The tablet market is heating up with compelling options under $300. The Honor Pad X8 and Realme Pad X both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Honor Pad X8 focuses on a streamlined experience with a MediaTek chipset, while the Realme Pad X brings 5G connectivity and a brighter display to the table. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad X emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and the significantly brighter 496-nit display enhances usability in various lighting conditions. While the Honor Pad X8 is a capable device, the Realme Pad X offers a more future-proof and versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 17 | 2022, May 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 22 | Available. Released 2022, June 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 256.5 x 161.1 x 7.1 mm (10.10 x 6.34 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 499 g / 506 g (1.10 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic charging) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~213 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 341.3 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT8786 | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4 | Android, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 105˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 b/g/n/ac, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, PD
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 8340 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Glowing Gray, Glacier Blue, Green |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | RMP2107, RMP2108 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1664:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-22.5 LUFS (Excellent)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 395824 (v9)
GeekBench: 2026 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Honor Pad X8
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 695
- No 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speeds
Realme Pad X
- Faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- Brighter display for better visibility
- 33W fast charging with PD and reverse charging
- Potentially higher price
- May require a 5G data plan
- Software experience may vary
Display Comparison
The Realme Pad X boasts a clear advantage in display quality. With a measured peak brightness of 496 nits, it significantly outshines the Honor Pad X8 (brightness data unavailable, assumed lower based on chipset and price point). Both displays share a similar 1655:1 to 1664:1 contrast ratio, indicating comparable color depth. However, the higher brightness of the Realme Pad X translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit rooms. The Honor Pad X8's display specifications are less defined, suggesting a more standard LCD panel, while the Realme Pad X likely utilizes a more refined IPS LCD.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are limited. Given the market segment, camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison, but the Realme Pad X's more powerful chipset could potentially offer slightly better image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference between these tablets lies in their chipsets. The Realme Pad X is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm), featuring a 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver CPU configuration. This 6nm process node offers improved power efficiency compared to the MediaTek MT8786 in the Honor Pad X8. The MT8786 utilizes an octa-core setup with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 695's architecture and fabrication process provide a performance advantage, particularly in demanding tasks and sustained workloads. The 5G modem in the Realme Pad X is a significant benefit for users needing mobile data connectivity on the go.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Realme Pad X includes 33W wired charging with PD and 5W reverse wired charging, a substantial advantage over the Honor Pad X8, which lacks fast charging capabilities. The 33W charging on the Realme Pad X will significantly reduce charging times, offering greater convenience. While a larger battery capacity on the Honor Pad X8 could offset the slower charging, the Realme Pad X's faster charging is a practical benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X8 if you prioritize a simple, reliable tablet for basic tasks like media consumption and light productivity, and 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. Buy the Realme Pad X if you value performance for multitasking and gaming, need the flexibility of 5G, and appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display for outdoor use or well-lit environments. The Realme Pad X is also the better choice for users who want faster charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Realme Pad X offer a noticeable performance improvement over the MediaTek MT8786 in the Honor Pad X8 for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695's more modern architecture and higher clock speeds provide a significant performance boost for gaming. While neither tablet is a dedicated gaming device, the Realme Pad X will handle more demanding titles with smoother frame rates and fewer stutters. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal management during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme Pad X worth the extra cost if I primarily use Wi-Fi?
If you consistently have access to reliable Wi-Fi, the 5G connectivity might not be essential. However, 5G provides a valuable backup option for internet access when Wi-Fi is unavailable, offering faster speeds and greater reliability than 4G. It's a worthwhile investment if you frequently travel or need mobile data connectivity in areas with limited Wi-Fi coverage.
❓ How long does it typically take to fully charge the Realme Pad X with the 33W charger?
While exact charging times vary based on usage, the Realme Pad X can typically charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-75 minutes with the included 33W charger. This is significantly faster than the Honor Pad X8, which lacks fast charging support and will take considerably longer to fully charge.