This article continues the exploration of HONOR tablets. Following a review of the HONOR MagicPad 2, the focus shifts to an entry-level model, the HONOR Pad X8a.
Features
- Display: 11-inch IPS panel with a 1920×1200 resolution (207 ppi) offering up to 400 nits brightness, a 90 Hz refresh rate, TÜV Rheinland certification, and an integrated e-book mode.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680.
- Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 or 128 GB ROM, HONOR Ram Turbo 4+4 GB; RAM can be augmented by storage to improve multitasking performance.
- Battery: 8300 mAh, 10 W power supply.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C.
- Operating system: MagicOS 8 based on Android 14.
- Sound: 4 speakers, HONOR Histen Sound, Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless certificates.
- Thickness: 7.25mm.
- Weight: 495 grams
Appearance and equipment
The device arrives in a classic white box with an image of the tablet. Inside there is the tablet itself, a cable and a 10W charging unit, along with a tool to eject the memory expansion tray and the documentation.
HONOR Pad X8a is offered in a single color: Space Gray. The chassis is metal and feels solid to the touch, offering a pleasant grip with no slipping. The thickness remains 7.25 mm and the weight stays under 500 grams, making it comfortable to handle without feeling bulky.
On the top frame only speaker holes are visible; there are no physical buttons there because the power, volume controls, and memory expansion tray are located on the right edge. The tact switches are comfortable to press with light effort.
At the bottom there are only holes for the speakers and the microphone; the left side is bare.
The audio system consists of four high‑amplitude speakers that handle music and light games well. The microphone clearly captures voice for video recording or calls, with AI-based noise reduction that reduces unwanted noise without distorting the voice noticeably.
HONOR Pad X8a delivers an 11‑inch screen with an 84% usable area. The display covers 1920×1200 and can reach up to 400 nits of brightness. In bright outdoor light it may struggle, but indoors it delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion for movies and everyday tasks. The 90 Hz refresh rate is ample for work, streaming, and casual gaming.
Additionally, the panel includes vision protection features that reduce blue light at the hardware level and suppress flicker. An e-book mode mimics the feel of reading on paper.
The camera module on the front extends slightly, helping to keep the device stable on a table during use.
Both cameras use a 5 MP sensor with f/2.2 optics. The front camera supports face unlock, while the main camera includes autofocus. Photos and videos are fine for basic tasks such as sharing information or scanning documents; they are not intended for high-end photography.
Productivity and gaming
The device carries 4 GB of RAM. HONOR RAM Turbo can allocate part of internal storage to augment the available memory, effectively lifting usable RAM to 8 GB and delivering a modest boost in multitasking.
Storage capacity in the tested unit is 128 GB (64 GB is also available). If more space is needed, storage can be expanded up to 1 TB via microSD. A LTE version exists for those who require mobile internet on the go.
Benchmark results from Geekbench 6 and AnTuTu are provided with visuals in this review.
Is this configuration sufficient for gaming? For demanding titles like Genshin Impact, not optimally. The game may start, but smooth performance should not be expected. Lighter titles such as PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile can achieve around 30–45 frames per second. For best results, casual games are recommended.
The 8300 mAh battery supports hours of gaming, video watching, or productivity work, typically spanning 11–12 hours. Recharging to 50% takes roughly 100 minutes.
The tablet runs Magic OS 8.0 on Android 14. Multi‑window mode enables four apps to run side by side, and the APP Extender can open two windows of the same app in different layouts. The user interface responds quickly, with no noticeable lag or stutter.
Results and prizes
In the budget segment, the HONOR Pad X8a presents a compelling option. Its metal chassis and bright IPS screen stand out, delivering adequate brightness and responsiveness for work and entertainment alike.
Solid build quality, practical design, and a balanced feature set make this tablet a solid choice within its class.