The sub-$200 tablet market is heating up, with the Realme Pad 2 Lite and Huawei MatePad SE vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme Pad 2 Lite leverages a newer, more efficient chipset, while the MatePad SE relies on Huawei’s Kirin platform. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Huawei MatePad SE’s older Kirin 710A. The faster 15W charging also contributes to a more convenient user experience, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
| 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 |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 28 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 10 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Huawei MatePad SE
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices.
- Established Huawei ecosystem integration.
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region).
- Older Kirin 710A chipset offers lower performance.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less efficient 14nm manufacturing process.
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
- Faster 15W wired charging.
- 6nm manufacturing process for improved battery life.
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users.
- Potentially slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s advantage lies in its potential for a more modern panel design, benefiting from newer manufacturing processes. The lack of information on PWM dimming rates prevents a definitive statement on eye strain, but users sensitive to flicker should investigate further before purchasing either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are likely equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the focus should be on video call quality, and both tablets should suffice for basic video conferencing. The absence of OIS or high-resolution sensors suggests neither tablet will excel in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99 is the clear winner here. Built on a 6nm process, it offers significantly improved power efficiency and performance compared to the Huawei MatePad SE’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The Helio G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a more robust core setup than the Kirin 710A’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. While neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse, the Helio G99 will handle popular titles at lower settings with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity is not specified, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Huawei MatePad SE’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will reduce downtime and make the Pad 2 Lite more convenient for users who are constantly on the move. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. The MatePad SE does offer 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Realme Pad 2 Lite.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad SE if you prioritize brand familiarity within the Huawei ecosystem and require reverse wired charging to top up other devices. However, buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prioritize performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds. The Realme Pad 2 Lite is the better option for students or anyone needing a responsive tablet for media consumption and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require the lowest graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The Pad 2 Lite is better suited for less demanding titles or casual gaming.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad SE support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
The Huawei MatePad SE, depending on the region and model, may not come with Google Mobile Services pre-installed. It utilizes Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) instead, which means access to apps is through the Huawei AppGallery and potentially sideloading. This is a significant consideration for users heavily reliant on Google apps.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme Pad 2 Lite from 0%?
With 15W charging, a full charge from 0% is estimated to take around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on background processes and battery health. This is considerably faster than the MatePad SE’s 10W charging.
❓ Can I use the Huawei MatePad SE to charge my smartphone?
Yes, the Huawei MatePad SE supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices via a USB-C cable. However, the charging speed is slow and best suited for emergencies or small top-ups.
