The Android tablet market is heating up, with Honor aggressively challenging Samsung's dominance. We pit the Honor Pad GT2 Pro, featuring the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, against the established Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience for demanding users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Honor Pad GT2 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a noticeable performance uplift. However, the Galaxy Tab S8+ remains a strong contender with its refined software and established ecosystem.
| 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 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 15 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July 28 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 277.8 x 190.9 x 6 mm (10.94 x 7.52 x 0.24 in) | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm (11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 532 g (1.17 lb) | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 lb) |
| | - | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 3048 x 2032 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~285 ppi density) | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.5 inches, 491.7 cm2 (~92.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| | - | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 10100 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, White | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | CHG-W60 | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 950 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad GT2 Pro
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- 66W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better thermal management due to newer architecture
- Software ecosystem less mature than Samsung's
- Camera details are unknown, potentially a weaker point
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- Refined One UI software experience
- Seamless integration with Samsung ecosystem
- Established brand reputation and software support
- Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- Slower 45W charging
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature high-quality LCD panels (specific panel tech is not provided), the core performance difference lies elsewhere. The absence of LTPO technology details for the Honor Pad GT2 Pro suggests it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates as efficiently as Samsung's implementation on the Tab S8+. This could impact battery life during less demanding tasks. Bezels are likely comparable given both target a premium aesthetic, and color accuracy will depend on calibration, a detail not specified in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn't offer specifics on camera sensors. However, given the focus on performance, it's reasonable to assume both tablets prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. The absence of details suggests neither is positioned as a primary camera device. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung traditionally favoring vibrant, saturated colors, while Honor may lean towards a more natural look. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive comparison is impossible.
Performance
The Honor Pad GT2 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents a significant architectural leap over the Galaxy Tab S8+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The Gen 3 utilizes a 4nm process and features the newer Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, compared to the Gen 1’s 3.0 GHz Cortex-X2. This translates to faster single-core performance and improved efficiency. The Gen 3’s CPU configuration (1x3.3GHz X4, 3x3.2GHz A720, 2x3.0GHz A720, 2x2.3GHz A520) is more balanced than the Tab S8+'s (1x3.0GHz X2, 3x2.5GHz A710, 4x1.8GHz A510), potentially leading to better sustained performance under heavy load. The newer architecture also benefits from improved AI processing capabilities. While both use a 4nm process, the Gen 3’s advancements offer a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad GT2 Pro’s 66W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Galaxy Tab S8+'s 45W charging, with Samsung claiming a 0-100% charge in 82 minutes. The faster charging will significantly reduce downtime for power users. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s improved efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the Honor Pad GT2 Pro, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The Gen 3’s efficiency gains are crucial, as faster charging is only beneficial if the battery doesn’t drain rapidly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad GT2 Pro if you need uncompromising performance for gaming or demanding applications and value the fastest possible charging speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ if you prioritize a mature software experience, seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, and a proven track record of software updates. The Tab S8+ is also a better choice for users heavily invested in the S Pen ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Honor Pad GT2 Pro handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerhouse capable of running even the most graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings with consistently high frame rates. Its improved GPU and thermal management should prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ support DeX mode for a desktop-like experience?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S8+ fully supports Samsung DeX, allowing you to connect it to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience. This is a significant advantage for productivity users who want to use their tablet as a portable workstation.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between Honor and Samsung?
Samsung generally offers a more consistent and longer-term software update policy than Honor. Samsung typically guarantees several years of OS updates and security patches, while Honor's commitment is often shorter. This is a crucial consideration for users who prioritize long-term software support.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the Honor Pad GT2 Pro compatible with standard USB-PD chargers?
While the Honor Pad GT2 Pro supports USB-PD, to achieve the full 66W charging speed, you'll need to use the included charger or a compatible charger specifically rated for that wattage. Standard USB-PD chargers may charge the tablet at a slower rate.
