Honor Pad GT Pro: A Midrange Tablet With A Stunning Display And Powerful Performance

Body

The Honor Pad GT Pro comes in three elegant color options: GT Blue, Moon Shadow White, and Star Black, giving you a choice between bold and subtle aesthetics. With dimensions of 274.5×180.5×5.8 mm, the tablet is impressively slim, measuring just 5.8 mm thick, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It weighs 555 g, which is fairly average for a tablet of this size, ensuring portability without compromising on screen size. For anyone who likes the combination of sleek design and a large display without sacrificing comfort, this tablet is an appealing option. Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor Pad GT Pro has a design that strikes a fine balance between portability and comfort, making it a versatile device for both extended lap use and on-the-go convenience. With those dimensions, it is large enough to offer a generous 12.3-inch display, while still being slim enough at 5.8 mm to feel sleek and modern.

Its weight of 555 g is fairly typical for tablets in this size range, making it comfortable enough to carry in hand for moderate periods and easily stash in a backpack without much strain. When using it on your lap for long sessions - like watching a movie or doing light work - it strikes a good balance between being light enough not to cause fatigue and large enough for a proper viewing experience.

It's not as heavy as some bulkier laptops or pro-level tablets, so you can expect it to be manageable for extended use without constantly needing to adjust its position. However, if you plan to hold it in your hands for long periods, the weight could start to become noticeable after an hour or so.

The 555 g weight is very reasonable for carrying the tablet around in a backpack. Whether you're commuting or traveling, it won't feel like a burden, and its slim profile means it won't take up too much space.

Honor has thoughtfully offered the Pad GT Pro in three distinct color choices, each suited to different personal tastes and styles:

• GT Blue: This color oozes a sense of futuristic cool and dynamism. It's perfect for tech enthusiasts who want to make a subtle yet bold statement. Think of someone who enjoys cutting-edge technology, fast cars, or sleek gadgets. It's ideal for users who like a pop of personality without being overly flashy.
• Moon Shadow White: Clean, minimalistic, and timeless. This color will appeal to users who appreciate elegance and simplicity. It has a premium, almost Apple-esque vibe to it, giving off a polished, professional look. Ideal for creatives, students, or professionals who enjoy a neutral palette that pairs well with everything.
• Star Black: A classic choice, Star Black is for those who prefer understated sophistication. It's sleek, low-profile, and suits users who want their tech to blend seamlessly into a professional or formal setting. Whether you're a business professional or someone who enjoys minimalist aesthetics, Star Black is the ultimate "all-business" choice.

In short, the GT Blue is for those who like to stand out, Moon Shadow White is for fans of elegant minimalism, and Star Black fits those with a more traditional or professional style.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

As you navigate the tech landscape in search of the perfect tablet, you might notice a missing piece in the Pad GT Pro puzzle - an official IP rating. While some users might raise an eyebrow at this omission, let's unravel whether it should be a genuine cause for concern and how you can shield your precious device from the environmental elements.

An IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a standardized measure of a device's resistance to dust and water. The lack of an IP rating might be a mild concern if you often find yourself in environments where water or dust exposure is likely. If your tablet usage revolves around coffee shops, cozy living rooms, or classrooms, the absence of an IP rating might not be a deal-breaker.

If you're eyeing the Honor Pad GT Pro but want to ensure its longevity in diverse conditions, consider these practical tips to protect your device:

• Invest in a Protective Case: A sturdy case can add an extra layer of defense against accidental spills, dust, and minor bumps.
• Be Mindful of Surroundings: Avoid exposing your tablet to extreme conditions. If you're lounging by the pool or heading to the beach, keep it sheltered from water and sand.
• Handle with Clean Hands: Dust and moisture can find their way into ports and crevices. Ensure your hands are clean when using the tablet, and avoid usage in damp environments.
• Screen Protectors: Applying a quality screen protector not only guards against scratches but also provides a barrier against moisture.
• Storage Considerations: When not in use, store your tablet in a safe, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or humid areas.

