The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from ultra-premium flagships to aggressively priced contenders. The vivo Pad and Realme Pad 2 Lite represent opposite ends of this spectrum within the budget-to-midrange space. The vivo Pad aims for near-flagship performance with its Snapdragon 870, while the Realme Pad 2 Lite prioritizes efficiency and affordability with the MediaTek Helio G99. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which tablet best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the vivo Pad is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 delivers significantly more processing power, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite offers a compelling value proposition for everyday use, boasting respectable performance and a more efficient chipset at a lower price point.
| 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 | 2022, April 11 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 253.2 x 164.7 x 6.6 mm (9.97 x 6.48 x 0.26 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 489 g (1.08 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS HD | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB 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 | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 | 15W wired |
| Type | 8040 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Pad
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Faster 44W charging with PD support
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Likely higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load (due to more powerful processor)
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More affordable price
- Potentially better battery life during light usage (due to efficient Helio G99)
- Compact and lightweight design (assumed based on market positioning)
- Slower 15W charging
- Less powerful processor, limiting performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both tablets’ display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the vivo Pad’s positioning, it likely features a higher-quality panel with potentially higher resolution and color accuracy. The Realme Pad 2 Lite, aiming for cost-effectiveness, likely utilizes a more standard LCD panel. The absence of refresh rate data is notable; the vivo Pad, given its chipset, *could* support a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals, but this is speculative. Bezels are also unknown, but typically, more expensive devices have slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided for either device. Given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both tablets feature modest camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. The vivo Pad, being the more premium option, *might* have a slightly better main sensor, but image quality will likely be similar overall. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. The absence of details prevents a meaningful comparison.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant step up from the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The Snapdragon 870’s octa-core configuration, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, provides substantially more processing power than the Helio G99’s 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 870, while older, is still competitive, and its superior architecture delivers better sustained performance under load. The Helio G99’s 6nm process is more efficient, potentially leading to better battery life during less demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 870 also benefits from a more powerful GPU, making it the superior choice for gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging capabilities reveal a key difference. The vivo Pad supports 44W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W wired charging. While a larger battery capacity on the Realme Pad 2 Lite could partially offset the slower charging, the vivo Pad’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor. The 5W reverse charging on the vivo Pad is also a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or anticipate using it for several years. Its Snapdragon 870 provides headroom for future software updates and resource-intensive tasks. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prioritize battery life, affordability, and a streamlined experience for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity. It’s the perfect companion for casual users who don’t require top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2 Lite struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable chip for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with demanding titles like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 870 in the vivo Pad offers a far smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the vivo Pad generate a lot of heat during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 870 is known for being relatively efficient, but it can still generate heat under sustained load. However, the vivo Pad’s larger chassis likely provides more surface area for heat dissipation, mitigating potential throttling. While not a dedicated gaming tablet, it’s better equipped to handle prolonged gaming sessions than the Realme Pad 2 Lite.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Pad useful for charging my earbuds or smartwatch?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature for topping up small accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it won’t fully charge them quickly, it can provide a significant boost in battery life when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a wall charger.