Honor's Pad X series aims to deliver affordable tablets without completely sacrificing usability. The Pad X7 and X8a represent two compelling options within this range, but subtle differences in their specifications – particularly around battery longevity – create a clear distinction for potential buyers. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which one offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-term reliability and extended usage between charges, the Honor Pad X8a emerges as the winner. Its advertised 133-17h endurance and 1200 charge cycles significantly outweigh the X7's simpler 10W charging, making it ideal for media consumption and everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 24 | 2024, August 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July 24 | Available. Released 2024, August 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 211.8 x 124.8 x 8 mm (8.34 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 257 x 168.5 x 7.3 mm (10.12 x 6.63 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 365 g (12.87 oz) | 495 g (1.09 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 14, MagicOS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 7020 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Space Gray |
| Models | - | NDL-W09 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 133:17h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class D |
| Free fall | - | Class E (7 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Honor Pad X7
- Identical processor to the X8a for comparable basic performance.
- Likely more affordable initial purchase price.
- Sufficient for light tasks and casual use.
- Significantly shorter battery life compared to the X8a.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially faster battery degradation over time.
Honor Pad X8a
- Exceptional battery endurance (133-17h).
- Long battery lifespan with 1200 charge cycles.
- More convenient for extended use and travel.
- Potentially higher initial purchase price.
- Shares the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, so no performance advantage.
- Display specifications are unknown and likely average.
Display Comparison
Both the Honor Pad X7 and X8a lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their positioning in the budget segment, we can anticipate both utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding resolution, peak brightness, or color gamut suggests neither device will excel in display quality, focusing instead on affordability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, typical for this price point. Without further data, a direct comparison is impossible, but display performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn't detail camera specifications beyond the chipset. Given the budget nature of these tablets, camera performance is unlikely to be a key strength. We can expect basic rear and front-facing cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of details like sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization suggests image quality will be average, particularly in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera capabilities for these devices would be misleading without further information.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) chipset, featuring an Octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks like app navigation, web browsing, and light multitasking. The 6nm fabrication process contributes to reasonable power efficiency. The lack of information regarding RAM configurations prevents a definitive statement on multitasking capabilities, but both should handle basic workloads adequately. Gaming performance will be limited to less demanding titles, and sustained performance may be affected by thermal throttling, though the 6nm process helps mitigate this.
Battery Life
This is where the Honor Pad X8a truly differentiates itself. While the Pad X7 offers only 10W wired charging, the X8a boasts an impressive 133-17h endurance rating and a claimed 1200 charge cycles. This suggests significantly longer usage times between charges and a slower degradation of battery health over the device's lifespan. The X7's 10W charging will require considerably more time to fully replenish the battery, making the X8a the superior choice for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day or travel frequently. The extended charge cycle lifespan of the X8a also represents a long-term cost saving, potentially delaying the need for a battery replacement.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X7 if you need a basic, functional tablet for light tasks like web browsing and occasional video streaming, and are comfortable with more frequent charging. Buy the Honor Pad X8a if you prioritize extended battery life, anticipate heavy usage, or want a tablet that will maintain its battery health for a longer period, justifying the slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster will the Honor Pad X8a charge compared to the X7?
While the exact charging time isn't specified, the X8a's superior battery endurance and likely more efficient power management suggest a more practical charging experience. The X7's 10W charging will take considerably longer to reach a full charge, making the X8a more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in either tablet struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is a capable processor for everyday tasks, but it's not designed for high-end gaming. Both the X7 and X8a will likely be able to run PUBG Mobile at lower settings, but expect frame rate drops and potential thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than competitive play.
❓ What does '1200 charge cycles' mean for the Honor Pad X8a's battery?
A charge cycle is completed when you've used 100% of the battery capacity. The X8a's claim of 1200 charge cycles indicates that the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This translates to a longer lifespan and reduced battery degradation compared to tablets with lower cycle ratings.
