The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad X6 and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent compelling options for users seeking affordable entertainment and productivity. While both aim for accessibility, they take different approaches to hardware and software, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers. This analysis dives deep into their specifications to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) emerges as the better choice. Its 12nm Mediatek Helio P60T chipset offers a slight performance edge, and the inclusion of wireless charging provides a convenience the Honor Pad X6 lacks. However, the Honor Pad X6 remains a viable option for those prioritizing a more standard Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 17. Released 2020, July 28 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| 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) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 272.8 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 3.1, no Google Play Services | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Neo Mint | Slate |
| Models | AGR-W09, AGR-AL09 | T76N2P |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Honor Pad X6
- Standard Android experience with Google Play Store access
- Potentially lower price point
- Familiar Android interface
- Slower 14nm chipset
- Slower 10W wired charging only
- Likely less optimized software
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Optimized for Amazon’s ecosystem
- Fire OS interface with limited Google services
- Heavily integrated with Amazon’s services
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, given their price points. The key difference lies in the chipsets’ manufacturing process, which doesn’t directly impact display quality. We can infer that both will offer adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for casual use, but neither will challenge higher-end tablets in terms of brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget status. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; however, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s slightly newer release may indicate minor display improvements.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and camera quality typically takes a backseat. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature modest camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on the chipsets, the image signal processors (ISPs) within the Helio P60T and Kirin 710A are likely comparable, offering similar levels of image processing capabilities. Any differences in image quality will likely stem from software optimization rather than hardware prowess.
Performance
The performance battle centers around the Kirin 710A (14nm) in the Honor Pad X6 and the Mediatek Helio P60T (12nm) in the Fire HD 10 Plus. While both CPUs feature the same core configuration – four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7/2.0 GHz – the Helio P60T’s 12nm process gives it a theoretical advantage in power efficiency and sustained performance. The smaller node allows for higher transistor density and reduced heat generation, potentially leading to less throttling during demanding tasks. This translates to a smoother experience when multitasking or playing graphically intensive games, favoring the Fire HD 10 Plus. The Honor Pad X6, while capable for basic tasks, may exhibit more noticeable slowdowns under heavy load.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Fire HD 10 Plus gains an edge with its wireless charging capability. While both tablets likely house similar capacity batteries (specifics are unavailable), the 12nm Helio P60T’s efficiency contributes to potentially longer runtimes. The 10W wired charging on the Honor Pad X6 is comparatively slow, requiring a significant amount of time to fully recharge. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s wireless charging offers added convenience, allowing users to top up the battery without needing a cable. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently use their tablet for extended periods.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X6 if you need a tablet running a standard, unskinned version of Android with Google Play Store access, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a tablet optimized for Amazon’s ecosystem, enjoy the convenience of wireless charging, and don’t mind the Fire OS interface and limited Google services.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I be able to easily install apps like Netflix and YouTube on the Honor Pad X6?
Yes, the Honor Pad X6 runs a standard version of Android with full Google Play Store support, meaning you can download and install popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others directly from the Play Store without any workarounds.
❓ How much does the Amazon Fire OS differ from standard Android, and will I be able to sideload apps?
Amazon Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android. It replaces the Google Play Store with the Amazon Appstore and emphasizes Amazon’s services. While the Amazon Appstore has a decent selection, it’s limited compared to Google Play. Sideloading apps is possible, but requires some technical knowledge and isn’t officially supported by Amazon.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Kirin 710A and Helio P60T noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and video streaming, the performance difference will likely be minimal. However, when multitasking or running more demanding apps, the Helio P60T’s more efficient 12nm process should provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ How long does it typically take to fully charge the Honor Pad X6 with the 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, the Honor Pad X6 will likely take around 4-5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly slower than the charging speeds offered by many modern tablets.
