The tablet market is heating up with compelling options in the sub-$300 range. We pit the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro, powered by the Mediatek Helio G100 Ultimate, against the Honor Pad X9a, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685. This comparison focuses on how chipset choices translate to real-world performance and battery longevity, crucial factors for tablet users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and consistent performance, the Honor Pad X9a emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 685, coupled with a remarkable 92-hour endurance rating and 35W charging, provides a more reliable and convenient experience than the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro's Helio G100 and slower 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | 2025, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 03 | Available. Released 2025, March 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 278.6 x 173.6 x 6.6 mm (10.97 x 6.83 x 0.26 in) | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.8 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 545 g (1.20 lb) | 475 g (1.05 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~194 ppi density) | 1504 x 2508 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~254 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.0 inches, 409.9 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 376.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G100 Ultimate (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/5.0" |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers with DTS (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Grey, Mist Blue | Gray |
| Models | X1201 | ELN2-W29 |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 92:29h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class F |
| Free fall | - | Class E (10 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Infinix Xpad 20 Pro
- Potentially higher CPU burst performance due to Cortex-A76 cores.
- Reverse wired charging capability for topping up other devices.
- 6nm process for improved efficiency compared to older nodes.
- Slower 18W charging.
- No information on battery endurance, suggesting potentially shorter runtimes.
Honor Pad X9a
- Exceptional 92-hour battery endurance.
- Faster 35W wired charging.
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset for sustained performance.
- Cortex-A73 cores may offer slightly lower peak single-core performance than A76.
- No reverse charging capability.
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications in the provided data. However, given the price bracket, we can anticipate both utilizing IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution, refresh rate, or peak brightness makes a direct comparison impossible. Users should research independent reviews for detailed display analysis.
Camera Comparison
The provided data lacks camera specifications. In this price segment, camera performance is rarely a standout feature. Users should manage expectations and rely on independent reviews to assess image quality. The absence of information prevents any meaningful comparison beyond acknowledging that both tablets likely feature basic camera setups.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Pad X9a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz, offering a strong single-core performance advantage over the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G100 Ultimate (6nm) with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. While the Helio G100 has more cores (Octa-core vs Octa-core), the A73 architecture in the Snapdragon 685 is generally more efficient and powerful. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Honor Pad X9a. The Snapdragon 685’s 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X9a significantly outperforms the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro in battery capabilities. The X9a boasts a 92-hour endurance rating and supports 1200 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. This is coupled with 35W wired charging, enabling faster top-ups. In contrast, the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro is limited to 18W wired charging. While the battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the X9a’s endurance rating suggests a larger capacity or significantly more efficient power management. The 35W charging on the X9a will drastically reduce downtime compared to the Xpad 20 Pro’s slower 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro if you prioritize raw CPU performance for occasional demanding tasks and appreciate the potential for reverse wired charging. Buy the Honor Pad X9a if you value exceptional battery life, faster charging speeds, and a more balanced overall experience for everyday use, streaming, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor Pad X9a struggle with graphically demanding games?
While the Snapdragon 685 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of handling most popular mobile games at medium settings. The efficient thermal design, coupled with the 6nm process, should prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions. Expect a smoother experience than the Helio G100 in sustained gaming scenarios.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor Pad X9a with the 35W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, the 35W charging should significantly reduce charging times compared to the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro’s 18W charging. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Does the Infinix Xpad 20 Pro's reverse wired charging work with all devices?
The Infinix Xpad 20 Pro's reverse wired charging is compatible with devices that support USB Power Delivery (PD) charging. However, the 18W output may not provide the fastest charging speeds for all devices. It's best suited for topping up smaller devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
❓ What is the impact of the 1200 charge cycles on the Honor Pad X9a's battery health?
The 1200 charge cycle rating indicates that the Honor Pad X9a's battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity even after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This suggests a longer lifespan and reduced battery degradation compared to tablets with lower cycle ratings.
