Honor Pad X8b Debuts as Budget Android Tablet with 90Hz Display and Quad Speakers

Honor has expanded its tablet lineup with the Pad X8b, an 11-inch Android device targeting budget-conscious buyers. Announced in Saudi Arabia ahead of Honor's global MagicPad 4 launch, the X8b prioritizes core functionality over premium features while maintaining a slim metal design.

Key Specifications and Design The Pad X8b weighs 496g with a 7.25mm-thick aluminum chassis. Its 11-inch IPS LCD delivers 1920×1200 resolution (207 PPI) with a 90Hz refresh rate – notable for this price segment. The display carries TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light emission and flicker reduction, addressing eye strain concerns during extended use.

Performance and Hardware Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680 (launched Q4 2021), the tablet pairs this entry-level chipset with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. In comparable devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, this configuration achieves approximately 201,000 points in AnTuTu v9 benchmarks – sufficient for basic tasks but unsuitable for intensive gaming or multitasking.

Imaging capabilities are modest: a 5MP autofocus rear camera and 5MP front-facing sensor handle video calls and document scanning. Audio features stand out with quad speakers, while the 10,100mAh battery offers extended usage between charges. Software runs MagicOS 10 layered over Android 16.

Market Position and Availability Priced at SAR 849 ($226) with an introductory discount of SAR 649 ($173) in Saudi Arabia, the Wi-Fi model currently ships only in Space Gray. Honor hasn't confirmed availability beyond Saudi Arabia, creating uncertainty for international buyers. Competitors like the Redmi Pad SE offer similar specs globally, though the Honor's higher refresh rate display provides a slight edge for media consumption.

Practical Considerations This tablet suits:

• Students needing affordable note-taking/web browsing
• Households seeking secondary media devices
• Users prioritizing screen smoothness over processing power

Given the Snapdragon 680's age, performance won't match newer chips like MediaTek's Helio G99. Buyers should temper expectations for intensive applications but can expect reliable performance for streaming and light productivity at this price point.