The Android tablet market is heating up, with the OnePlus Pad 3 (China) and Honor Pad 9 Pro offering compelling alternatives to established players. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but key differences in chipset generation and charging technology create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the OnePlus Pad 3 (China) emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 8350, built on a 4nm process, offers a performance edge over the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s 5nm Dimensity 8100, coupled with significantly faster 67W charging. However, the Honor Pad 9 Pro remains a strong contender for those valuing a balanced experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 26 | 2024, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 26 | Available. Released 2024, July 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 257.8 x 189.1 x 6.3 mm (10.15 x 7.44 x 0.25 in) | 277 x 179.9 x 6.6 mm (10.91 x 7.08 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 533 g (1.18 lb) | 589 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2000 x 2800 pixels (~296 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.61 inches, 411.3 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, 500 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8350 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G615-MC6 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 15, ColorOS 15 | Android 14, Magic OS 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30ps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (accessories only) | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD, QC, UFCS | 35W wired |
| Type | 9520 mAh | Li-Po 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gray | Sky Blue, Star Gray |
| Models | OPD2407 | - |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 290 EUR |
OnePlus Pad 3 (China)
- Faster charging with 67W support
- More powerful Dimensity 8350 chipset
- Likely superior GPU performance for gaming
- China-specific model may have software limitations
- Display specs currently unknown
Honor Pad 9 Pro
- Larger 12.1-inch display for immersive viewing
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Slower 35W charging
- Older Dimensity 8100 chipset
- Potentially less capable GPU
Display Comparison
While specific display details are unavailable, both tablets likely feature LCD panels targeting the mid-to-high range. The Honor Pad 9 Pro's larger size (12.1 inches vs. the Pad 3's 11.35 inches) suggests a more immersive viewing experience. However, without knowing peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates, a definitive display winner is impossible to declare. Both brands typically prioritize color accuracy, but the larger screen real estate of the Honor Pad 9 Pro could be advantageous for content creation.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera performance isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the absence of detailed camera specifications necessitates a cautious approach. We can assume both tablets will feature a main camera and potentially an ultrawide lens. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing capabilities, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant advantage, but this information is currently unavailable. It's likely both tablets will offer adequate cameras for casual photography and video calls.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Pad 3’s MediaTek Dimensity 8350 (4nm) boasts a newer architecture – Cortex-A715 cores – compared to the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s Dimensity 8100 (5nm). While the 5nm process *generally* implies better efficiency, the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 8350, particularly the higher clock speeds (3.35 GHz vs 2.85 GHz), translate to a noticeable performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks. The Dimensity 8350’s GPU is also expected to deliver superior graphics performance, benefiting gamers. The OnePlus Pad 3’s likely LPDDR5x RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, contributing to smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Pad 3’s 67W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s 35W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the OnePlus Pad 3 mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The inclusion of PD, QC, and UFCS support on the OnePlus Pad 3 also provides greater charging compatibility with various adapters and devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Pad 3 (China) if you need a tablet for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking, and value the convenience of rapid charging. Buy the Honor Pad 9 Pro if you prioritize a refined all-around experience, potentially with a focus on media consumption and a slightly more conservative approach to power delivery, and are less concerned with absolute peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 8350 in the OnePlus Pad 3 (China) generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The 4nm process of the Dimensity 8350 is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the 5nm Dimensity 8100. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the OnePlus Pad 3 should manage temperatures effectively, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance. However, sustained peak loads will still result in some warming.
❓ Is the software experience on the OnePlus Pad 3 (China) significantly different from global versions, and are there limitations with Google services?
As a China-specific model, the OnePlus Pad 3 likely runs on OxygenOS customized for the Chinese market. This may include pre-installed Chinese apps and differences in system-level features. Access to Google services may be restricted or require workarounds, potentially impacting the user experience for those accustomed to the global Android ecosystem.
❓ How does the Honor Pad 9 Pro's charging speed impact its usability for users who frequently travel?
The 35W charging on the Honor Pad 9 Pro, while not slow, is considerably slower than the OnePlus Pad 3's 67W. For frequent travelers, this means longer charging times when access to power outlets is limited. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially impacting the tablet's usability during long journeys.
