The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad X9 and Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a slightly brighter display, the Honor Pad X9 emerges as the winner. Its 13:17 hour active use score and 452 nits brightness provide a more reliable experience for extended use. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s Helio G99 offers a potential performance edge for demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 06 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 06 | Available. Released 2023, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.9 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) | 269.1 x 169.4 x 7.4 mm (10.59 x 6.67 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 495 g or 499 g (1.09 lb) | 520 g (1.15 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 12L |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray | Storm Grey, Sage |
| Models | - | TB350FU |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Honor Pad X9
- Excellent battery life (13:17h active use)
- Brighter display (452 nits)
- Efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Potentially lower peak performance compared to Helio G99
- Limited camera details available
Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
- Potentially faster performance with Helio G99
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- Sleek design (based on brand reputation)
- Likely shorter battery life
- Display brightness data unavailable
Display Comparison
The Honor Pad X9 boasts a display capable of reaching 452 nits of brightness, providing a more visible experience outdoors or in brightly lit environments compared to the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 (brightness data unavailable). The X9’s 1603:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Honor Pad X9’s measured brightness gives it a clear advantage for users who frequently use their tablets in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of refresh rate data for both tablets suggests standard 60Hz panels, which is typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are limited. Given the market segment, image quality is unlikely to be a primary concern for buyers. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes a meaningful comparison impossible. It’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s Mediatek Helio G99 chipset features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a potential performance advantage over the Honor Pad X9’s Snapdragon 685. The Snapdragon 685 utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz, but the newer architecture of the A76 cores in the Helio G99 generally translates to better single-core performance. Both chips are built on a 6nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 685’s focus on efficiency may contribute to the Honor Pad X9’s superior battery life. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but the chipset difference is the key differentiator here.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X9 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 13:17 hours of active use. While the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s battery capacity and active use time are unknown, the Snapdragon 685’s efficiency in the Honor Pad X9 is a significant advantage. Both tablets support 22.5W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. The Honor Pad X9’s longer battery life makes it the better choice for users who need a tablet that can last through a full day of heavy use without needing a recharge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad X9 if you need a tablet primarily for media consumption, reading, and everyday tasks, and value long battery life above all else. Its brighter screen and efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset make it ideal for extended use on the go. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 if you prioritize occasional gaming or more demanding applications, and are willing to trade some battery life for a potentially faster processor. The Helio G99 offers a step up in raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor Pad X9 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 685 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact is a graphically intensive game. Expect to play at lower settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s Helio G99 might offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither tablet is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How does the display quality of the Honor Pad X9 compare for watching movies and videos?
The Honor Pad X9’s 452 nits of brightness and 1603:1 contrast ratio provide a reasonably enjoyable viewing experience for movies and videos. While it won’t match the quality of high-end OLED displays, it’s more than adequate for casual entertainment, especially given its price point. The higher brightness ensures good visibility even in moderately lit rooms.
❓ Is the 22.5W charging on either tablet considered fast charging?
22.5W charging is considered moderate for tablets. It won't be as fast as the charging speeds found on flagship devices, but it should still be sufficient to top up the battery in a reasonable amount of time. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.