Honor's MagicPad 4 is a high-spec tablet that challenges the dominance of Samsung and Apple's iPads, offering premium features at a competitive price of £499. This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission on purchases made through them, but this does not influence our editorial judgment.
If you are looking for a high-end tablet, you might automatically consider a Samsung or an iPad. However, after spending several weeks with the new Honor MagicPad 4, it is clear that this device is a serious contender. Priced at £499 (with occasional £100 coupon offers), it punches well above its weight and rivals the big players.
Design and Display
The first impression is all about the design. The MagicPad 4 is incredibly thin at just 4.8mm and surprisingly light at around 450g, making it comfortable to hold and well-balanced. The thin bezels accommodate a large 12.3-inch OLED display with a sharp 3000 x 1920 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals.
Performance and Battery
The tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, ensuring smooth performance for tasks ranging from productivity to gaming. It boasts a remarkable 10100mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging, making it ideal for extended use. The eight-speaker system provides spatial audio, enhancing the entertainment experience.
Pairing the MagicPad 4 with Honor's Smart Keyboard (surprisingly affordable) can transform it into a laptop replacement. The combination is highly effective for productivity tasks.
Software and Accessories
Despite its strengths, the software is a weak point. MagicOS is functional but not as clean or intuitive as iPadOS, and it comes with some pre-installed bloatware. Long-term software support also lags behind Samsung, which may be a concern for users who keep devices for several years.
The accessories are decent but not exceptional. The keyboard is adequate but not class-leading, and the stylus, while usable, is not as refined as the best alternatives. The cameras are sufficient for video calls but not for photography, though the rear sensor can capture 4K video, and the front camera is discreetly integrated into the bezel.
Verdict
Any criticisms of the MagicPad 4 feel minor when considering the bigger picture. It delivers premium hardware at a price that undercuts many competitors. For around £500, you get a gorgeous OLED display, strong performance, a super-slim design, and a versatile device for entertainment and light productivity.
The Honor MagicPad 4 does not outright beat the best four-figure tablets, but it comes remarkably close without the premium price tag. In that sense, it absolutely succeeds.