While the absence of an official IP rating might raise an eyebrow, it's not a definitive deal-breaker. By taking a few precautionary measures and being mindful of your tablet's surroundings, you can enjoy the Pad GT Pro without constantly worrying about unexpected spills or dust encounters. Remember, a touch of care goes a long way in ensuring your tech companion stays pristine through the various chapters of its digital life.

Display: A Cinematic Experience

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

One of the standout features of the Honor Pad GT Pro is its 12.3-inch OLED display. Offering a 144 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1600 nits, this display is perfect for users who enjoy watching movies, gaming, or scrolling through vibrant social media feeds. The IMAX Enhanced certification adds another layer of cinematic experience, making it one of the best displays in this price range.

Honor Pad GT Pro display. Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor Pad GT Pro's display is truly the star of the show, and it's packed with premium features that elevate your multimedia experience to a whole new level. The OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display on the tablet delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. Unlike traditional LCDs, OLED panels don't require a backlight because each pixel emits its own light.

This results in true blacks and infinite contrast; because pixels can completely turn off, you get deeper blacks than LCD displays, making colors stand out vividly. Also, since OLED displays can turn off individual pixels, using darker themes or images helps save battery life.

The display's 144 Hz refresh rate is a major upgrade for smoothness and fluidity. Whether you're browsing the web or swiping through apps, this higher refresh rate means less motion blur and smoother transitions.

For users who enjoy mobile gaming, a 144 Hz display reduces screen tearing and lag, delivering a more responsive experience, especially for fast-paced action games. If you're using the Magic-Pencil 3 stylus for drawing or note-taking, the high refresh rate results in more natural, lag-free strokes that keep up with your hand movements.

With a 1920×3000 pixel resolution on a 12.3-inch display, you get an impressive pixel density of around 290 PPI (pixels per inch). This means text, even in smaller fonts, appears incredibly sharp and easy to read, making it perfect for long reading sessions or productivity tasks. Whether you're watching videos, editing photos, or playing games, the high resolution ensures everything looks sharp and clear, without any noticeable pixelation.

The 1600 nits peak brightness is an impressive feature that makes this display exceptionally usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Even in bright sunlight, the screen remains clear and readable, reducing glare and reflections.

Additionally, high peak brightness enhances HDR (High Dynamic Range) content by improving contrast between the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows, creating a more lifelike visual experience. This makes movies and photos appear more vivid and realistic.

With 1 billion colors, the display offers 10-bit color depth, meaning you get much smoother gradients and transitions between colors compared to 8-bit displays (which only support 16.7 million colors). This is crucial for photo and video editing. If you work with high-quality media, the ability to see true-to-life colors ensures more accurate edits.

Thanks to the 1 billion color gamut, movies, especially those in HDR, look richer and more nuanced with vibrant colors, making the Honor Pad GT Pro an ideal device for media consumption.

The IMAX Enhanced certification is one of the standout features of the Honor Pad GT Pro, elevating both the visual and audio experience. This certification means the display meets stringent standards for color accuracy, brightness, contrast, and resolution, providing a cinematic quality typically reserved for larger screens. Movies optimized for IMAX Enhanced will display in higher fidelity, with enhanced brightness and detail, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

The enhanced color accuracy and sharpness of the display bring visuals to life. Essentially, IMAX Enhanced provides a home theater-like experience on a tablet. It combines the visual benefits of HDR and high-resolution displays with the audio prowess of cinematic sound, making both your video and audio experiences feel more premium and immersive.

PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) dimming is used to control the brightness of the display by turning the screen on and off rapidly. On some devices, low-frequency PWM dimming can cause eye strain or flickering that's especially noticeable in low light. The 4320 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming is designed to eliminate flicker and reduce eye strain, making the display ideal for users who spend long hours on their tablet, especially at lower brightness levels. This feature is a game-changer for comfort during late-night reading, gaming, or movie sessions.

The Magic-Pencil 3 stylus is an excellent addition for creatives, students, or professionals who need precise input for tasks like:

• Drawing and Sketching: Artists will appreciate the smooth and accurate strokes, especially with the high refresh rate allowing for a near-realistic drawing experience.
• Note-Taking: Whether you're jotting down quick ideas or writing out lecture notes, the stylus ensures you can do so efficiently and legibly.

