Android tablets have had something of a renaissance in recent years. For a while, Samsung was the only realistic alternative to an iPad, but now, OnePlus, Google and Xiaomi all offer strong competition.
However, they all prioritise functionality over good looks. For budget and mid-range tablets, that’s a wise, cost-saving approach. But even flagships such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra look a little dated compared to the latest iPad Pro. Where is the Android tablet that can rival Apple in the design stakes?
Allow me to introduce you to the new Honor MagicPad 2. It has the stack of premium features you’d associate with a high-end Android tablet, yet combines it with the stunning design I’ve been craving.
Much of this is centred around the way it looks. The back of the device is actually coated 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, as it avoids fingerprint smudges and adds some much-needed grip. The device is also available in a standard ‘Black’, but the white is the one to get if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Honor has also struck a great balance in terms of weight. At 555g, it has a satisfying feel in your hands without feeling too bulky. For context, it’s lighter than both the latest 13-inch iPad Air (from 617g) and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (from 732g).
The company has also applied its learnings from the razor-thin Magic V3 foldable here. At just 5.8mm, it’s thinner than almost all competitors, yet doesn’t feel flimsy at all. And while JerryRigEverything‘s Zack Nelson might not get his hands on it, a five-star anti-bending certification from SGS suggests it would fare well.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
There’s a lot to like once you start using the MagicPad 2, too. Its 12.3-inch display is a stunning 144Hz OLED, and early impressions suggest it’ll be up there with the best on any tablet.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 under the hood is a small step down compared to Qualcomm’s flagship 8 Gen 3, but alongside 12GB of RAM, the device handles all everyday tasks with ease. It’ll be interesting to see how it fares for demanding workloads such as gaming, though.
Elsewhere, a total of eight IMAX speakers deliver booming, room-filling audio. Alongside that display, it makes the MagicPad 2 a perfect device for watching movies or TV shows.
Even Honor’s MagicOS skin (over Android 14 here), which I’m often critical of on phones, feels less cluttered and easier to use on a tablet. It gets a lot of the same AI tools as the Magic V3, which are useful in some instances but won’t change the way you use the device.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
However, despite all these positives, it’s on sale now via 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 going to stop short of recommending it for now, though. The MagicPad 2’s 10,050mAh cell sounds good in theory, but that doesn’t necessarily mean battery life will be strong. And Honor has made no specific commitment to software updates.
I also haven’t had the opportunity to test Honor’s dedicated accessories, namely the MagicPad 2 Smart Bluetooth Keyboard and Magic-Pencil 3 stylus. If you’re planning to use the tablet as a productivity device, the quality of these accessories will be crucial.
Until I get clarity on these areas, I can’t fully recommend the Honor MagicPad 2. But early signs are extremely promising.
See our guides to the best Android tablets and best tablets to see what it’ll be up against.
