Android tablets have been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years. For a while, Samsung was the only realistic alternative to the iPad, but now OnePlus, Google, and Xiaomi are providing some serious competition.
However, all of them prioritize functionality over aesthetics. For budget and mid-range tablets, this is a smart and cost-effective approach. But even flagships like the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra look a bit dated compared to the latest iPad Pro. Where is the Android tablet that can compete with Apple in terms of design?
Let me introduce you to the new Honor MagicPad 2. It has the stack of premium features you’d associate with a high-end Android tablet, while combining it with the stunning design I’ve been craving.
This is mostly down to its appearance. The back of the device is actually covered in plastic rather than glass, but the marble effect on the “Moonlight White” model I tested is gorgeous.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
I prefer plastic over glass on a tablet because it prevents fingerprints and adds much-needed grip. The device also comes in standard black, but white is the one to go for if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Honor has also struck a good balance in terms of weight. At 555g, it feels great in your hands without being too bulky. As a reminder, it’s lighter than the latest 13-inch iPad Air (starting at 617g) and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (starting at 732g).
The company has also applied lessons learned from the ultra-thin foldable Magic V3. At just 5.8mm, it’s thinner than almost all competitors, but doesn’t feel flimsy at all. And while JerryRigEverything’s Zack Nelson may not get his hands on it, a five-star anti-bend certification from SGS suggests it’ll hold up just fine.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The MagicPad 2 also has a lot to offer once you start using it. It has a stunning 12.3-inch 144Hz OLED display, and first impressions suggest it’s going to be among the best of any tablet.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 under the hood is a small step down from Qualcomm’s flagship 8 Gen 3, but with 12GB of RAM, the device handles all day-to-day tasks with ease. It will be interesting to see how it performs for demanding workloads like gaming, though.
Additionally, a total of eight IMAX speakers produce powerful, immersive sound. Along with this screen, the MagicPad 2 is a perfect device for watching movies or TV shows.
Even Honor’s MagicOS (here on Android 14), which I often criticize on phones, feels less cluttered and easier to use on a tablet. It benefits from many of the same AI tools as the Magic V3, which are useful in some cases but won’t change the way you use the device.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Despite all these benefits, the tablet is now on sale on the Honor UK website for just £499. That’s cheaper than the 11-inch iPad Air (from £599) and much more affordable than the regular Galaxy Tab S9 (from £749).
There are a few reasons why I’m not going to recommend it just yet. The MagicPad 2’s 10,050mAh battery sounds good in theory, but that doesn’t necessarily mean battery life will be good. And Honor hasn’t made any specific commitments about software updates.
I also didn’t have a chance to test Honor’s dedicated accessories, namely the MagicPad 2 Smart Bluetooth Keyboard and Magic-Pencil 3 stylus. If you plan on using the tablet as a productivity device, the quality of these accessories will be crucial.
Until I get more details on these points, I can’t fully recommend the Honor MagicPad 2. But the early signs are extremely promising.
Check out our guides to the best Android tablets and best tablets to see what they’ll be up against.
