The tablet market is heating up with compelling options at various price points. The vivo Pad3 enters as a mid-range contender powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while the Realme Pad 2 Lite aims for affordability with the MediaTek Helio G99. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the vivo Pad3 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power over the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s Helio G99. However, the Realme Pad 2 Lite remains a viable option for casual users on a tighter budget.
| 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 | 2024, June 28 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 05 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 266.4 x 192 x 6.6 mm (10.49 x 7.56 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 | 589.2 g (1.30 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1968 x 2800 pixels (~283 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 444.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 735 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, OriginOS 4 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 10000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Purple | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | - | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Pad3
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3)
- Much faster 44W charging with PD
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Likely higher price point
- Potential for higher heat output under sustained load (though mitigated by 4nm process)
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- More affordable price
- Efficient Helio G99 chipset for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slower processor, limiting performance in demanding apps
- Slow 15W charging
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data unavailable), the core difference lies in their processing power, impacting UI responsiveness. We anticipate similar resolutions given the market segment. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on cost optimization. Color accuracy is unknown, but both brands typically target acceptable sRGB coverage for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Given the price points, camera performance isn’t a primary focus. Both tablets likely feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the vivo brand generally emphasizes image processing, potentially offering slightly more refined results. The Realme Pad 2 Lite’s camera is likely geared towards basic snapshots, while the vivo Pad3 might offer a marginally better experience in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The vivo Pad3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 boasts a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, paired with Cortex-A720 performance cores, offering substantially higher single-core and multi-core performance. The Helio G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, while efficient, are architecturally older and less powerful. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Pad3’s likely LPDDR5x RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, contributing to smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the vivo Pad3’s 44W wired charging with PD support is a major advantage over the Realme Pad 2 Lite’s 15W charging. This means the Pad3 can be charged from 0-100% significantly faster, minimizing downtime. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Pad3 adds versatility, allowing it to charge other devices, a feature absent on the Pad 2 Lite. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed makes the Pad3 more convenient for on-the-go users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad3 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking without compromise. Its superior chipset and faster charging will significantly enhance your productivity and entertainment. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you prioritize affordability and primarily use your tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and light productivity. It’s a solid choice for students or those seeking a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the vivo Pad3 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a powerful chipset capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings with playable frame rates. The 4nm process and improved thermal design should help mitigate throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience than the Helio G99.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Realme Pad 2 Lite sufficient for overnight charging?
Yes, 15W charging is sufficient for overnight charging. While it won't be as fast as the vivo Pad3's 44W charging, it will fully charge the device overnight, ensuring it's ready for use in the morning. However, expect a longer charge time if you need to quickly top up the battery during the day.
❓ Does the vivo Pad3 support external displays or accessories for enhanced productivity?
While not explicitly stated, tablets with Snapdragon chipsets often support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, allowing connection to external monitors. The availability of accessories like keyboards and styluses will depend on vivo's ecosystem offerings, which should be checked on their official website.
