The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up. The Honor Pad X8 Pro aims to deliver solid performance at an accessible price point, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) offers a refined experience with a focus on portability and the S Pen ecosystem. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on their chipsets, performance, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the better choice. Its Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor Pad X8 Pro’s Snapdragon 685, despite the Honor’s larger battery. However, the X8 Pro offers compelling value for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 05 | 2024, March 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 05 | Available. Released 2024, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 495 g (1.09 lb) | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro (wi-fi model only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Purple, Mint | Gray, Mint, Rose Gold |
| Models | - | SM-P620, SM-P625 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | $ 215.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad X8 Pro
- Potentially larger battery capacity for extended use.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Larger screen size (assumed, based on market positioning)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 685 chipset.
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A73 vs A78).
- Potentially slower charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 1280 chipset.
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A78).
- S Pen support for enhanced productivity.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Potentially smaller battery capacity.
- Higher price compared to the Honor Pad X8 Pro.
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Samsung provided display specs beyond size. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. The Snapdragon 685 powering the X8 Pro is manufactured on a 6nm process, while the Exynos 1280 in the Tab S6 Lite (2024) uses a more efficient 5nm process. This translates to better thermal management and potentially longer sustained performance during graphically intensive tasks. While both will likely offer adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, the Exynos 1280’s superior processing power could enable features like HDR10 support, which is less likely on the X8 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers in this segment. Both devices likely feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume the Tab S6 Lite (2024) benefits from Samsung’s image processing expertise, potentially delivering more pleasing results in good lighting conditions. The Honor Pad X8 Pro may rely more heavily on software enhancements to compensate for potentially lower-quality sensors. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism without detailed sensor specifications.
Performance
The Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) represents a significant architectural leap over the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor Pad X8 Pro. The Exynos utilizes two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, offering substantially higher single-core performance than the Cortex-A73 cores (2.8GHz) in the Snapdragon 685. While the Snapdragon boasts a higher clock speed on its prime cores, the A78 architecture is more efficient and delivers more instructions per clock cycle. The Exynos 1280’s six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, clocked at 2.0GHz, are also more modern than the X8 Pro’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.9GHz, contributing to better overall system responsiveness. This difference will be most noticeable in multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X8 Pro likely has a larger battery capacity than the Tab S6 Lite (2024), but the Samsung device’s more efficient Exynos 1280 chipset and 5nm manufacturing process partially offset this advantage. The Tab S6 Lite (2024) is limited to 15W wired charging, which is slower than what some competitors offer. The X8 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, but a faster charging rate would be a significant advantage. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Exynos 1280’s efficiency should translate to comparable or even better endurance despite the potentially smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 Pro if you need a large-screen tablet for casual media consumption, light productivity tasks, and extended battery life without breaking the bank. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, benefit from S Pen functionality, and value a more compact and portable design, even if it means slightly less battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Tab S6 Lite (2024) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is relatively efficient and should not exhibit significant overheating during typical gaming sessions. Samsung’s thermal management is generally well-optimized, and the Tab S6 Lite (2024)’s larger chassis provides ample space for heat dissipation. However, sustained, high-graphics gaming will inevitably generate heat, potentially leading to some performance throttling after extended periods.
❓ Is the S Pen a significant advantage for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)?
For users who frequently take notes, sketch, or annotate documents, the S Pen is a substantial benefit. Samsung’s software integration with the S Pen is excellent, offering features like Air Command and screen-off memo. While the Honor Pad X8 Pro may support third-party styluses, they won’t offer the same level of seamless integration and functionality as the S Pen.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 685 handle multitasking compared to the Exynos 1280?
The Exynos 1280’s more powerful CPU and modern architecture will provide a noticeably smoother multitasking experience. The Snapdragon 685 may struggle with numerous apps open simultaneously, leading to occasional lag or app reloading. The Exynos 1280’s superior RAM management and processing power will allow for more efficient switching between applications.
