Honor MagicPad 3 Review: An iPad Air Rival With One Major Flaw
▼ Summary
– The Honor MagicPad 3 offers a premium experience with a slim, lightweight design and a gorgeous 13.3-inch 3.2K display, making it excellent for media consumption and portability.
– It delivers exceptional battery life from its large 12,450mAh battery, easily lasting over a day of rigorous use and performing significantly better than competitors like the iPad Air.
– The tablet provides strong performance for productivity and gaming, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 16GB of RAM, especially when paired with its well-designed keyboard case.
– A major drawback is its limited software support, with only one planned Android version update and a disappointing two years of security patches, giving the device a short effective lifespan.
– It represents great value for its hardware specifications and frequent promotional discounts, though the update policy may deter users seeking long-term device support.
The Honor MagicPad 3 carves out a compelling space in the premium tablet market by offering a luxurious Android experience that directly challenges the iPad Air, all while maintaining a significantly more attractive price point. Its defining features include a stunning 13.3-inch 3.2K display, an exceptionally slim and lightweight build, and battery life that sets a new benchmark for the category. However, this impressive package is shadowed by a significant drawback: a disappointingly short software support commitment from Honor.
Watching content on the large, bright screen is an absolute pleasure. The IMAX Enhanced certification and smooth 165Hz refresh rate make everything from movies to social media scrolling look vibrant and fluid. The tablet feels fantastic in hand, being noticeably thinner and lighter than Apple’s rival. Where it truly excels, though, is endurance. The massive 12,450mAh battery delivers staggering performance, easily lasting through multiple days of heavy use without needing a recharge. You can confidently leave it for days on standby and pick it up with plenty of power remaining.
Audio from the eight speakers is clear but lacks deep bass, especially when compared to some competitors. Disabling the default Honor Spatial Audio setting is recommended, as it tends to make sound feel artificial and hollow. The included keyboard case is a major asset for productivity, offering a stable typing experience with a responsive touchpad. The unique textured back on some models provides excellent grip, though its unusual feel might not appeal to everyone.
The most critical caveat is the limited update policy. Honor has confirmed only one major Android version update and a mere two years of security patches. For a device intended for long-term use, this short support window is a serious concern, effectively giving the tablet a built-in expiration date. While the hardware is top-tier, this software limitation is a tough pill to swallow.
Performance is robust thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 16GB of RAM, handling demanding games and multitasking with ease. The MagicOS software is intuitive and feature-rich, borrowing some design cues from iOS but offering greater customization. The cameras are typical for a tablet, adequate for video calls but not for serious photography.
Priced at £599, the Honor MagicPad 3 represents exceptional value for its hardware, especially with frequent discounts and bundle deals that often include the keyboard or stylus. It’s a fantastic choice for users who prioritize a gorgeous screen, all-day battery life, and a premium design. Yet, anyone who plans to keep their tablet for more than a couple of years should think carefully due to the uncertain software future. It’s a brilliant device held back by one major strategic flaw.
(Source: TechRadar)
