The Huawei MediaPad X1 and X2 were Huawei's attempts at blending smartphone and tablet experiences. Both offered unique designs and features, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comparison will help you decide which of these older tablets still holds value today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MediaPad X2 is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor provides a substantial performance boost over the X1's quad-core, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading. While both offer reverse wired charging, the X2's improved internals make it the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-703L |
| EDGE | Yes | Yes |
| GPRS | Yes | 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 |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-702L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, February. Released 2014, April | 2015, March. Released 2015, May |
| 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) | 183.5 x 103.9 x 7.2 mm (7.22 x 4.09 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 239 g (8.43 oz) | 239 g (8.43 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 910 (28 nm) | Kirin 930 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-450MP4 | Mali-T628 MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2 | Android 5 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6 (Marshmallow), EMUI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.7, AF
5 MP, f/1.9, (depth) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | Reverse wired |
| Music play | Up to 78 h | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 576 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Snow White, Diamond Black | Moonlight silver, Amber gold |
| Models | 7D-501u, MediaPad X1 7.0 | GEM-703L, GEM-702L, GEM-701L |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) | - |
Huawei MediaPad X1
- Compact and portable
- Reverse wired charging
- Affordable (if found used)
- Outdated processor
- Limited performance
- Likely lacks software updates
Huawei MediaPad X2
- Improved performance over X1
- Reverse wired charging
- More responsive multitasking
- Still an older device
- Likely lacks software updates
- May be difficult to find new
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 7-inch display, likely with similar resolutions (likely 1280 x 800). However, the X2's more powerful processor could potentially handle higher refresh rates or better color accuracy, though this is difficult to confirm definitively without detailed reviews. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, but the X2 *might* have a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are often lacking for these older models. Both likely feature a front and rear camera, but image quality is unlikely to be a primary selling point. Expect basic camera functionality on both devices. The X2 *might* have a slightly improved sensor, but don't expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
This is where the X2 shines. The Kirin 930's octa-core architecture (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) offers significantly more processing power than the X1's Kirin 910 (Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9). Expect noticeably faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games on the X2.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar between the two (around 4000mAh). However, the X2's more efficient processor *could* lead to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, despite the increased processing power. Both offer reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up other devices.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad X1 might appeal to budget-conscious users seeking a basic tablet for light tasks like reading and browsing. The MediaPad X2 is better suited for users who want a more responsive experience for gaming, video streaming, and general productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these tablets still receiving software updates?
Highly unlikely. Both the MediaPad X1 and X2 are quite old, and Huawei has likely discontinued software support for them. Expect to run older versions of Android.
❓ Where can I find these tablets?
You'll likely need to search for these tablets on the used market (eBay, Swappa, etc.). Finding them in good condition may be challenging.
