The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to full-fledged productivity powerhouses. We’re pitting the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, a new contender boasting a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, against the Honor Pad X8 Pro, a more affordable option focused on everyday usability. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a substantial leap in processing power. However, the Honor Pad X8 Pro provides a solid experience for casual users and those on a tighter budget, offering a functional tablet experience at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 05 | 2024, February 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 05 | Available. Released 2024, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) | 278.7 x 191.6 x 6.3 mm (10.97 x 7.54 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 495 g (1.09 lb) | 590 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 2032 x 3048 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 457.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.6", 0.61µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, LHDC |
| NFC | No | Yes (file transfer only) |
| Positioning | Unspecified | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 45% in 10 min, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Purple, Mint | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | 24018RPACG |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad X8 Pro
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially lighter and more portable
- Significantly weaker processor than the Xiaomi
- Likely lower display quality
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- Fast 120W charging
- Superior display quality (brightness, contrast)
- Higher price tag
- Potentially heavier build
- May require more frequent charging with heavy use
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 boasts a superior display experience, achieving a measured peak brightness of 848 nits and a 1378:1 contrast ratio. While the Honor Pad X8 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls short of these figures, likely offering lower brightness and contrast. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility and immersive media consumption. The larger screen size of the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 also contributes to a more expansive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both tablets likely feature multi-camera setups, but the focus should be on the main sensors. Without specific details on the Honor Pad X8 Pro’s camera, it’s safe to assume the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, benefiting from its more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, will deliver superior image quality and processing capabilities. The Xiaomi’s image processing will likely offer better dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is equipped with the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm), featuring a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside Cortex-A715 and A710 cores. This architecture, built on a 4nm process, delivers significantly higher performance and efficiency compared to the Honor Pad X8 Pro’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm). The Snapdragon 685, with its Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, is geared towards everyday tasks, while the 8 Gen 2 is designed for demanding applications and gaming. The Xiaomi’s chipset will exhibit less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 shines in the battery and charging department. Its active use score of 11:14 hours demonstrates excellent battery life. More impressively, the 120W wired charging capability allows for a 45% charge in just 10 minutes and a full charge in 35 minutes. The Honor Pad X8 Pro’s battery capacity and charging speed are not specified, but it’s unlikely to match the Xiaomi’s rapid charging capabilities. The Xiaomi’s charging speed is a game-changer for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 Pro if you need a reliable tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity, and value affordability above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 if you demand the highest possible performance for demanding applications, gaming, or professional creative work, and are willing to pay a premium for it. The 120W charging is a significant benefit for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a flagship-level chipset capable of running even the most graphically intensive games at high settings with smooth frame rates. Its advanced cooling system should also prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 120W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 compare to standard tablet charging?
120W charging is exceptionally fast compared to typical tablet charging solutions. Most tablets charge at 20-30W. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 can go from 0% to 100% in just 35 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.
❓ Is the Honor Pad X8 Pro suitable for taking notes with a stylus?
While the Honor Pad X8 Pro can likely be used with a stylus, its performance and responsiveness will be limited by the Snapdragon 685 chipset. The experience won't be as fluid or precise as on a tablet with a more powerful processor and optimized stylus support, like the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4.