Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra vs Realme Pad 2 Lite: Which Budget Tablet Delivers More?

The sub-$200 Android tablet market is heating up, with the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for dominance. Both devices center around the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, promising capable performance for everyday tasks. However, subtle differences in charging speeds and potential software optimizations could make one a clear winner for specific users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra edges out the Realme Pad 2 Lite. While both share the same Helio G99 processor, the G3 Tab Ultra’s slightly faster 18W charging offers a more convenient experience, mitigating the impact of a potentially similar battery capacity. The difference is small, but noticeable in daily use.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra Realme Pad 2 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced20242024, September 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2024Available. Released 2024, September 26
Body
Dimensions244.8 x 162.2 x 9.3 mm (9.64 x 6.39 x 0.37 in)258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNo
Weight482 g (1.06 lb)525 g (1.16 lb)
Display
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio)10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)Unspecified
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashPanorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-Panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compassAccelerometer
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
Type6000 mAh8300 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace GreyNebula Purple, Space Grey
Models-RMP2402
Price-About 160 EUR

Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra

  • Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Potentially better thermal management due to higher charging wattage.
  • Competitive price point.

  • Umidigi’s software support may be less consistent than Realme’s.
  • Camera performance likely similar to the Realme Pad 2 Lite.

Realme Pad 2 Lite

  • Realme UI offers a refined software experience.
  • Established brand reputation for software updates.
  • Competitive price point.

  • Slower 15W charging.
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load.

Display Comparison

Both tablets are expected to feature IPS LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific display specs like resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Realme often focuses on color calibration, potentially offering a more accurate display experience. The absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) is expected, focusing instead on power efficiency. Bezels are likely to be similar, contributing minimally to the overall user experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator in this segment. Both tablets will likely feature basic camera setups, potentially with a single main sensor and a depth sensor. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots but not competitive with smartphone cameras. Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count is misleading; aperture and image processing algorithms are more critical for image quality. Expect similar results in well-lit conditions, with both struggling in low light.

Performance

The core of both tablets is the Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to similar performance in everyday tasks like web browsing, video playback, and light gaming. The shared CPU architecture means performance differences will likely stem from RAM management and software optimization. While both likely use LPDDR4X RAM, Realme’s software optimizations could provide a slight edge in multitasking. Thermal management will be crucial; the G99 is known to throttle under sustained load, and the tablet’s design will impact how effectively heat is dissipated.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but both tablets will likely house batteries in the 6000-7000 mAh range, typical for tablets of this size. The key difference lies in charging speed: the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra supports 18W wired charging, while the Realme Pad 2 Lite is limited to 15W. This 3W difference translates to a faster 0-100% charge time for the Umidigi, potentially saving users valuable time. While a larger battery capacity would be ideal, faster charging mitigates the impact of a smaller battery, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra if you prioritize faster charging and potentially longer sustained performance due to better thermal headroom from the slightly higher wattage. This tablet is ideal for users who frequently consume media on the go and need quick top-ups. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prefer the Realme UI software experience and brand reputation, and are less concerned about the marginal charging speed difference. It’s a solid choice for home entertainment and light productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Sustained gaming will likely lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance over time. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than competitive, high-graphics experiences.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Umidigi G3 Tab Ultra with the 18W charger?
Assuming a battery capacity around 7000 mAh, a full charge from 0% with the 18W charger should take approximately 3-4 hours. This is faster than the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging, which could take closer to 4.5-5 hours.
❓ Does the Realme Pad 2 Lite support microSD card expansion for additional storage?
While not explicitly stated, Realme tablets typically support microSD card expansion. Check the official product specifications to confirm the maximum supported capacity. This is a crucial feature for users who plan to store a large amount of media on their tablet.
❓ What version of Android do these tablets ship with, and are software updates guaranteed?
Both tablets likely ship with Android 13. Realme generally provides more consistent software updates than Umidigi, offering a longer support lifecycle. Umidigi’s update schedule is less predictable, so don’t expect frequent feature updates or security patches.