The tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but often forces compromises. The vivo Pad and Honor Pad X9a represent distinct approaches: the vivo Pad prioritizes processing power with a Snapdragon 870, while the Honor Pad X9a focuses on maximizing battery life and longevity. This comparison dissects these trade-offs to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and demanding applications, the vivo Pad is the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset. However, the Honor Pad X9a excels in battery endurance and offers a compelling value proposition for casual users who prioritize longevity over raw speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 11 | 2025, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2025, March 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 253.2 x 164.7 x 6.6 mm (9.97 x 6.48 x 0.26 in) | 267.3 x 167.4 x 6.8 mm (10.52 x 6.59 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 489 g (1.08 lb) | 475 g (1.05 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1504 x 2508 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~254 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 376.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS HD | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/5.0" |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 8040 mAh | Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Gray |
| Models | - | ELN2-W29 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 92:29h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class F |
| Free fall | - | Class E (10 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
vivo Pad
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Potentially better camera performance
- Faster charging with 44W support
- Likely shorter battery life compared to the X9a
- Potentially higher price
Honor Pad X9a
- Exceptional battery life and endurance (92:29h)
- Long battery lifespan (1200 charge cycles)
- Potentially more affordable
- Slower processor for demanding tasks
- Slower charging speed (35W)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, necessitating analysis based on typical market positioning. Given the vivo Pad's focus on performance, it likely features a higher-quality display with potentially higher resolution and color accuracy. The Honor Pad X9a, being a more budget-oriented device, likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel. The absence of refresh rate data suggests neither device prioritizes a high refresh rate experience, but the vivo Pad may have a slight edge in overall visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are unavailable, but given the positioning, the vivo Pad likely features a more capable camera system. The Snapdragon 870 typically supports more advanced image signal processors (ISPs) enabling better image quality and features. The Honor Pad X9a’s camera is likely adequate for casual snapshots, but will likely fall short in low-light conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but the vivo Pad’s chipset suggests a superior imaging experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Honor Pad X9a’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 CPU with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 685’s Cortex-A73 cores peaking at 2.8 GHz. This translates to substantially faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and a far superior gaming experience. While the 6nm process of the 685 offers some efficiency gains, it cannot compensate for the architectural advantages and higher clock speeds of the 870. The vivo Pad will handle graphically intensive games and demanding applications with ease, while the X9a may struggle with sustained performance.
Battery Life
The Honor Pad X9a boasts a remarkable 92:29h endurance rating and a claimed 1200 charge cycles, indicating exceptional battery life and longevity. While the vivo Pad’s battery capacity is unknown, its 44W wired charging (with PD support) and 5W reverse wired charging offer faster replenishment and the ability to charge other devices. The X9a’s 35W charging is slower, but its superior endurance means it may not need to be charged as frequently. The X9a’s longevity claim of 1200 cycles is a significant advantage, suggesting the battery will retain a higher capacity over a longer period.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking with numerous apps. Its Snapdragon 870 provides a substantial performance advantage. Buy the Honor Pad X9a if you prefer a tablet that can last through long days of light use, such as reading, browsing, or streaming video, and value extended battery life and a potentially lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor Pad X9a struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 685 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering, even on lower graphics settings. The vivo Pad’s Snapdragon 870 is far better suited for gaming.
❓ How does the 1200 charge cycle claim of the Honor Pad X9a translate to real-world usage?
The 1200 charge cycle claim suggests the battery will maintain a significant portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This means the battery will degrade slower over time compared to tablets with lower cycle counts, offering a longer usable lifespan.
❓ Does the vivo Pad support external displays or accessories for productivity?
While not explicitly stated, tablets with Snapdragon 870 chipsets often support USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode, allowing connection to external monitors. The availability of accessories like keyboards and styluses would depend on vivo’s ecosystem offerings.
