The budget tablet market is heating up, with options like the Umidigi G3 Tab and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for attention. Both aim to deliver a functional tablet experience without breaking the bank, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving that goal, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Umidigi G3 Tab’s Helio A22, making it noticeably faster for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the Umidigi is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference for all but the most basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | N/A | - |
| GPRS | N/A | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021. Released 2021 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 244.8 x 162.2 x 10.7 mm (9.64 x 6.39 x 0.42 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 570 g (1.26 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Dark Green, Midnight Blue | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Umidigi G3 Tab
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for very basic tasks
- May have longer battery life due to less powerful processor (though charging is slower)
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- Much faster performance with Helio G99
- Faster 15W charging
- More responsive user experience
- Likely slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Still a budget device with potential compromises in build quality
Display Comparison
Neither Umidigi nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. However, the difference in processing power suggests the Realme Pad 2 Lite is more likely to support a higher resolution and refresh rate, even if not explicitly stated. The Umidigi G3 Tab, paired with the Helio A22, is likely limited to a standard 60Hz panel. While both will likely use IPS LCD technology, the Realme’s more powerful GPU could translate to better image processing and potentially wider color gamut support. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices given their price point.
Camera Comparison
Given the budget nature of both tablets, camera performance isn’t a primary focus. It’s highly probable both devices feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume the Realme Pad 2 Lite benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio G99, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality and faster processing. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. Any secondary cameras (likely 2MP) on either device are unlikely to offer significant utility.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these tablets. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and a more capable GPU. This is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G3 Tab’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) with its quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The 6nm process of the G99 also offers improved power efficiency, meaning less throttling under sustained load. Users who plan to run multiple apps simultaneously, play games, or edit photos will find the Realme Pad 2 Lite far more responsive and enjoyable.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging is a clear advantage over the Umidigi G3 Tab’s 10W charging. The more efficient Helio G99 chipset also contributes to better battery life. Although the Umidigi might have a slightly larger battery, the faster charging and improved efficiency of the Realme will likely result in less downtime and a more convenient user experience. Expect the Realme to reach a full charge significantly faster than the Umidigi.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G3 Tab if you need a tablet solely for extremely light tasks like reading ebooks, basic web browsing, and occasional video playback, and your budget is severely constrained. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, light gaming, or using productivity apps – it’s a more versatile tablet that will remain usable for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad 2 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming tablet, the Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it will provide a playable experience, unlike the Umidigi G3 Tab which would struggle significantly.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Umidigi G3 Tab noticeably slow?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging will significantly reduce charging times, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can I expect regular software updates on either of these tablets?
Software update support is often limited on budget tablets. Realme generally provides more consistent updates than Umidigi, but don't expect the same level of long-term support as you'd find on a flagship device. Check user forums for the latest information on update schedules for both models.
