The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad X8 Lite and Realme Pad 2 Lite are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its more modern Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor Pad X8 Lite’s MT8786, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Honor Pad X8 Lite remains a viable option, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s efficiency and charging capabilities give it an edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 15 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~156 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 272.8 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Blue | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Honor Pad X8 Lite
- Potentially lower initial price
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Likely lightweight design
- Older chipset architecture
- Less responsive performance
- Slower charging speeds
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother multitasking experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially slightly heavier
- Camera performance likely similar to Honor Pad X8 Lite
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, the display is likely to be a standard IPS LCD on both devices, typical for this price range. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests both are geared towards media consumption rather than fast-paced gaming. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both, contributing to a more affordable price point. Color accuracy is likely to be standard, sufficient for everyday use but not ideal for color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets are unlikely to excel in photography. Details on camera sensors are scarce, but given the price point, expect basic 8MP or 5MP sensors. Image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. The focus should be on video conferencing rather than serious photography. Any secondary cameras are likely to be low-resolution depth or monochrome sensors, offering minimal benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the Honor Pad X8 Lite’s Mediatek MT8786. The G99 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the X8 Lite’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 10-15% faster single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 6nm process also improves power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. While both have 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the G99’s overall architecture provides a more fluid multitasking experience. The Realme Pad 2 Lite is the clear winner for users who plan to run multiple apps or engage in light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are likely to house batteries in the 6000-7000 mAh range, typical for tablets of this size. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite benefits from 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Honor Pad X8 Lite. This means the Realme Pad 2 Lite can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime and increasing usability. The G99’s 6nm efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 Lite if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. It’s a suitable option for casual users who don’t demand high performance. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you value a more responsive experience, better multitasking capabilities, and faster charging. This tablet is ideal for students, those who enjoy light gaming, and anyone who wants a tablet that feels more future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G99 is capable, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at medium settings with a stable frame rate. However, demanding titles may require significant graphical compromises to maintain smooth gameplay.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the MT8786 and Helio G99 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio G99’s more modern architecture and higher clock speeds result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. Multitasking will also feel significantly more fluid on the Realme Pad 2 Lite.
❓ Does the Realme Pad 2 Lite support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated, Realme tablets often include microSD card support. Check the official product specifications or user reviews to confirm compatibility and maximum supported capacity.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme Pad 2 Lite with the 15W charger?
Assuming a battery capacity of around 7000mAh, a full charge from 0% to 100% with the 15W charger will likely take approximately 3-4 hours. This is significantly faster than the charging speeds expected on the Honor Pad X8 Lite.
