Choosing the right tablet can be tough, especially when considering similar models. The Huawei MediaPad M6 8.4 and M5 8 are both excellent compact Android tablets, but they offer distinct features and performance levels. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MediaPad M6 8.4 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Kirin 980 chipset and improved display. While the M5 8 remains a solid option, the M6 8.4 offers a noticeable performance boost and a more modern experience, justifying its slightly higher price.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/75 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2018, February. Released 2018, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 206.4 x 125.2 x 7.4 mm (8.13 x 4.93 x 0.29 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 | 320 g (11.29 oz) | 316 g (11.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~359 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.4 inches, 204.6 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 980 (7 nm) | Kirin 960s (16 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP10 | Mali-G71 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold | Space Gray, Champagne Gold |
| Models | - | SHT-AL09, SHT-W09 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad M6 8.4
- Faster Kirin 980 Chipset
- Vibrant Display with Eye Comfort Mode
- Slightly Better Camera
- Faster Charging (22.5W)
- Potentially Higher Price
- No Stylus Support (officially)
Huawei MediaPad M5 8
- More Affordable
- Compact and Lightweight
- Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Slower Kirin 960s Chipset
- Less Vibrant Display
- Slower Charging (18W)
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 8.4-inch display, but the M6 8.4 boasts a slightly higher resolution (2560 x 1600 vs 2560 x 1600) and a more vibrant color gamut. The M6 8.4 also supports Huawei's Eye Comfort mode, reducing blue light emissions for more comfortable viewing. While both have good viewing angles, the M6 8.4's display is generally considered to be slightly better.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for tablets, but the M6 8.4 generally offers slightly better image quality thanks to its more modern image processing capabilities. Both tablets have a front-facing camera suitable for video calls. Expect similar performance in low-light conditions.
Performance
This is where the M6 8.4 truly shines. The Kirin 980 chipset is significantly faster than the Kirin 960s in the M5 8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M6 8.4. The M5 8 is still capable for everyday tasks, but it will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, both offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. The M5 8 has 18W wired charging, while the M6 8.4 supports faster charging (22.5W). However, a charger is not always included.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad M6 8.4 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and a more modern Android experience. It's great for gaming, multitasking, and media consumption. The MediaPad M5 8 is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable and compact tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, reading, and light media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei MediaPad M6 8.4 worth the extra cost compared to the M5 8?
If performance and a better display are important to you, then yes. The M6 8.4 offers a noticeable upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need a tablet for basic tasks, the M5 8 remains a viable option.
❓ Does either tablet support a stylus?
The MediaPad M5 8 officially supports the Huawei M-Pencil (sold separately). While the M6 8.4 doesn't have official stylus support, some users have reported success using third-party styluses.