Thanks to the tablet's large, bright, and fluid screen, paired with stylus support, the Honor Pad GT Pro doubles as a powerful tool for productivity and creativity.

In conclusion, the Honor Pad GT Pro's OLED display, with its 144 Hz refresh rate, 1 billion colors, IMAX Enhanced certification, and 1600 nits peak brightness, makes it a multimedia powerhouse. It's ideal for users who prioritize top-notch visual and audio performance, from binge-watching to gaming and creative tasks.

Networks and SIM

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

One key omission in the Honor Pad GT Pro's feature set is cellular connectivity and a SIM slot. This tablet is a Wi-Fi-only device, which makes it less suitable for those who need constant connectivity while on the go. If you're looking for a tablet with built-in 4G or 5G capabilities, you'll need to consider other options.

Chipset - Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the Honor Pad GT Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset. This octa-core processor, with its Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, ensures fast performance for demanding applications, from gaming to multitasking. Accompanied by the Adreno 735 GPU, you can expect smooth graphical performance in mobile games and multimedia editing. Here are the relevant specs:

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (SM8635) chipset is a 4-nm powerhouse that brings cutting-edge performance to the Honor Pad GT Pro. It's part of Qualcomm's high-end lineup, designed for flagship tablets and smartphones, delivering efficient power consumption without compromising on speed or capability.

The 4-nm process ensures better thermal management and energy efficiency, meaning the tablet can handle intense tasks while maintaining good battery life. This chipset is perfect for users who need a fast, responsive device for productivity, creative work, and gaming.

The CPU inside the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses an octa-core configuration with a tri-cluster design. This setup is specifically tailored to optimize both performance and efficiency, by grouping different types of cores to handle different kinds of tasks. Here's how each of the three core types plays its role:

• 1×Cortex-X4 (3.0 GHz) - Performance Core: This is the heavy hitter in the CPU lineup. The Cortex-X4 core is designed for maximum performance and kicks in when the tablet needs to handle the most demanding tasks, such as gaming, 4K video editing, and running intensive apps.

  With a clock speed of 3.0 GHz, it's able to deliver rapid processing for short bursts, ensuring that tasks that require raw power are handled quickly and efficiently. For users running multiple high-end apps simultaneously or engaging in serious multitasking, this core ensures the tablet doesn't break a sweat.

• 4×Cortex-A720 (2.8 GHz) - Balanced Efficiency and Performance Cores: These Cortex-A720 cores strike a balance between performance and energy efficiency. They are designed to handle moderately intensive tasks such as video playback, web browsing, and running productivity apps.

  At 2.8 GHz, they can handle most everyday tasks without needing to call on the high-power Cortex-X4 core, allowing the tablet to perform efficiently without consuming too much power. These cores are your workhorses, ensuring that the tablet is responsive even during sustained use, but with lower power consumption compared to the X4 core.

• 3×Cortex-A520 (2.0 GHz) - Power-Efficient Cores: The Cortex-A520 cores are designed for background tasks and general power efficiency. These cores handle less demanding activities like email, notifications, background syncing, and light multitasking, all while sipping minimal battery power.

  Running at 2.0 GHz, they ensure that your tablet remains responsive when idle or performing low-power tasks without unnecessarily draining the battery. These cores are essential for extending battery life during casual use, allowing the Honor Pad GT Pro to last longer on a single charge.

The Adreno 735 GPU is the graphics engine of the Honor Pad GT Pro and is responsible for rendering everything you see on the screen, from high-definition movies to 3D games. It is a powerful GPU that can easily handle graphically intensive tasks. It supports high frame rates in games, taking full advantage of the tablet's 144 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth, fluid gameplay even in fast-paced titles.

With the Adreno 735, the tablet can effortlessly handle 4K video playback and even editing tasks. If you're working with high-resolution videos or streaming 4K content, this GPU ensures a stutter-free, immersive experience.

The GPU also supports advanced graphics rendering techniques, meaning that movies, games, and apps look more detailed, with more realistic shadows, lighting, and textures. Despite its high performance, the Adreno 735 is designed to be energy efficient, ensuring that you get great graphics without significantly affecting battery life.

