The tablet market offers a surprising range of options, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Huawei MediaPad X1 and the Honor Tab 5. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which tablet reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Tab 5 emerges as the clear winner. Its newer Kirin 710 chipset, octa-core CPU, and more efficient 12nm process provide significantly better performance and battery life compared to the MediaPad X1's older, less powerful hardware. While the X1 has reverse charging, the Tab 5 offers a more modern and overall superior 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, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| 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 - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, February. Released 2014, April | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 183.5 x 103.9 x 7.2 mm (7.22 x 4.09 x 0.28 in) | 204.2 x 122.2 x 8.2 mm (8.04 x 4.81 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 239 g (8.43 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 910 (28 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-450MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Magic 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.7, AF
5 MP, f/1.9, (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (3G)Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band (LTE) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Music play | Up to 78 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Snow White, Diamond Black | Silver, Blue |
| Models | 7D-501u, MediaPad X1 7.0 | JDN2-W09HN, JDN2-W09 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) | - |
Huawei MediaPad X1
- Reverse wired charging
- Compact size (likely)
- Potentially lower price
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Shorter battery life
- Older software
Honor Tab 5
- Better performance
- Longer battery life
- More modern design
- Efficient chipset
- Potentially higher price
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature similar display technology (IPS LCD) and resolution (likely Full HD+). However, the Honor Tab 5 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer design. Screen size is likely comparable, around 8-10 inches.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is likely a secondary consideration for both tablets. The Honor Tab 5 probably has a slightly better camera setup, but neither is expected to deliver exceptional image quality. Expect basic cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Honor Tab 5 shines. The Kirin 710's 12nm process and octa-core architecture offer a substantial performance boost over the MediaPad X1's 28nm Kirin 910 and quad-core CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Honor Tab 5.
Battery Life
The Honor Tab 5's more efficient chipset and likely larger battery capacity (estimated around 4000mAh) should provide significantly longer battery life than the MediaPad X1. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on the Honor Tab 5, while the X1 might require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad X1 might appeal to users on a very tight budget who prioritize reverse charging and are willing to compromise on performance. The Honor Tab 5 is ideal for students, casual users, and anyone seeking a smooth, responsive tablet experience for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei MediaPad X1 still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and prioritize reverse charging above all else. Otherwise, the Honor Tab 5 offers a much better overall experience.
❓ What is the difference between the Kirin 910 and Kirin 710 chipsets?
The Kirin 710 is a newer and more efficient chipset built on a 12nm process, offering significantly better performance and power efficiency compared to the older 28nm Kirin 910.
