning it can execute more tasks per clock cycle.
Battery Life
The Honor MagicPad 3 Pro’s 80W wired charging is significantly faster than the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro’s 67W wired charging. This translates to a quicker turnaround time for topping up the battery. While the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro supports PD3.0 and QC4, the Honor’s higher wattage provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to recharge quickly. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro is a useful addition for charging accessories. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s improved efficiency could offset any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or high-end gaming, and are willing to pay a premium. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro if you prioritize a refined user experience, efficient power consumption for all-day use, and a potentially more affordable price, making it ideal for productivity, media consumption, and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s 3nm process node is designed to improve thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling. However, sustained peak performance will still generate heat. Honor’s thermal management solution will be crucial in mitigating this, and real-world testing will be needed to assess its effectiveness.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro support stylus input and keyboard accessories, and how well are they integrated?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, Xiaomi typically offers stylus and keyboard accessories for its Pad series. Integration is generally good, with support for palm rejection and pressure sensitivity for the stylus, and a seamless connection for the keyboard. However, the quality of the accessories and software optimization will vary.
❓ How does the Oryon CPU architecture in the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro compare to the ARM Cortex cores in the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro in terms of real-world application performance?
The Oryon architecture, designed by Qualcomm, prioritizes higher Instructions Per Clock (IPC) compared to the ARM Cortex cores in the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This means the Honor MagicPad 3 Pro can potentially complete tasks faster, even at similar clock speeds. In demanding applications like video editing and 3D rendering, the Oryon cores should deliver a noticeable performance advantage.
