The tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but narrowing down the choices can be challenging. We pit the Honor Pad 9, a mainstream Android tablet, against the Amazon Fire Max 11, a value-focused offering, to determine which delivers the best experience for your needs. This comparison focuses on core performance, display quality, and battery endurance, helping you decide if the extra investment in the Honor Pad 9 is worthwhile or if the Fire Max 11 provides sufficient functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and display quality, the Honor Pad 9 emerges as the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and brighter, higher-contrast display offer a smoother and more enjoyable experience. However, the Amazon Fire Max 11 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers primarily focused on media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | LTE, 5G | - |
| Technology | LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 21 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 21 | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 278.2 x 180.1 x 6.9 mm (10.95 x 7.09 x 0.27 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Yes (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 555 g or 568 g (1.22 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Anti-glare glass | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 1 major Android upgrades, Magic OS 7.2 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (cellular model only) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8300 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, White | Gray |
| Models | HEY2-W09 | KFSNWI |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Honor Pad 9
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 35W charging
- Higher price point
- May lack Amazon's ecosystem integration
Amazon Fire Max 11
- More affordable price
- Amazon ecosystem integration (Alexa, Prime Video)
- Decent for basic media consumption
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed
- Likely lower display quality
Display Comparison
The Honor Pad 9 boasts a significantly more impressive display, achieving a measured peak brightness of 530 nits and a 1128:1 contrast ratio. This translates to a vibrant and easily viewable screen, even in brightly lit environments. While the Fire Max 11’s display specifications aren’t publicly available, Amazon tablets historically prioritize cost savings over display quality. The higher contrast ratio on the Honor Pad 9 will deliver deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience. The lack of detailed display specs for the Fire Max 11 suggests it won't compete with the Honor Pad 9 in terms of visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, but the Honor Pad 9 likely holds an advantage due to its more modern chipset and potential for better image signal processing. The Fire Max 11’s camera specifications are not readily available, but Amazon tablets typically feature basic camera setups. Without detailed information on the Fire Max 11’s camera, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Honor Pad 9’s more powerful processor suggests superior image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference between these tablets lies in their chipsets. The Honor Pad 9 utilizes the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm), an octa-core processor built on a more efficient 4nm process. This contrasts with the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J. While both CPUs feature 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 benefits from the more advanced manufacturing process, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Honor Pad 9’s architecture is likely to handle demanding tasks and multitasking more smoothly. The Fire Max 11, while capable for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more slowdown under heavy load.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad 9 achieves an impressive 9:18 hours of active use, demonstrating strong battery endurance. The Fire Max 11’s battery life is not publicly available, but its less power-efficient chipset and slower 15W charging suggest it will likely require more frequent charging. The Honor Pad 9’s 35W wired charging also offers a significant advantage, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Fire Max 11’s 15W charging. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 contributes to the Honor Pad 9’s longer runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad 9 if you need a tablet capable of handling multitasking, light gaming, and demanding applications with relative ease. Its superior chipset and display make it ideal for productivity and entertainment. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you prioritize affordability and primarily intend to use the tablet for streaming video, reading, and basic web browsing. It’s a solid choice for families or those seeking a secondary tablet without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT8188J in the Fire Max 11 struggle with demanding games?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8188J is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can handle casual games, more graphically intensive titles will likely experience noticeable lag and reduced frame rates. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor Pad 9 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much does the 35W charging on the Honor Pad 9 reduce charging times compared to the Fire Max 11's 15W?
While exact 0-100% times aren't available for the Fire Max 11, the Honor Pad 9's 35W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a much faster top-up, allowing you to get back to using your tablet sooner. The difference is substantial, especially for users who frequently need to recharge.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire OS on the Max 11 limiting compared to full Android on the Honor Pad 9?
Yes, Amazon Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android. It prioritizes Amazon's services and lacks full access to the Google Play Store. While you can sideload apps, it's not as seamless as the experience on the Honor Pad 9, which offers full Android functionality and access to the Google Play Store.
