Both the Huawei MatePad 12 X and the Honor Pad V8 Pro aim for the premium Android tablet space, but they take different approaches. The MatePad 12 X focuses on a bright, high-quality display paired with Huawei’s Kirin T90A chipset, while the Honor Pad V8 Pro leverages the power of MediaTek’s Dimensity 8100. This comparison dives deep into the core differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Honor Pad V8 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8100 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Kirin T90A. However, the MatePad 12 X’s brighter display makes it a better choice for outdoor use or content creation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 19 | 2022, December 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 22 | Available. Released 2022, December 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back or eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 270 x 183 x 5.9 mm (10.63 x 7.20 x 0.23 in) | 277 x 179 x 6.6 mm or 7 mm |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 555 g (1.22 lb) | 589 g or 599 g (1.30 lb) |
| | - | Honor Pencil 3 (15ms latency) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~279 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.0 inches, 426.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, 600 nits |
| | - | IMAX enhanced |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin T90A | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.2 | Android 12, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10100 mAh | Li-Po 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Greenery | Grey, Blue, Orange |
| Models | - | ROD-W09 |
| Price | About 850 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 12 X
- Significantly brighter display (686 nits)
- Faster 66W wired charging
- Potentially better integration with Huawei ecosystem
- Less powerful chipset (Kirin T90A)
- Potentially limited app availability due to Huawei Mobile Services
Honor Pad V8 Pro
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 8100)
- Superior thermal efficiency
- Wider app compatibility with Google Play Services
- Slower 35W wired charging
- Likely lower peak display brightness
Display Comparison
The Huawei MatePad 12 X boasts a measured peak brightness of 686 nits, a substantial figure that will provide excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Honor Pad V8 Pro’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s likely to be a high-quality panel, but it will likely fall short of the MatePad 12 X in peak brightness. The absence of LTPO information for either device means we can’t assess adaptive refresh rate capabilities, but both are expected to offer smooth visuals. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy will be a key differentiator requiring further testing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the tablet form factor, camera performance is less critical than on smartphones. Both devices likely feature similar sensor configurations focused on basic photography and video conferencing. The absence of information regarding sensor size, OIS, or lens apertures prevents a meaningful assessment of image quality. It’s safe to assume neither tablet will compete with flagship smartphone cameras.
Performance
The Honor Pad V8 Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) chipset represents a significant leap in processing power compared to the Huawei MatePad 12 X’s Kirin T90A. The Dimensity 8100’s octa-core configuration, with 4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers superior multi-core and single-core performance. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both utilize octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 8100 translate to a smoother and more responsive user experience, particularly in demanding games and applications. The Kirin T90A, while capable, is likely to struggle in comparison.
Battery Life
The charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Huawei MatePad 12 X supports 66W wired charging, significantly faster than the Honor Pad V8 Pro’s 35W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the MatePad 12 X will result in quicker top-ups. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently use their tablets on the go. The difference in charging speed could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity on the MatePad 12 X, providing a comparable overall battery life experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 12 X if you need a tablet with exceptional screen brightness for outdoor productivity or media consumption, and you’re already invested in the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Honor Pad V8 Pro if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and overall system responsiveness, and prefer a more open Android experience without Huawei’s software customizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 8100 in the Honor Pad V8 Pro experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8100’s 5nm process and efficient core design significantly reduce the likelihood of severe thermal throttling compared to older chipsets. While some throttling is inevitable under sustained heavy load, the V8 Pro should maintain higher performance levels for longer periods than the MatePad 12 X.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad 12 X support Huawei’s M-Pencil and keyboard accessories?
Yes, the Huawei MatePad 12 X is fully compatible with Huawei’s M-Pencil (2nd generation) and Smart Magnetic Keyboard. These accessories enhance productivity and provide a more versatile tablet experience, making it suitable for note-taking, drawing, and typing.
❓ What is the software experience like on the Honor Pad V8 Pro compared to the Huawei MatePad 12 X?
The Honor Pad V8 Pro runs a more standard Android experience with full Google Play Services support, offering broader app compatibility and a familiar interface. The Huawei MatePad 12 X utilizes Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which may have limited app availability and a different user interface.
