Honor is now launching the MagicPad 2 in Germany. The Android tablet boasts a better display than the iPad Pro but costs only half as much.
At IFA 2024 in Berlin, Honor is making a bold statement. After the company showcased its thin and light foldable Magic V3, challenging Samsung, the former Huawei subsidiary is now taking on Apple in the tablet market. Apple’s iPad has long been the leader in this space, especially the Pro version with its high-resolution display. Honor now seeks to offer a more affordable alternative with the MagicPad 2, targeting the 13-inch iPad Pro, which starts at a hefty €1,429.
The Android tablet made its global debut at IFA in early September and is priced at €599 in Germany, less than half the price of the 13-inch iPad Pro. Currently, Honor is offering a €50 discount on the device. Despite its lower price, Honor claims it delivers a superior display, based on two key factors: higher resolution and a higher refresh rate.
MagicPad 2 offers 3K display with 144Hz at the price €599
According to Honor, the MagicPad 2 features a 3K display, compared to the 2.7K screen in the iPad Pro. Additionally, the refresh rate is higher at 144Hz, whereas the iPad Pro falls short in this area. Both devices, however, match in peak brightness, reaching 1,600 nits. What Honor does not highlight, though, is that the MagicPad 2 has a smaller screen at 12.3 inches compared to the iPad Pro’s 13 inches.
Nevertheless, the MagicPad 2’s display made a strong impression during its showcase at IFA. However, the lower price does come with compromises in other areas when compared to the iPad Pro. The Honor tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a mid-range processor that can’t compete with Apple’s M4 chip. Additionally, while the MagicPad 2 is thin at 5.8mm, it still falls short of the iPad Pro’s ultra-slim 5.1mm profile.