The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly to premium. We pit the Honor Tab 7, a value-focused device, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a performance-oriented contender, to determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget. This comparison focuses on the core differences in processing power, charging capabilities, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers significantly faster performance, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. While the Honor Tab 7 offers affordability, the performance gap is too large to ignore for demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.1, no Google Play Services | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Space Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Honor Tab 7
- Significantly more affordable
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Lightweight and portable
- Substantially slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely lower-quality display
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 870
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Likely higher-quality display and camera
- Higher price point
- Potentially heavier than the Honor Tab 7
- May require more frequent charging with heavy use
Display Comparison
While display specifications are not provided for the Honor Tab 7, it's reasonable to assume a standard LCD panel given its price point. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, however, benefits from a likely higher-resolution display and potentially a wider color gamut. The larger screen real estate of the 12.4-inch Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is immediately noticeable, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and productivity. Bezels are likely thinner on the Xiaomi model, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. Without specific data, it's difficult to assess color accuracy, but Xiaomi typically prioritizes display quality in its Pro models.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera quality isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely features a more sophisticated camera system, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP). While specific sensor details are unavailable, Xiaomi typically equips its Pro models with larger sensors and improved image processing algorithms. The Honor Tab 7 likely features a basic camera setup suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Without detailed specifications, a precise comparison is impossible, but the Xiaomi is expected to deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these tablets. The Honor Tab 7’s Mediatek MT8786, with its Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, is a capable processor for everyday tasks, but it’s outmatched by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4. The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, built on a 7nm process, offer substantially higher single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Xiaomi’s chipset also boasts a more powerful GPU, making it the clear winner for gaming. The lack of information on RAM specifications for the Honor Tab 7 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely utilizes faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a massive advantage. This allows for a 60% charge in just 36 minutes and a full charge in 68 minutes. The Honor Tab 7’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. While a larger battery capacity on the Honor Tab 7 might offer longer overall runtime, the convenience of the Xiaomi’s rapid charging is a compelling benefit, especially for users who frequently use their tablet on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Tab 7 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light document editing. It’s ideal for casual users or as a dedicated media consumption device for children. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you demand smooth multitasking, enjoy mobile gaming, or require a tablet for productivity tasks like photo editing or running demanding applications. The faster processor and charging speed justify the higher price for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is more than capable of running Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at high settings. Its powerful GPU and efficient thermal design allow for sustained performance without significant throttling, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor Tab 7 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
For casual users who primarily use their tablet overnight or during downtime, the 10W charging might be acceptable. However, if you frequently need to quickly top up your battery, the slow charging speed will be a noticeable limitation. Expect several hours to reach a full charge from a low battery level.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 support stylus input and keyboard attachments for increased productivity?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is designed with productivity in mind and supports optional stylus and keyboard accessories. These accessories significantly enhance the tablet's functionality, transforming it into a portable workstation for tasks like note-taking, document editing, and creative work.
❓ What type of storage does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 use, and is it expandable?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 utilizes UFS 3.1 storage, which is known for its fast read and write speeds. Unfortunately, it does *not* offer microSD card expansion, so you'll need to choose a storage capacity that meets your long-term needs during purchase.
