Choosing the right tablet can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular Huawei MediaPads against each other: the budget-friendly M3 Lite 8 and the more premium M5 8. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei MediaPad M5 8 is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance thanks to its Kirin 960s chipset and improved display. While the M3 Lite 8 is a more affordable option, the M5 8's superior specs and features justify the higher price 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, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, June. Released 2017, June | 2018, February. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 213.3 x 123.3 x 7.5 mm (8.40 x 4.85 x 0.30 in) | 212.6 x 124.8 x 7.3 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 310 g (10.93 oz) | 316 g (11.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 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 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Kirin 960s (16 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G71 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), EMUI 5.1 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8 |
| 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, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, white, space grey | Space Gray, Champagne Gold |
| Models | CPN-AL00, CPN-W09, CPN-L09 | SHT-AL09, SHT-W09 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8
- Affordable price
- Decent display for basic use
- Lightweight and portable
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Lower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
Huawei MediaPad M5 8
- Superior performance
- High-resolution display
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging (18W)
- Premium build quality
- Higher price
- May lack expandable storage (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
The MediaPad M5 8 boasts a superior 2560 x 1600 resolution display compared to the M3 Lite 8's 1920 x 1200. This results in sharper images, more vibrant colors, and a more immersive viewing experience. The M5 8 also often features better color accuracy and brightness. While both have 8-inch screens, the M5 8's higher resolution makes a noticeable difference.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the M5 8 generally offers slightly better image quality due to its more advanced hardware. Both cameras are primarily intended for video calls rather than serious photography. Expect decent results in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance will be underwhelming on both devices.
Performance
Performance is where the M5 8 truly shines. The Kirin 960s chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 435 found in the M3 Lite 8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the M5 8. The M3 Lite 8 can feel sluggish when handling demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The M5 8 typically has a larger battery capacity and benefits from the efficiency of its Kirin chipset, resulting in longer battery life than the M3 Lite 8. The 18W wired charging on the M5 8 also provides faster charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8 is ideal for casual users, students, or anyone on a tight budget who primarily needs a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and light media consumption. The Huawei MediaPad M5 8 is a better choice for power users, gamers, or those who demand a premium experience with faster performance, a better display, and enhanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaPad M5 8 worth the extra cost compared to the M3 Lite 8?
If you prioritize performance, display quality, and battery life, then yes, the M5 8 is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a tablet for basic tasks, the M3 Lite 8 can still be a viable option.
❓ Does the MediaPad M5 8 support expandable storage?
Some variants of the MediaPad M5 8 do not offer expandable storage via microSD card. Check the specific model's specifications before purchasing.
