HONOR MagicPad 2 introduces a tablet that stands out in a market often dominated by laptops and handhelds. While gamers rarely reach for tablets, designers and artists increasingly rely on them for creative tasks. The new MagicPad 2 is built as a versatile companion for study, work, and relaxation, designed to adapt to the user’s day. This is a hands-on look at how it performs in real life.
Features
- OLED display, 12.3 inches, 3000 x 1920 resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and DCI-P3 color support.
- Processor is a 4-nanometer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
- Memory configuration includes 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
- Rear camera is 13 MP f/2.0 with autofocus and 4K video capture.
- Front camera is 9 MP f/2.2 for video calls.
- Battery capacity is 10050 mAh with 66 W fast charging.
- Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C.
- MagicOS 8 runs on top of Android 14.
- Eight speakers and two microphones deliver immersive sound.
- Case dimensions are 274.5 by 180.5 by 5.8 mm.
- Weight is 555 grams.
Appearance and equipment
The new tablet ships in a white box featuring the device image. Inside, there is the MagicPad 2, a USB-C charging cable, and a 66 W fast charger.
Two configurations are offered: a base model and a bundle including a keyboard case and a stylus called Magic-Pen 3. These accessories extend the tablet’s usability for work and creativity.
HONOR MagicPad 2 comes in Textured Moonlight White and Matte Black. The back cover uses a textured finish that helps prevent slips and resists fingerprints. The device is 5.8 mm thick and weighs just over 550 grams.
On the top edge you’ll find the power button and openings for speakers and a microphone. The left edge houses the volume control, while the bottom edge carries the USB-C port and speaker openings.
The tablet uses eight speakers and has an IMAX Enhanced certification for audio and visuals, enhancing movie watching with richer sound and a sharper image when supported content is played.
The standout feature is the OLED panel with a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a 144 Hz refresh rate. The 12.3-inch screen delivers a 3K resolution of 3000 x 1920, which is well suited for media consumption. PWM dimming at 4320 Hz helps reduce eye strain for sensitive viewers, and an AI defocus tool helps maintain central focus while softening peripheral vision to ease long sessions in front of the display.
The lid’s outward camera protrudes slightly, so placing the tablet face-down can scratch the lens without a protective case. The 13 MP rear camera supports autofocus and 4K video at 30 frames per second; images resemble those from mid-range smartphones and are suitable for everyday capture, though there is no stabilization for video.
The 9 MP front camera sits centered above the display and handles portrait video calls well and remains practical for conferences and online meetings.
Productivity and gaming
Under the hood, MagicPad 2 runs on a 4-nanometer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, while HONOR RAM Turbo can reclaim memory for smoother multitasking. There is no SIM card slot and no microSD expansion, so storage must be planned in advance.
Benchmarks from Geekbench 6, AnTuTu and 3DMark are shown in the accompanying visuals, indicating solid performance across common workloads.
In games, Call of Duty and PUBG run smoothly at 60 FPS on high settings, while more demanding titles like Genshin Impact may need some tweaks to maintain a stable frame rate.
The 10,050 mAh battery supports all-day use and fast charging that reaches 40% in about 30 minutes, making it one of the more capable tablets in this class for long sessions away from a power outlet.
MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14 provides a flexible workspace with split-screen and drag-and-drop between apps. The tablet also includes Magic Portal, a clipboard feature that moves text or images between apps with a single gesture. For example, selecting a photo can prompt quick actions to recognize, copy, or share it directly in another app.
Notes and drawing work benefit from AI tools that recognize mathematical formulas from handwriting and the suite of native apps. HONOR Documents and HONOR Notes offer built-in support for productivity, hands-on editing, and convenient organization.
Results and prizes
HONOR MagicPad 2 stands out with a bright OLED screen, robust audio, and performance enough for gaming and demanding apps. The device offers portability without compromising power, especially when connected to a keyboard and stylus for a mobile workstation.
In short, it presents a compelling combination of light build, strong performance, and a versatile toolkit suitable for creators who move between ideas and tasks on the go.