The Huawei MediaPad series offers compelling options in the mid-range tablet market. Two popular contenders are the MediaPad M2 8.0 and the MediaPad X2. Both boast Huawei's Kirin processors, but subtle differences in design and features set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MediaPad X2 edges out the M2 8.0 thanks to its reverse charging capability and slightly refined design. However, the M2 8.0 remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize a more balanced feature set and potentially a lower price point. It's a close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - M2-801L, M2-803L | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - M2-801L | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-703L |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - M2-803L | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-702L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, May. Released 2015, May | 2015, March. Released 2015, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 214.8 x 124 x 7.8 mm (8.46 x 4.88 x 0.31 in) | 183.5 x 103.9 x 7.2 mm (7.22 x 4.09 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 330 g (11.64 oz) | 239 g (8.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 930 (28 nm) | Kirin 930 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T628 MP4 | Mali-T628 MP4 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), EMUI 3.1 | Android 5 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6 (Marshmallow), EMUI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM (Standard), 32GB 3GB RAM (Premium) | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, dual speakers | Yes |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 576 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold | Moonlight silver, Amber gold |
| Models | M2-801L, M2-803L, M2-802L | GEM-703L, GEM-702L, GEM-701L |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0
- Good value for money
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Solid build quality
- Good audio quality (likely dual speakers)
- Camera performance is average
- Design is somewhat dated
- No reverse charging
Huawei MediaPad X2
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly more premium design
- Potentially brighter display
- Portable and lightweight
- Slightly smaller battery (though offset by reverse charging)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Performance is virtually identical to M2 8.0
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8-inch IPS LCD display, likely with a resolution around 1920x1200. While both offer good viewing angles and color reproduction, the X2 might have a slightly brighter panel and potentially better contrast due to minor design refinements. Expect similar overall display quality, but the X2 could offer a marginally better visual experience.
Camera Comparison
The MediaPad M2 8.0 typically features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The MediaPad X2 likely has similar specifications, but Huawei often tweaks image processing algorithms. Expect decent image quality for casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in photography. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
Both devices utilize the Kirin 930 chipset with an octa-core CPU. However, the CPU core configuration differs: M2 8.0 has 4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz, while the X2 has 4x1.5 GHz & 4x2.0 GHz. This difference is minimal and unlikely to result in noticeable performance variations in everyday use. Both will handle multitasking and moderate gaming adequately.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a key differentiator. The MediaPad M2 8.0 typically has a 5100mAh battery, while the MediaPad X2 often features a slightly smaller 4800mAh battery. However, the X2's reverse charging capability can offset this difference by allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 is ideal for users seeking a reliable, affordable tablet for media consumption, light gaming, and everyday tasks. The MediaPad X2 is better suited for those who value portability, reverse charging for accessories, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is reverse charging and why is it useful?
Reverse charging allows the tablet to wirelessly or wired charge other devices like smartphones or earbuds. It's useful when you're on the go and need to top up another device's battery.
❓ Are these tablets good for gaming?
Both tablets are capable of handling casual games. However, demanding, graphically intensive games might experience some lag or reduced frame rates. They are better suited for less intensive gaming experiences.