In summary, the combination of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, the octa-core CPU with its tri-cluster architecture, and the Adreno 735 GPU makes the Honor Pad GT Pro a beast in terms of performance. The tablet's hardware ensures it's a high-performance device for gamers, creatives, and multitaskers, while still being efficient enough for everyday use. Whether you're streaming content, gaming, or running productivity apps, this tablet delivers top-tier performance without compromise.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor Pad GT Pro comes in multiple RAM and storage configurations. The lack of a microSD card slot may be disappointing for some, but the higher storage variants should offer enough space for most users.

Cameras: Decent for a Tablet

The camera setup on the Honor Pad GT Pro, while not groundbreaking, is more than sufficient for typical tablet use. The rear 13 MP camera with autofocus can capture decent photos, aided by an LED flash and HDR mode. It also supports 4K video recording at 30 fps, allowing you to capture high-quality videos when needed.

The 9 MP front-facing camera with 1080p video recording is perfect for video calls and selfies, delivering clear, natural-looking images.

While tablets are not typically used as primary photography devices, these cameras should serve well for casual shots and online meetings.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Honor

The Honor Pad GT Pro's main camera setup is a well-rounded system for general use, equipped with features that should satisfy casual photography and videography needs but may not appeal to those seeking high-end, professional-quality imaging. Let's break down the key aspects of its camera setup and what kind of use cases it's ideal for. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Honor Pad GT Pro
Number of Cameras	1 (Single)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP
Aperture	f/2.0
Autofocus	AF
Video Recording	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, HDR

The 13 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture is decent for a tablet, especially considering that tablets are not typically used as primary photography devices. The 13 megapixels resolution is fairly standard for a tablet camera, offering enough detail for casual snapshots, document scanning, and simple photography. You'll be able to capture reasonably detailed images for social media or casual sharing, though it won't compete with the ultra-high-resolution cameras found in flagship smartphones.

The f/2.0 aperture is wide enough to perform decently in various lighting conditions. You'll get better low-light performance compared to cameras with smaller apertures, but it's still limited when compared to cameras with f/1.8 or f/1.5 apertures, which are found on more photography-focused devices. You can expect clear and sharp images in well-lit environments, but night shots may require some post-processing to reduce noise.

The AF (autofocus) feature ensures that your shots are quickly focused, reducing the likelihood of blurry photos. This is a great addition for those who need to capture moving subjects or take quick snaps without manually adjusting the focus. Whether you're photographing documents or everyday moments, AF will make the process easier and more reliable.

AF is great for scanning documents, quick snapshots, and capturing objects that aren't too far from the camera. AF works well in these scenarios to provide clear focus, ensuring legible text and sharp details in photos.

The LED flash is a useful addition, providing a boost in low-light situations. While it won't perform miracles in pitch-black environments, it can add enough light to improve image quality when shooting indoors or in dimly lit settings.

The flash helps when taking pictures at night or in indoor spaces with poor lighting. However, it's more suited for close-up subjects, as its range is limited.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances image quality by balancing out high-contrast scenes. This is particularly useful when shooting in situations with bright highlights and dark shadows, such as during sunsets, backlit portraits, or scenes with strong light contrasts.

HDR will be most beneficial for improving the dynamic range of images, ensuring that both the bright and dark areas of the photo retain details. This is ideal for outdoor photography, especially when dealing with bright sunlight or tricky lighting conditions.

The 4K video recording capability at 30 fps is a solid feature for a tablet. It allows you to shoot high-resolution videos that are crisp and detailed. For general home use, social media clips, or casual vlogging, the 4K resolution will ensure your videos look sharp when played on larger screens.

1080p at 30 fps is also available, which might be a better option if you want to save on storage space or don't require ultra-high resolution. It's still full HD, so your videos will look good when viewed on most devices.

