The budget tablet market is heating up, and the Honor Pad X8 and Realme Pad Mini are two strong contenders. Both offer a compelling blend of affordability and features, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Pad Mini edges out the Honor Pad X8 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and reverse charging capability. While both offer similar performance, the Realme Pad Mini's compact design and added convenience make it the preferred choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly tablet.
| 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 - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 17 | 2022, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 22 | Available. Released 2022, April 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 211.8 x 124.5 x 7.6 mm (8.34 x 4.90 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 372 g (13.12 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT8786 | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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 | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 6400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Gray, Blue |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | RMP2105, RMP2106 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor Pad X8
- Larger screen (potentially higher resolution)
- Slightly better sustained performance
- Premium build quality (subjective)
- Good value for money
- Unisoc chipset can be less efficient
- No reverse charging
- Camera quality is basic
Realme Pad Mini
- Compact and portable design
- Efficient Unisoc T616 chipset
- Reverse wired charging
- Good battery life
- Slightly lower performance in demanding tasks
- Camera quality is basic
- Build quality is more plastic-feeling
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 10.1-inch display, but the Honor Pad X8 typically boasts a slightly higher resolution (1920 x 1200) compared to the Realme Pad Mini (1920 x 1200). While both are LCD panels, the Honor Pad X8 might offer marginally better color accuracy and sharpness. Viewing angles are generally acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong point for either tablet. The Honor Pad X8 typically has a slightly better rear camera (8MP) compared to the Realme Pad Mini (8MP), but image quality remains basic. Front-facing cameras are similarly modest on both devices, suitable for video calls but not high-quality selfies.
Performance
While both tablets share the same CPU core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), the chipset difference is key. The MediaTek MT8786 in the Honor Pad X8 generally performs slightly better than the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Realme Pad Mini, especially in sustained workloads. However, the difference isn't massive and both are suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Battery Life
The Realme Pad Mini often has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) compared to the Honor Pad X8 (around 5000mAh). Coupled with the Unisoc T616's efficiency, the Realme Pad Mini often delivers slightly better battery life. The Realme Pad Mini also includes 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Honor Pad X8 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen for media consumption and those who appreciate a slightly more premium build. The Realme Pad Mini is perfect for those seeking a portable, versatile tablet for everyday tasks, reading, and light gaming, especially if reverse charging is a desired feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
While both can handle casual games, the Honor Pad X8's slightly more powerful chipset gives it a slight edge for more demanding titles. However, neither is a dedicated gaming tablet.
❓ Can I use the Realme Pad Mini to charge my phone?
Yes, the Realme Pad Mini supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices with a USB-C cable.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
Both tablets typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which tablet has better speakers?
Both tablets feature stereo speakers, but the Honor Pad X8 is often reported to have slightly better audio quality and louder volume.