The tablet market is heating up, with both Xiaomi and Honor offering compelling options in the mid-range. The Poco Pad M1 aims to deliver solid performance at an aggressive price point, while the Honor Pad 9 Pro focuses on a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two tablets to determine which one reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor Pad 9 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset, built on a 5nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Poco Pad M1’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Poco Pad M1 offers competitive charging and a lower price, the extra power of the Honor Pad 9 Pro justifies the cost for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | N/A | No |
| GPRS | N/A | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, November 26 | 2024, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 26 | Available. Released 2024, July 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 279.8 x 181.7 x 7.5 mm (11.02 x 7.15 x 0.30 in) | 277 x 179.9 x 6.6 mm (10.91 x 7.08 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 610 g (1.34 lb) | 589 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7635-AC Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 810 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, Magic OS 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3+
27W reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 12000 mAh | Li-Po 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Sky Blue, Star Gray |
| Models | 2509ARPBDG | - |
| Price | - | About 290 EUR |
Xiaomi Poco Pad M1
- More affordable price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Support for PD3.0 and QC3+ fast charging
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Honor Pad 9 Pro
- Likely lower display quality
Honor Pad 9 Pro
- Significantly more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset
- Potentially better display quality
- More efficient power consumption
- Higher price tag
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications were provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point of the Poco Pad M1, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel, while the Honor Pad 9 Pro, positioned slightly higher in the market, may feature an IPS LCD with potentially higher brightness and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rates, impacting smoothness during scrolling and animations. Bezels will likely be comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within their respective price brackets.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, it’s reasonable to assume both tablets will feature modest camera setups geared towards video conferencing and casual photography. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in image quality. Expect similar performance in well-lit conditions, with both struggling in low-light scenarios. The focus will likely be on software processing to enhance image clarity, rather than relying on high-end sensors or optics.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Pad 9 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) boasts a more mature architecture – four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz – compared to the Poco Pad M1’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4nm). While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 benefits from a newer node, the Dimensity 8100’s core design provides a substantial performance uplift, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4’s CPU configuration (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A720, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720, 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520) is geared towards efficiency, while the Dimensity 8100 prioritizes raw power. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Honor Pad 9 Pro. The GPU performance will also favor the Dimensity 8100, offering a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Poco Pad M1 supports 33W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3+ compatibility, alongside 27W reverse wired charging – a useful feature for topping up other devices. The Honor Pad 9 Pro offers 35W wired charging. While the difference is only 2W, the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s more efficient chipset (5nm vs 4nm) may result in slightly better battery life under similar usage conditions. The Poco Pad M1’s reverse charging capability is a unique advantage, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco Pad M1 if you prioritize affordability and need a capable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity. It’s ideal for students or casual users who don’t require top-tier performance. Buy the Honor Pad 9 Pro if you value performance and want a tablet that can handle demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking without compromise. This is the better choice for power users and those who plan to use their tablet as a portable workstation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 in the Poco Pad M1 struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 is a capable chipset, but it will likely require reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a smooth experience in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The Honor Pad 9 Pro’s Dimensity 8100 offers a substantial performance advantage and will handle these games with higher settings and more consistent frame rates.
❓ Does the Honor Pad 9 Pro’s Dimensity 8100 chipset tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8100 is known for its efficient thermal management. While some heat generation is inevitable during extended gaming, the 5nm process node and Honor’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling. It’s unlikely to overheat to the point of causing performance issues.
❓ Is the 27W reverse wired charging on the Poco Pad M1 fast enough to meaningfully charge a smartphone?
27W reverse wired charging is relatively slow compared to dedicated smartphone chargers, but it's sufficient for topping up a smartphone's battery in an emergency or over a longer period. It's a convenient feature for users who frequently travel or find themselves without access to a wall outlet.
