The mid-range tablet space is heating up, with both Huawei and Honor offering compelling options. The Honor Pad 9 Pro, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8100, has established itself as a strong performer. Now, Huawei enters the fray with the MatePad Air (2025), focusing on rapid charging and a streamlined experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and sustained gaming, the Honor Pad 9 Pro takes the lead thanks to its Dimensity 8100 chipset. However, the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) appeals to those who value faster charging speeds and a potentially lighter design, though details on weight are currently unavailable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 15 | 2024, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 21 | Available. Released 2024, July 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 270 x 183 x 5.9 mm (10.63 x 7.20 x 0.23 in) | 277 x 179.9 x 6.6 mm (10.91 x 7.08 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 555 g (1.22 lb) | 589 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~279 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 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 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak), HDR Vivid | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.0 | Android 14, Magic OS 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, UFCS, 100% in 85 min | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10100 mAh | Li-Po 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pink, Green, White, Gray | Sky Blue, Star Gray |
| Models | LRT-W20, LRT-W30 | - |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Huawei MatePad Air (2025)
- Significantly faster 66W UFCS charging
- Potentially lighter and more portable design (pending weight confirmation)
- Huawei’s software optimizations may offer unique features
- Chipset performance currently unknown and may lag behind the Dimensity 8100
- Display specifications currently unavailable
- Camera details are missing
Honor Pad 9 Pro
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) chipset for demanding tasks
- Octa-core CPU with high clock speeds for responsive performance
- LPDDR5x RAM for enhanced multitasking
- Slower 35W charging compared to the MatePad Air (2025)
- IPS LCD display may not offer the same visual fidelity as OLED panels
- Limited camera information
Display Comparison
Display specifications are currently unavailable for the Huawei MatePad Air (2025). The Honor Pad 9 Pro boasts a 12.1-inch IPS LCD display. While the resolution and refresh rate are not specified, the Dimensity 8100’s integrated display engine suggests support for high refresh rates. The lack of LTPO technology in the Honor Pad 9 Pro means it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates for power saving like some premium tablets. The MatePad Air (2025)'s display quality will be a critical factor in determining its overall value.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) are currently unknown. The Honor Pad 9 Pro’s camera specifications are also limited. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, it’s difficult to assess its imaging capabilities. Tablet cameras are rarely a primary purchasing factor, but the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s camera performance will likely be adequate for casual use and video conferencing.
Performance
The Honor Pad 9 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) chipset is the clear performance leader on paper. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, provides a significant processing advantage. The 5nm manufacturing process contributes to improved thermal efficiency compared to older nodes. While the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) chipset is unspecified, it will need to deliver comparable multi-core performance to compete. The Honor Pad 9 Pro’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad Air (2025) distinguishes itself with 66W wired charging, utilizing UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) for potentially wider compatibility. This promises a full charge in just 85 minutes. The Honor Pad 9 Pro, with its 35W wired charging, will take considerably longer to reach 100%. While battery capacity is not specified for either device, the faster charging of the MatePad Air (2025) offers a significant convenience advantage, especially for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) if you need the fastest possible charging speeds and prioritize convenience over absolute peak performance. Its 66W UFCS charging will minimize downtime. Buy the Honor Pad 9 Pro if you prefer a tablet optimized for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, benefiting from the Dimensity 8100’s robust CPU and GPU capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Dimensity 8100 handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact on the Honor Pad 9 Pro?
The Mediatek Dimensity 8100 is a capable chipset for gaming. Expect smooth performance in Genshin Impact at medium to high settings. Sustained performance will depend on the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s thermal management, but the 5nm process should help mitigate throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is UFCS charging on the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) compatible with all my existing USB-C chargers?
UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) aims for broad compatibility, but it’s not a guarantee. While it should work with most USB-PD chargers, optimal charging speeds are achieved with chargers that specifically support UFCS. Check your charger’s specifications to confirm compatibility.
❓ Will the Huawei MatePad Air (2025) support Huawei's ecosystem features like Super Device?
It is highly likely that the MatePad Air (2025) will support Huawei’s Super Device features, allowing seamless connectivity and collaboration with other Huawei devices. This is a key selling point of Huawei’s ecosystem.
