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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider HONOR Pad X9a: Big on features, light on the wallet

HONOR Pad X9a: Big on features, light on the wallet

Published Jun 2, 2025 10:34 am
If there's one device that caught me off guard this time, it's the HONOR Pad X9a. Billed as HONOR's first-ever AI-powered tablet in the Philippines, this sleek slate arrives just in time for the back-to-school rush, and it aims to be the budget-friendly productivity powerhouse everyone's been waiting for.
I've spent the last few weeks with the HONOR Pad X9a, and to say I'm surprised would be an understatement. At a time when tablets either break the bank or break your patience, HONOR's latest offering delivers a compelling balance of performance, AI features, and value, all wrapped in a sleek, modern chassis.
Design and build: Premium looks, friendly price
Out of the box, the HONOR Pad X9a appears to belong in a much higher price bracket. The back panel is clean, minimal, and classy, exactly what you'd expect from a device aiming to impress students, young professionals, and productivity seekers. At 6.9mm thin, it's also one of the slimmer options in its category, making it easy to carry around for school or remote work.
The large display is vibrant and crisp, making binge-watching shows and reviewing presentations a pleasure. HONOR doesn't officially state the display resolution in the brief, but visually, the screen quality punches above its price point.
AI features: Smarter than your average tablet
HONOR dubs this their "AI Tablet", and for good reason. The Pad X9a comes loaded with intelligent enhancements that elevate everyday tasks. Whether it's smart multitasking, app suggestions, or adaptive battery optimization, AI isn't just a marketing buzzword here. It actually makes using the tablet more productive.
In a world where AI often means gimmicks, it's refreshing to see HONOR implement features that feel practical and not over-engineered.
Performance and productivity: Surprisingly smooth
Under the hood, the tablet handles most tasks without hiccups. While it won't compete with flagship-level performance, it efficiently handles browsing, video conferencing, note-taking, and even light photo editing. Paired with the optional Smart Bluetooth Keyboard, this tablet transforms into a legitimate productivity machine.
Students juggling Zoom classes and Google Docs or professionals checking emails while watching a webinar will find this tablet more than capable.
Battery and charging: All-day confidence
HONOR highlights a fast-charging battery, and it shows. Manila Bulletin's ICT Supervisor, Donnie Lomat, used it to test a new system for online publishing and went through a full day of light to moderate use (think: browsing, email, Netflix, social media, and taking notes), and still had juice left by the evening. The fast-charging feature is especially welcome for those who are always on the go.
Value for money: The Real Game-Changer
For ₱10,999 for the tablet alone and ₱11,99 for the bundle with the Smart Bluetooth Keyboard, this is one of the most competitive tablet packages I've seen all year, especially considering that the Pad X9a brings AI-enhanced features, a solid productivity setup, and a polished design.
Final verdict: A budget AI tablet that doesn't feel you're using a budget device
HONOR is clearly positioning the Pad X9a as a smart companion for back-to-school season, and they've nailed it. From AI-assisted features to its productivity-boosting design and pricing strategy, this tablet is hard to beat in its category.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for students, remote workers, or anyone who wants a reliable tablet without spending a fortune.
If you're looking for a versatile tablet that's smart, sleek, and surprisingly affordable, the HONOR Pad X9a might be your next favorite gadget.
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