The Huawei MediaPad M3 series offered compelling options in the mid-range Android tablet market. But with two distinct models – the M3 Lite 8 and the M3 8.4 – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MediaPad M3 8.4 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Kirin 950 chipset and a higher resolution display. While the M3 Lite 8 offers a more budget-friendly option, the 8.4's superior performance and screen quality justify the price difference 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, June. Released 2017, June | 2016, September. Released 2016, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 213.3 x 123.3 x 7.5 mm (8.40 x 4.85 x 0.30 in) | 215.5 x 124.2 x 7.3 mm (8.48 x 4.89 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 310 g (10.93 oz) | 326 g (11.50 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Kirin 950 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), EMUI 5.1 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), EMUI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | Tuned by Harman Kardon
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (market dependant) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, white, space grey | Silver, Gold |
| Models | CPN-AL00, CPN-W09, CPN-L09 | BTV-DL09, BTV-W09 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8
- More affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for basic tasks
- Lower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Older chipset
- Limited storage options
Huawei MediaPad M3 8.4
- Superior performance
- Higher resolution display
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More premium feel
- More expensive
- Slightly larger size
- Camera performance is still basic
Display Comparison
The MediaPad M3 8.4 features an 8.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (287 ppi), offering sharper visuals and richer colors compared to the M3 Lite 8's 8-inch IPS LCD (1800 x 1200, 221 ppi). The higher pixel density on the 8.4 model results in a noticeably clearer and more detailed image.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature modest cameras. The M3 Lite 8 typically has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. The M3 8.4 generally has a slightly improved 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is acceptable for casual snapshots, but neither tablet is a photography powerhouse.
Performance
This is where the M3 8.4 truly shines. Its Kirin 950 chipset, built on a 16nm process, provides significantly faster processing speeds than the M3 Lite 8's Snapdragon 435 (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the 8.4 model. The A72 cores in the Kirin 950 offer a substantial performance boost.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life, typically around 5-7 hours of mixed usage. The M3 8.4, with its slightly larger battery capacity (4800 mAh vs 4800 mAh), *may* offer marginally better longevity, but real-world performance will depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8 is ideal for casual users who primarily browse the web, stream videos, and play light games. It's a great budget-friendly option for students or those needing a basic tablet. The Huawei MediaPad M3 8.4 is better suited for users who demand more performance, enjoy gaming, or need a tablet for productivity tasks like multitasking and light photo editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaPad M3 8.4 worth the extra cost?
If you value performance and a better display, the M3 8.4 is definitely worth the extra investment. The difference in speed and visual quality is noticeable.
❓ Can the M3 Lite 8 handle streaming video?
Yes, the M3 Lite 8 can handle streaming video, but you might experience occasional lag or stuttering with higher resolution content or while multitasking.
