Honor Pad X9 Review: Balancing Performance and Value

The Honor Pad X9 combines performance, design, and functionality in an affordable package. This budget-friendly tablet features a premium build, decent performance with the Snapdragon 685, and a vibrant 120Hz display. While it excels in everyday tasks and multimedia consumption, it faces some limitations in gaming and camera capabilities.
Design and Display
The Honor Pad X9 sports a sleek metallic chassis measuring 167.4 x 267.3 x 6.9 mm3 and weighing 499 grams. Available exclusively in Space Grey, its premium build quality stands out in the budget segment. The tablet houses an 11.5-inch TFT LCD display with 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. However, the peak brightness of 400 nits might challenge outdoor visibility.
Processor
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 octa-core processor powers the device, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming.
RAM and Storage
With 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, the tablet offers efficient multitasking and ample space for apps and media. Storage is expandable up to 1TB via microSD.
Software
Out of the box, the tablet runs on MagicOS 7.1, based on Android 13. The latest update enhances the low-light capabilities and autofocus speed of the camera setup. Honor promises two years of OS updates and security patches.
Performance
The Honor Pad X9’s Snapdragon 685 processor, coupled with 4GB RAM, handles daily tasks efficiently. The virtual RAM feature enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing smooth app transitions. Compared to competitors like the Xiaomi Pad 6 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, the X9 shows its limitations during intensive tasks and heavy gaming. While it maintains stable performance for browsing, streaming, and light gaming, users might notice occasional stutters during demanding applications. The tablet’s optimization allows for decent heat management during extended use, though performance throttling may occur under sustained heavy loads. Overall, it delivers satisfactory performance within its price bracket, particularly for casual users.
Camera
The Honor Pad X9 features 5MP sensors on both front and rear, capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions but struggling in low light. Video recording caps at 1080p/30fps for both cameras. Compared to the Realme Pad 2’s superior camera system, the X9’s imaging capabilities feel basic. While adequate for casual photography and video calls, serious photographers might find the camera setup limiting, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Sound
The six-speaker setup delivers clear audio for multimedia consumption, though some distortion occurs at maximum volume.
Battery
The 7,250mAh battery supports 22.5W fast charging and provides approximately 13 hours of typical use.
Accessories
Compatible accessories include Bluetooth keyboards (₹2,000), styluses (₹1,500), and protective cases (₹1,000), all sold separately.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Slim, premium build
- 120Hz display
- Reliable everyday performance
- Six-speaker audio system
- Strong battery life
- Expandable storage
Cons
- Subpar low-light camera performance
- Limited peak brightness
- Audio distortion at high volumes
- Basic software features
- Performance limitations in intensive tasks
Market Buzz
Users on Amazon and Flipkart praise the display quality and everyday performance while noting camera limitations in low light.
Pricing
- 4GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹16,999
Final Verdict
The Honor Pad X9 delivers impressive value with its premium design, smooth display, and capable everyday performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking reliability without compromising on core features.al value in the budget tablet segment, offering premium features like a 120Hz display and six-speaker system. Despite camera limitations, it’s an excellent choice for entertainment and light productivity tasks.