With this combination of hardware and features, the Honor Pad GT Pro's camera is more than adequate for casual photography and videography needs. Here are some scenarios where the camera setup shines:

• Document Scanning and Productivity: The 13 MP camera, paired with autofocus, makes it great for scanning documents, whiteboards, and notes.
• Everyday Photography: If you're looking to take photos of family gatherings, pets, or even outdoor scenes, this setup will produce decent results, especially in good lighting.
• Video Calls and Casual Vlogging: The 4K video recording makes it a solid option for users who want to capture high-resolution video for social media or video calls.

However, while the camera on the Honor Pad GT Pro is fine for everyday use, it won't be suitable for professional photography or videography. Here's where the limitations become apparent:

• Low-Light Photography: While the f/2.0 aperture and LED flash help, this tablet will struggle in extremely low-light conditions. Nighttime photography or indoor shots with minimal light won't match the quality of devices with larger sensors and more advanced night modes.
• Advanced Photography: If you're looking to shoot professional-grade portraits, landscapes, or macro photography, you'll need more specialized hardware. The single 13 MP sensor doesn't have the advanced features (like telephoto or ultra-wide lenses) found in premium smartphones or dedicated cameras.
• High-Frame-Rate Video Recording: The 30 fps frame rate is fine for standard video, but if you're looking for smoother motion (e.g., for sports videography or action scenes), you might miss the higher frame rates (like 60 fps or 120 fps) found in more advanced devices.

In conclusion, the Honor Pad GT Pro offers a reliable, capable camera for most casual use cases, from snapping photos to recording high-definition video. It's not a tablet designed for photography enthusiasts, but for users who need a solid camera for general tasks, it gets the job done. You can comfortably use it for document scanning, video calls, and casual social media content.

However, if your focus is on professional-quality photos or you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions, a more advanced camera setup would be required, such as the multi-lens configurations found in higher-end smartphones or dedicated cameras.

Battery Life: Built for Longevity

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Powering the Honor Pad GT Pro is a massive 10050 mAh battery, which is designed to keep you going all day. The large battery capacity is complemented by 66 W wired charging, which can quickly juice up the tablet when needed, reducing downtime between charges.

For users who need to reverse-charge smaller devices like wireless earbuds, the tablet offers a 5 W reverse wired charging feature, adding extra utility for those with multiple gadgets.

Audio: Surround Sound Experience

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the highlights for entertainment lovers is the eight-speaker stereo setup, which delivers immersive sound quality. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the IMAX Enhanced certification ensures the audio experience is as dynamic as the display.

While the Honor Pad GT Pro lacks a 3.5 mm audio jack, the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD ensures high-quality wireless audio, making it compatible with modern Bluetooth headphones.

The IMAX Enhanced certification for the stereo speakers means that the sound is optimized for cinematic audio quality, delivering richer, more dynamic sound. With eight speakers onboard, this certification ensures the audio is not just loud, but it's finely tuned to deliver detailed soundscapes with better surround effects, adding to the immersive nature of movies, music, and games. Whether you're watching an action-packed movie, enjoying a gaming session, or just listening to music, this certification ensures a superior experience in every way.

Connectivity

With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, the Honor Pad GT Pro ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Pad GT Pro boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, and aptX HD for superior audio quality, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Honor Pad GT Pro does not support positioning systems (like GPS).

The absence of NFC might disappoint users who rely on contactless interactions.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 3.2 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 3.2 ensures a fast and reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

The USB-C connector can be used for DisplayPort, a digital video and audio interface that's used for connecting displays to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It's like the bridge that carries the sights and sounds from your Pad GT Pro to your monitor or TV.

Sensors

The Honor Pad GT Pro comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor (Accessories Only): Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared) without physically contacting it. "Accessories only" means that its functionality is specifically designed to work with certain accessories, like specific add-ons created by Honor or certain third-party manufacturers.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Honor Pad GT Pro release date?

  The Honor Pad GT Pro has been released on the 17th October, 2024. It was announced on the 16th October, 2024.

• What is Honor Pad GT Pro price?

  The Honor Pad GT Pro is priced starting from CNY 2499 (about USD 352) for the 8 GB / 128 GB variant, and goes up to CNY 3299 (about USD 464) for the 16 GB / 512 GB variant.