The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad 6 and Realme Pad 2 Lite represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. While both aim for accessibility, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor Pad 6’s Kirin 710A, and the faster 15W charging is a welcome addition. While neither is a powerhouse, the Lite offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 17. Released 2020, July 28 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 3.1, no Google Play Services | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | AGS3-W09, AGS3-AL09 | RMP2402 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Honor Pad 6
- Potentially lower price point.
- Familiar Honor ecosystem (for existing users).
- Adequate for basic tasks.
- Older Kirin 710A chipset offers limited performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less efficient 14nm process.
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Improved multitasking and gaming performance.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users.
- Camera performance likely similar to Honor Pad 6.
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs like resolution, peak brightness, and color gamut coverage are unavailable. Given the market positioning, expect both to offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be similar, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over a premium, edge-to-edge design. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget tablets, suitable for general consumption but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical. Given the price point, neither tablet is likely to compete with smartphone cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Honor Pad 6’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The G99 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering substantially better single-core performance than the A73 cores in the Kirin 710A. The 6nm fabrication process also translates to improved power efficiency, meaning the G99 can sustain higher performance for longer periods without significant throttling. While both are octa-core CPUs, the G99’s architecture provides a more modern and responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in app loading times and multitasking. The Realme Pad 2 Lite will likely handle graphically intensive tasks and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor Pad 6’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime. The Helio G99’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users who frequently use their tablets on the go will greatly benefit from the faster charging speed of the Realme Pad 2 Lite.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad 6 if your primary need is a basic tablet for light tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, and occasional video streaming, and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you value smoother multitasking, slightly more demanding games, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The G99 chipset offers a tangible improvement in responsiveness for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The G99's GPU is a step up from the Kirin 710A, but it's still a budget chipset, so don't expect flagship-level gaming performance.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 15W really noticeable?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. 15W charging on the Realme Pad 2 Lite will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the tablet compared to the Honor Pad 6's 10W charging. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
❓ How does the Kirin 710A perform with multitasking?
The Kirin 710A can handle basic multitasking, such as switching between a few apps, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks or running multiple apps simultaneously. You might experience some lag or slowdowns, especially if you have many apps open in the background.
❓ Which tablet is better for streaming video?
Both tablets are adequate for streaming video, but the Realme Pad 2 Lite's more efficient processor may result in slightly longer battery life during extended viewing sessions. The display quality is likely similar on both, assuming both use IPS LCD panels.
