Honor's Pad X8 series targets the affordable tablet market, but the X8 Lite and X8a represent distinct approaches. The X8 Lite relies on a Mediatek MT8786 chipset, while the X8a steps up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects the differences, focusing on how these chipset choices impact real-world performance and battery endurance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor Pad X8a is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost over the X8 Lite’s Mediatek MT8786, particularly in multitasking and demanding applications. While the X8 Lite may offer a slightly lower price point, the X8a’s improved efficiency and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.
| 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 | 2022, September 15 | 2024, August 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2024, August 15 |
| 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) | 257 x 168.5 x 7.3 mm (10.12 x 6.63 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 495 g (1.09 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 272.8 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 14, MagicOS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Blue | Space Gray |
| Models | - | NDL-W09 |
| Price | - | 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 X8 Lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Acceptable for light media consumption
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely shorter battery life
Honor Pad X8a
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680
- Excellent battery endurance (133-170 hours)
- Long battery lifespan (1200 cycles)
- More efficient 6nm process
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance likely only marginally better
Display Comparison
Neither Honor provides detailed display specifications beyond size and resolution. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The X8a’s Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, suggests a more efficient power draw, potentially leading to slightly better sustained brightness. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the X8a’s chipset architecture hints at an advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets are likely to feature modest camera setups geared towards casual use. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the X8a’s more powerful chipset could potentially enable better image processing, resulting in slightly improved image quality. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 offers advantages in noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the MT8786’s integrated solution. We anticipate both tablets will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these two tablets is significant. The Honor Pad X8a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, with its Kryo 265 Gold (2.4 GHz) and Silver (1.9 GHz) cores, represents a substantial upgrade over the X8 Lite’s Mediatek MT8786. The Snapdragon 680’s architecture, featuring four performance cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, will handle demanding tasks and multitasking with greater ease. The MT8786’s Cortex-A75 cores, while capable, are less efficient and offer lower peak performance. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 further enhances efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during prolonged use.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X8a boasts a remarkable 133-170 hour endurance rating and a 1200-cycle battery lifespan. This is a major advantage over the X8 Lite, which lacks specific battery endurance data. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process contributes significantly to this improved efficiency. While the X8a’s battery capacity isn’t explicitly stated, the extended endurance suggests a well-optimized power management system. The 1200 cycle lifespan indicates a higher quality battery cell, promising longevity and sustained performance over years of use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 Lite if your primary use case is extremely light – basic web browsing, video streaming, and simple document editing. It’s a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets. Buy the Honor Pad X8a if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and longer battery life. It’s ideal for students, casual gamers, and anyone who wants a tablet that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the X8a handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it will provide a playable experience, unlike the X8 Lite which will struggle significantly.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 impact real-world usage on the X8a?
The 6nm process is significantly more efficient than the process used in the Mediatek MT8786. This translates to lower power consumption for the same level of performance, resulting in longer battery life and reduced heat generation. You'll experience less throttling during extended use on the X8a.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two tablets noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The X8a’s Snapdragon 680 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, switching between apps, and loading web pages. The X8 Lite may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering during these tasks.
❓ What does the 1200 cycle battery lifespan mean for the Honor Pad X8a?
A 1200 cycle lifespan means the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This indicates a higher quality battery cell and suggests the X8a will maintain good battery health for a longer period compared to tablets with lower cycle counts.
