The tablet market is heating up, with both Honor and Samsung offering compelling options. The Honor Pad GT Pro aims to deliver flagship performance at a competitive price, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ focuses on a balanced experience with the Exynos 1380, aiming for broader appeal and integration within the Samsung ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tablet.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Honor Pad GT Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset provides a noticeable edge in demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ remains a strong contender for those valuing ecosystem integration and a more refined software experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 16 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 17 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 274.5 x 180.5 x 5.8 mm (10.81 x 7.11 x 0.23 in) | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm (11.24 x 7.30 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 555 g (1.22 lb) | 627 g or 628 g (1.38 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 3000 pixels (~290 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.3 inches, 443.2 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 735 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, (wide)
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 9 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired
5W reverse wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 10050 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Black | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | ROD2-W69 | SM-X610, SM-X616B |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 770 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.50 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad GT Pro
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3)
- Faster 66W wired charging
- Potentially better thermal management
- Software experience may not be as refined as Samsung
- Ecosystem integration less seamless than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Seamless integration with Samsung ecosystem
- Polished One UI software experience
- S Pen support for enhanced productivity
- Slower processor (Exynos 1380)
- Slower 45W charging
- Potentially more throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Honor Pad GT Pro’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 benefits from a more modern 4nm process, potentially leading to better efficiency and sustained performance when rendering graphics-intensive content. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+’s Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm node, is still efficient, but the architectural differences in the CPU cores suggest the Snapdragon will handle complex visuals with greater ease. Without specific display specs like peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the chipset advantage leans towards the Honor.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera performance isn’t a primary concern for most users. However, the Honor Pad GT Pro likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. It's reasonable to assume both tablets will feature similar camera setups geared towards casual photography, but the Honor’s chipset provides a processing advantage.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Honor Pad GT Pro represents a significant leap in performance over the Exynos 1380 found in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. The Snapdragon’s Cortex-X4 prime core, clocked at 3.0 GHz, is a substantial upgrade over the Cortex-A78 cores in the Exynos, peaking at 2.4 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. Furthermore, the Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU will deliver superior graphics performance, crucial for gaming. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Exynos 1380 is a capable chip, but it’s positioned in a lower performance tier.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad GT Pro’s 66W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+’s 45W charging. This faster charging speed significantly reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Honor Pad GT Pro mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Samsung Tab S9 FE+ also supports QC2.0, but the Honor’s wattage is substantially higher, offering a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad GT Pro if you need a tablet primarily for gaming, content creation, or demanding multitasking, and value speed above all else. The 66W charging is a significant benefit for power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you prefer a tablet deeply integrated with the Samsung ecosystem, prioritize a more polished software experience, and appreciate the S Pen functionality for note-taking and creative work.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380 is a capable chip, but it's less thermally efficient than the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. While it won't necessarily overheat, users may experience some throttling – a reduction in performance – during extended gaming sessions to prevent excessive heat buildup. The Honor Pad GT Pro, with its more efficient chipset, is less likely to exhibit this behavior.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Honor Pad GT Pro compared to the 45W charging on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+?
The 66W charging on the Honor Pad GT Pro will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity (not specified), expect the Honor to charge considerably faster – potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes compared to the Samsung. This is a major convenience factor for users who frequently use their tablets throughout the day.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Honor Pad GT Pro allow me to play demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is well-equipped to handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings. The Adreno GPU provides ample graphics power, and the 4nm process node ensures sustained performance without significant throttling. Expect a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
