The budget tablet market is heating up! Both the Huawei MatePad SE and the Realme Pad offer compelling features at affordable prices. But which one delivers the best overall experience? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Pad edges out the MatePad SE thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the MatePad SE might appeal to those deeply integrated into the Huawei ecosystem. Ultimately, the Realme Pad offers a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 28 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 10 | Available. Released 2021, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 246.1 x 155.9 x 6.9 mm (9.69 x 6.14 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 440 g (15.52 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 7100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Gray, Gold |
| Models | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 | RMP2102, RMP2103 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1554:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-22.4 LUFS (Excellent)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 187913 (v8), 226474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1236 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei MatePad SE
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good for Huawei ecosystem users
- Decent battery life
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset
- Display not as bright
Realme Pad
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster charging (18W)
- More powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- Slightly larger and heavier than MatePad SE
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
The Realme Pad boasts a significantly brighter display (455 nits) compared to the MatePad SE, offering better visibility in outdoor conditions. Both tablets have a high contrast ratio (1554:1), ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Realme Pad's display is the clear winner here.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on budget tablets is rarely a highlight. Both devices feature basic camera setups, likely suitable for occasional video calls and casual snapshots. Expect similar performance in this area, with neither excelling significantly.
Performance
The Realme Pad's MediaTek Helio G80 chipset generally outperforms the Kirin 710A in the MatePad SE. The G80's Cortex-A75 cores provide a boost in processing power, making the Realme Pad feel snappier for multitasking and gaming. While both are adequate for everyday tasks, the Realme Pad offers a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer a 5W reverse wired charging feature. However, the Realme Pad's 18W wired charging is considerably faster than the MatePad SE's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad SE is a good choice for users already invested in the Huawei ecosystem, seeking a basic tablet for media consumption and light productivity. The Realme Pad is ideal for those prioritizing a vibrant display, faster charging, and a more versatile performance for gaming and everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Realme Pad is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and smoother performance.
❓ Is the Huawei MatePad SE good for note-taking?
It's adequate for basic note-taking, but a stylus is recommended for a better experience. The Realme Pad would also perform similarly.
❓ Which tablet has better software support?
Huawei's software support can be inconsistent. Realme generally provides more regular updates, though both are Android-based.
