Impressive Performance, but Is It an iPad Challenger?
Introducing the HONOR Pad V9: A Balanced Android Tablet
The market for Android tablets can be quite competitive. Many consumers choose an Android tablet based on specific needs, whether it’s for a powerful processor to replace a laptop or a budget option for casual web browsing. Generally speaking, if someone needs a reliable tablet for school or work, they often turn to an iPad. This is the tough landscape the HONOR Pad V9 enters after its launch at Mobile World Congress in 2025. Although it lacks the latest high-end chips, it also isn’t a low-cost, no-feature tablet, making it a direct rival to popular iPads. I recently had a chance to spend some time with the Pad V9, so here’s what I think.
Exceptional Design
The design of the HONOR Pad V9 is impressive and strikingly reminiscent of an iPad, which is not necessarily a downside. The flat sides give it a contemporary look that echoes the design trends in flagship smartphones. Made from a single piece of metal, the tablet feels sturdy and premium—definitely a product you would feel proud to own. Weighing only 475 grams (about 1 pound), it is lightweight enough to carry around easily, making it convenient for extended use.
“The HONOR Pad V9 is a stunning piece of tech, even if it does look a lot like an iPad.”
With an 11.5-inch display, the HONOR Pad V9 strikes a perfect balance—not too small or too large. Tablets with screen sizes under 10 inches may feel cramped, while anything above 12 inches can be cumbersome. Although it uses LCD technology instead of OLED, which has begun to appear in iPads recently, its clarity and brightness are quite commendable.
Top-notch Display Specifications
The specifications of the display are simply great. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2,800 x 1,840, which is often referred to as 2.8K. It can reach a brightness of up to 500 nits, adequate for most indoor settings, though attempting to watch outdoors in bright sunlight might be less favorable.
“This is a terrific display with a high refresh rate and 2.8K resolution.”
The button layout is similar to that of iPads, with the power button positioned conveniently on the left side (when held horizontally) and the volume controls placed near the top side. This layout makes it easier to find the right buttons without looking—something that is not always the case with other Android brands.
Impressive Audio Features
The sound quality of the HONOR Pad V9 pleasantly surprises. It features an octo-speaker setup with two pairs on each side, delivering clean and loud stereo audio. This feature has received certifications like IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X, allowing for a spatial audio experience. Whether streaming music or watching concert videos online, the audio quality impressed me so much that I had to lower the volume initially because it’s quite loud!
“I was unprepared for how good this tablet sounds (and how loud it gets).”
The device comes in two color options: a professional gray and a sophisticated pearly white, appealing to various tastes.
Inside the HONOR Pad V9: Specs and Features
At the heart of the Pad V9 is the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Elite processor, which is a variant of existing technologies but with certain improvements aimed to enhance performance. It utilizes a 4nm architecture with eight cores, including a primary Cortex-A715 core with a clock speed up to 3.35GHz. While it might not compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, it provides solid performance, making it suitable for tasks like gaming, streaming, and multitasking.
“The specs for the Pad V9 are solid all around, including a fast processor, plenty of RAM, a huge battery, and fast 35W charging.”
The choice of RAM varies: you can opt for either 8GB or 12GB based on your needs, and storage options go up to 256GB (note that it is non-expandable). Thanks to these specs, you can expect a smooth experience, whether browsing the web or video conferencing.
Battery Life and Camera Features
One standout feature is the large 10,100mAh battery that offers plenty of juice for day-to-day tasks. For context, this is impressive compared to many competing tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series. Furthermore, it supports fast 35W charging, which means you can quickly recharge and get back to using your tablet in no time.
The camera setup includes an 8MP front-facing camera suitable for video calls and a 13MP rear camera capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second. While most users don’t prioritize camera quality on tablets, these features perform adequately for your basic needs.
Software and User Experience
The HONOR Pad V9 runs on Android 15, layered over with Magic OS 9. Although this user interface might not be everyone’s favorite, it manages to provide a smooth experience without any major hiccups during my time with the device. While some of its AI features might feel gimmicky, they did not hinder performance.
Final Thoughts on the HONOR Pad V9
Overall, the HONOR Pad V9 impresses with its design, display quality, and performance at a reasonable price of about €250 (~$259). However, it faces tough competition from products like the iPad, which have garnered user loyalty over the years. Without any standout processor features, it may not attract hardcore gamers or those seeking a laptop alternative. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills Android tablet for everyday use, the HONOR Pad V9 could be an excellent choice for you.
