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 M3 Lite 8 and the M5 Lite 8. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8 is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved display, and better overall performance. While the M3 Lite 8 remains a budget-friendly option, the M5 Lite 8 provides a more premium and future-proof experience.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE (2CA) - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, June. Released 2017, June | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 213.3 x 123.3 x 7.5 mm (8.40 x 4.85 x 0.30 in) | 204.2 x 122.2 x 8.2 mm (8.04 x 4.81 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 310 g (10.93 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat), EMUI 5.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 4GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 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 - cellular model only |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, white, space grey | Champagne Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | CPN-AL00, CPN-W09, CPN-L09 | JDN2-L09 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8
- Affordable price
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for basic tasks
- Slower performance
- Lower resolution display
- Outdated chipset
- Limited storage options
Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8
- Faster performance
- Higher resolution display
- More efficient chipset
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Premium design
- Higher price
- Can still experience occasional lag with very demanding games
Display Comparison
The M5 Lite 8 boasts a slightly larger 8.4-inch display (vs. the M3 Lite 8's 8-inch) with a higher resolution (2560 x 1600 vs. 1920 x 1200). This results in sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. Both feature IPS LCD panels, offering good color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for tablets, but the M5 Lite 8 generally offers slightly better image quality thanks to its more advanced processing capabilities. Both tablets feature a rear camera and a front-facing camera suitable for video calls.
Performance
This is where the M5 Lite 8 truly shines. Its Kirin 710 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is significantly faster and more efficient than the M3 Lite 8's Snapdragon 435 (28nm). The Kirin 710's octa-core CPU with Cortex-A73 cores delivers noticeably smoother performance in demanding apps and games. The M3 Lite 8 can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for everyday use. The M5 Lite 8, despite its more powerful processor, often manages to deliver comparable or slightly better battery life due to its more efficient 12nm manufacturing process.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8 is ideal for budget-conscious users who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and light media consumption. The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8 is better suited for users who demand more performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and appreciate a higher-quality display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the M5 Lite 8 worth the extra cost over the M3 Lite 8?
Yes, if you value performance and a better display. The M5 Lite 8 offers a significantly improved user experience.
❓ Can the M3 Lite 8 handle gaming?
It can handle basic games, but more demanding titles will likely suffer from lag and stuttering.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
Both tablets typically come in 32GB and 64GB variants, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Do both tablets support Huawei's EMUI software?
Yes, both tablets run on Huawei's EMUI, although the version may differ depending on the specific model and updates.
