Huawei's MediaPad series offers a range of tablets catering to different needs. Two popular contenders are the MediaPad X2 and the MediaPad M2 8.0. Both boast a sleek design and Huawei's signature features, but which one truly delivers the better experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MediaPad M2 8.0 edges out the X2 due to its superior display quality and slightly better overall user experience. While the X2's reverse charging is a unique feature, the M2's balanced performance and vibrant screen make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - M2-801L, M2-803L |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-703L | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - M2-801L |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - GEM-702L | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - M2-803L |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, May | 2015, May. Released 2015, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 183.5 x 103.9 x 7.2 mm (7.22 x 4.09 x 0.28 in) | 214.8 x 124 x 7.8 mm (8.46 x 4.88 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 239 g (8.43 oz) | 330 g (11.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 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 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 930 (28 nm) | Kirin 930 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T628 MP4 | Mali-T628 MP4 |
| OS | Android 5 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6 (Marshmallow), EMUI 3 | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), EMUI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM (Standard), 32GB 3GB RAM (Premium) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, dual speakers |
| | - | Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 576 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight silver, Amber gold | Silver, Gold |
| Models | GEM-703L, GEM-702L, GEM-701L | M2-801L, M2-803L, M2-802L |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Huawei MediaPad X2
- Compact and portable
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Smaller display
- Lower resolution display
- Shorter battery life
Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0
- Vibrant and sharp display
- Longer battery life
- Balanced performance
- Slightly larger size
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
The MediaPad M2 8.0 features an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The X2 has a smaller 7-inch display, likely with a lower resolution, resulting in a less immersive experience. The M2's display is noticeably sharper and more enjoyable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally similar, with both featuring a rear camera around 13MP and a front camera around 5MP. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in photography. The M2's slightly better processing might give it a slight edge in certain lighting conditions.
Performance
Both tablets share the same Kirin 930 chipset and octa-core CPU. However, slight differences in CPU clock speeds (M2 has 4x2.0 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz vs X2's 4x1.5 GHz and 4x2.0 GHz) might lead to marginally better performance on the M2, though real-world differences are likely minimal. Both handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming well.
Battery Life
The MediaPad M2 8.0 typically has a larger battery capacity (around 5100 mAh) compared to the X2 (around 3450 mAh). This translates to longer battery life on the M2, allowing for extended usage between charges. The X2's reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MediaPad X2 is ideal for users who prioritize reverse charging capabilities and a slightly more compact form factor. The Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 is a better fit for those seeking a premium display, balanced performance, and a more immersive entertainment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Kirin 930 chipset still relevant?
While not the latest, the Kirin 930 is still capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming. It's a solid performer for a mid-range tablet.
❓ Does the reverse charging on the X2 work well?
Yes, the reverse charging feature on the X2 is functional and can be useful for topping up other devices in a pinch, but it's not a primary reason to choose this tablet.
