The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from full-fledged Android experiences to streamlined, content-focused ecosystems. The ZTE nubia Pad 3D aims for near-flagship performance with its Snapdragon 888, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 prioritizes affordability and integration with Amazon’s services. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your digital lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a versatile Android experience, the ZTE nubia Pad 3D is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888 offers significantly more processing power than the Fire Max 11’s Mediatek chip. However, the Fire Max 11 remains a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and seeking a budget-friendly tablet for media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 28 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 11 | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 285 x 190 x 8.5 mm (11.22 x 7.48 x 0.33 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 780 g (1.72 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| | 3D lightfield display
Real-time 2D to 3D content conversion | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12L | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
16 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama, stereoscopic Al-powered 3D capture | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1200p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f.2,2, 105˚ (ultrawide)
8 MP, f.2,2, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Stereoscopic Al-powered 3D capture | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1200p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a) | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector, video output | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 9070 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Gray |
| Models | - | KFSNWI |
| Price | About 1300 EUR | About 270 EUR |
ZTE nubia Pad 3D
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potential for a higher-quality display with higher refresh rate
- Price likely to be higher than the Fire Max 11
- Software experience may not be as streamlined as Fire OS
Amazon Fire Max 11
- More affordable price point
- Seamless integration with Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Simplified and user-friendly Fire OS interface
- Less powerful Mediatek MT8188J processor
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Limited app ecosystem compared to the Google Play Store
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing for the nubia Pad 3D, the Fire Max 11 boasts a 10.1-inch 1920x1200 IPS LCD. The nubia Pad 3D’s potential for a higher refresh rate, given its flagship chipset, would provide a smoother visual experience, especially in gaming. The Fire Max 11’s IPS panel offers decent color accuracy for media consumption, but likely lacks the peak brightness and color gamut coverage found in higher-end tablets. Bezels on the Fire Max 11 are noticeable, impacting the overall immersion compared to a potentially more modern design on the nubia Pad 3D.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the nubia Pad 3D are unavailable, but tablets generally aren't camera-centric. The Fire Max 11 features a 5MP front-facing camera, adequate for video calls. Given the Fire Max 11’s focus on affordability, image quality is likely to be basic. The nubia Pad 3D, potentially leveraging the Snapdragon 888’s image signal processor, could offer superior image processing capabilities if equipped with a comparable or better sensor, though this remains speculative without further details.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE nubia Pad 3D’s Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J. The Snapdragon 888 features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A78 cores and four Cortex-A55 cores, offering superior single-core and multi-core performance. The Mediatek chip, with its 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, is geared towards efficiency rather than raw power. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the nubia Pad 3D. The 5nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unspecified for both devices. However, the nubia Pad 3D’s 33W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Fire Max 11’s 15W charging. Faster charging means less downtime and quicker top-ups, especially important for a performance-focused device likely to be used for demanding tasks. While a larger battery capacity on the Fire Max 11 could offset the slower charging, the nubia Pad 3D’s more efficient Snapdragon 888 could potentially deliver comparable battery life despite a potentially smaller battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Pad 3D if you need a tablet capable of demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior chipset and potential for broader app compatibility make it ideal for power users. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you prefer a simplified, content-focused experience, primarily consume Amazon Prime Video, read Kindle books, and value a lower price point over raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the nubia Pad 3D handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888 is a capable chipset that should handle Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at high settings. However, sustained performance will depend on the tablet's thermal management system, which is currently unknown. Expect a smoother and more consistent gaming experience compared to the Fire Max 11.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store apps on the Amazon Fire Max 11?
While the Fire Max 11 runs Fire OS, a modified version of Android, it does not natively include the Google Play Store. You can sideload apps, but this requires technical knowledge and may not be compatible with all apps. Amazon’s Appstore offers a limited selection of apps.
❓ Is the Mediatek MT8188J in the Fire Max 11 sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8188J is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, streaming video, and reading ebooks. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The Fire Max 11 is best suited for users who primarily consume content rather than create it.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for the ZTE nubia Pad 3D and Amazon Fire Max 11?
Storage options are currently unspecified for the ZTE nubia Pad 3D. The Amazon Fire Max 11 is available with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 1TB. This provides flexibility for storing media and apps.
