The budget tablet market is heating up, and the Honor Pad X8 Lite and Huawei MatePad SE are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei MatePad SE edges out the Honor Pad X8 Lite thanks to its slightly more powerful Kirin 710A chipset and reverse charging capability. While both are solid budget options, the MatePad SE provides a smoother experience and added versatility. However, the X8 Lite might offer better value depending on pricing and promotions.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 15 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2022, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 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 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Kirin 710A (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB | 32GB 3GB RAM, 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 | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Blue | Dark Blue |
| Models | - | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 |
| Price | - | About 190 EUR |
Honor Pad X8 Lite
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Lightweight Design
- Mediocre Performance
- Basic Camera
- Slower Charging
Huawei MatePad SE
- Slightly Better Performance
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Huawei's Display Tuning
- Good Value
- Slower Charging Speed (10W)
- Basic Camera
- Design can be bland
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1920x1200. While specific panel technology isn't always detailed, expect IPS LCD panels on both. The MatePad SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to Huawei's display tuning, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Brightness levels are likely comparable, suitable for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is typically not a strong point in budget tablets. Both devices likely feature modest rear and front-facing cameras, suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Don't expect flagship-level image quality from either device. The MatePad SE might have a slight edge in image processing due to Huawei's algorithms.
Performance
Here's where the MatePad SE takes a slight lead. The Kirin 710A, built on a 14nm process, generally outperforms the Mediatek MT8786. The Cortex-A73 cores in the Kirin 710A are more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores in the MT8786. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the MatePad SE. Both will handle basic tasks well, but demanding games might struggle.
Battery Life
Both tablets likely pack a battery around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. The MatePad SE's 10W wired charging is a bit slower than what some competitors offer, but the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging is a unique and useful feature for topping up accessories like earbuds.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Honor Pad X8 Lite? Users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and casual gaming on a tight budget. Who should buy the Huawei MatePad SE? Those seeking a slightly more responsive performance for everyday tasks and appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What resolution are the screens on these tablets?
Both tablets typically feature a resolution of around 1920x1200, offering a decent viewing experience for their size.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these tablets?
While both can handle casual games, demanding titles might struggle due to their mid-range chipsets. Expect reduced graphics settings and potentially some frame rate drops.
