Tech Blog #205 | Honor MagicPad 2 : Powerhouse with Big OLED...

We are still in 11.11 week and it's hard to keep the hands out of Aliexpress or Daraz. There are a lot of good deals for electronics in Aliexpress and I was almost convinced to buy even a smartphone from Aliexpress but I made my mind to save that experience for another day. While scrolling, I found a great tab just above 100K and thought of writing a review about it.

The Honor MagicPad 2 stands out in the crowded tablet market with its elegant design and premium materials. Measuring just 5.8mm thick and weighing 555g, it boasts an aluminum unibody that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its durability. The tablet's simple design, coupled with a high screen-to-body ratio, makes it visually appealing. However, while the thin profile is admirable, it can feel slightly less tabby in hand compared to thicker alternatives. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor adds a layer of security, though its placement is a bit hard to access.

The display is one of the MagicPad 2's most impressive features. It sports a 12.3-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2.5K, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to OLED technology. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, making it ideal for both productivity tasks and entertainment. Additionally, the display supports HDR10 and IMAX Enhanced certifications, which significantly enhances the viewing experience for movies and games. Also, the peak brightness of 1600 nits is significant and it can offer better outdoor visibility.

Under the hood, the MagicPad 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, which, while not the absolute fastest on the market, provides ample performance for most users. Coupled with RAM options ranging from 8GB to a generous 16GB and storage variants from 256GB to 1TB, this tablet can handle multitasking and demanding applications with relative ease. However, some users may find that the absence of expandable storage options limits flexibility for those who require extensive media libraries.

In terms of photography, the Honor MagicPad 2 features a modest rear camera setup with a 13 MP sensor capable of recording in 4K at 30fps. The front-facing camera offers a 9 MP resolution and can also shoot at 1080p. While these specifications are decent for a tablet, they fall short compared to some competitors that offer more advanced camera systems. Users looking to take high-quality photos or videos may find themselves disappointed by the lack of versatility in this department.

Battery life is one of the MagicPad 2's strong suits, equipped with a substantial 10,050mAh battery that promises extended usage between charges. The device supports fast charging at 66W, which is impressive; however, it’s worth noting that some markets may not include the charger in the box by default. Overall battery performance is admirable, but heavy users may still find themselves reaching for a charger during particularly demanding days.

On the software front, the tablet runs on Android 14 with Honor's MagicOS 8.0.1 Skin. While this version brings several enhancements and features tailored for productivity and entertainment, users should be cautious about future updates as Honor's track record for timely software support has been inconsistent in the past. AI features are integrated into various applications to enhance user experience; however, they do not always deliver on their promises and can sometimes feel gimmicky rather than genuinely useful.

Priced at 125K but often available bundled with accessories like the Smart Keyboard and Magic Pencil 3, the Honor MagicPad 2 offers good value for those looking for a versatile tablet experience. Nevertheless, potential buyers should weigh its strengths against its limitations—particularly in camera capabilities and software support—before making a decision. Overall, while it impresses in many areas, it does not completely overshadow its competitors in this increasingly competitive market.

Ref : https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_magicpad_2-review-2762.php