The budget tablet market is heating up, with the vivo Pad SE and Realme Pad 2 Lite vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The vivo Pad SE leverages Qualcomm’s newer, 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, while the Realme Pad 2 Lite opts for MediaTek’s 6nm Helio G99. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Pad 2 Lite offers a slightly better overall value. While the vivo Pad SE’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 boasts a more modern architecture, the Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite provides comparable real-world performance, coupled with a potentially more mature software optimization, making it the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 21 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 25 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 277.1 x 185.6 x 6.8 mm (10.91 x 7.31 x 0.27 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 559 g or 569 g (1.23 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2464 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~239 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.3 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 HD | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 8500 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Titanium | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Pad SE
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A78)
- Potentially better thermal efficiency due to 4nm process
- Likely better long-term software support from vivo
- May not translate to significant real-world performance gains
- Potentially higher price compared to Realme Pad 2 Lite
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- Potentially better optimized software experience
- Competitive performance thanks to Helio G99
- Likely more affordable price point
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- May throttle more under sustained load
Display Comparison
Both tablets are expected to feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price segment. However, detailed display specs like resolution, peak brightness, and color gamut coverage are currently unavailable. The focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. Bezels are likely to be similar, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the price point, suitable for casual viewing but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Given the budget nature of these tablets, camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Expect basic camera setups focused on video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is missing, but it’s safe to assume both will feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or monochrome sensor. Image processing will likely be minimal, prioritizing speed over advanced features. The absence of OIS is almost certain on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad SE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) utilizes Cortex-A78 performance cores, offering a theoretical advantage over the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) which uses Cortex-A76 cores. However, the 6nm process node of the Helio G99 could offset some of the architectural advantage of the Snapdragon, potentially leading to similar sustained performance. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s 4nm node *should* translate to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. Both utilize a 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency core configuration, but the slightly higher clock speed (1.95 GHz vs 2.0 GHz) on the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s A55 cores may offer a minor benefit in light tasks. RAM configurations are likely similar, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature 15W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. Actual battery capacity is unknown, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s improved efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer battery life on the vivo Pad SE, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. The 6nm process of the Helio G99 also contributes to efficiency. Expect around 2-3 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage on both devices, and approximately 1.5-2 hours for a full charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad SE if you prioritize future-proofing and potentially better long-term software support from vivo, and if you anticipate needing the slightly more efficient processor for sustained workloads. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prioritize immediate value, a potentially smoother user experience out-of-the-box, and are primarily focused on media consumption and light gaming. The Realme Pad 2 Lite is the better choice for users who want a reliable tablet experience without paying a premium for marginal performance gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the vivo Pad SE handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact is a very demanding game. Expect to play at low settings with moderate frame rates. The Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite will likely offer a similar gaming experience, so don't expect a significant difference in performance.
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite tend to overheat during prolonged use?
The Helio G99 is known to be relatively efficient, but it can still experience some throttling under sustained heavy loads. However, for typical tablet usage like video streaming and web browsing, overheating shouldn't be a major concern. The 6nm process helps mitigate thermal issues compared to older chips.
❓ Which tablet is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Vivo generally provides better software support than Realme, so the vivo Pad SE is likely to receive more frequent updates and security patches over the long term. However, both brands are improving in this area, and the actual update schedule will depend on their respective commitments.
❓ Is the 15W charging speed sufficient for daily use on either tablet?
15W charging is relatively slow by modern standards, but it's adequate for a tablet that's primarily used for casual tasks. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Neither tablet supports fast charging technologies.
