The pandemic is "over" according to a large number of residents in Malaysia with the use of face masks now decreasing. One thing that happened during the pandemic was an increase in tablet sales. We made the mistake of buying an expensive tablet that is now rarely used at home after MCO. Many realize that a mid-range tablet is sufficient for daily needs.
The Realme Pad 2 is an entry-level tablet that we feel meets daily needs and at the same time will not disappoint its buyers at the same time making it one of the most worthwhile tablets of 2023.
SPECIFICATIONS
Realme Pad 2
11.5″ 2K screen, IPS LCD, 120Hz
MediaTek Helio G99 processor (6nm)
2 X 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 chips
6 X 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G57 MC2 Graphics Chip
RAM 6/8GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage 256/512 GB UFS 2.2
Micro SD 1TB
Main Camera 8MP, f/2.0 Wide Angle
5MP f/2.2 Selfie Camera
8360 mAh battery
33W wired charging
SIM/Nano Telephony/4G
NFC None
No Audio Jack
Waterproof None
Scan System None
Sale Price RM 1299 (6/128 GB)
RM 1499 (8/256 GB)
SCREEN
The 11.5″ screen is large enough for it to be used comfortably by adults as well as children. With 2K resolution, the image looks sharp on this screen making it suitable enough to be used for watching video content. An IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate detects every touch well.
When used there is no ghosting issue that we can see. As a mobile media player we feel it meets the needs of the majority of users out there. The bezels are all even and fairly large. Again this is not a huge issue as on a large bezel tablet it is necessary that there is a place to put the fingers while it is being held.
The downside of this screen is that because it is LCD, the visual quality is not very good except when the eyes are at right angles to the screen. Tilt it a little and the on-screen visuals start to display color changes. It is also not very clear under the hot sun.
Another thing is that typing in landscape and portrait positions is not very comfortable because of the elongated screen. During the majority of the review period, we gave the Pad 2 to the child. He complained the screen was too big and it was hard to type. But we feel this is a common issue when a tablet with a large screen is used by children.
Finally no stylus is included with every purchase. Stylus of touch type only is supported by Pad 2. Support of Wacom technology that can detect pressure and tilt angle is not included at all.
DESIGN
There is nothing surprising or out of the box on the tablet's design. The audio adjustment button is placed on the top while the power button is on the left side. There is no fingerprint scanner built into the power button. Pad 2 simply supports a face scan system, password and passcode as a security system. Four stereo speakers are placed on the right and left sides with Dolby Atmos support. On the same right side, there is a USB-C port for charging. Finally a SIM tray is placed on the bottom.
The Pad 2 frame is made of hard metal. We tried to bend the body of the tablet but did not succeed. The back panel is also made of metal with a slightly rough texture on the top. This texture makes us feel braver to hold the tablet because it makes the device not feel slippery. This roughly 2-inch strip of rough texture houses the rounded camera bump.
Feels a little cheated because of the big camera bump but only equipped with one camera. It does look like there are two lenses but only one 8MP sensor is placed on the back. On the front, a 5MP camera is used. Overall the design of the device is attractive and quite durable.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE
Realme UI 4.0 operating system based on Android 13 is used on this tablet. There are tablet-specific features such as launching Multi Window mode with the mental screen down using two fingers as well as Smart Sidebar. As a tablet we did not experience any performance issues during the review period. All the apps we wanted to use could be downloaded from the Play Store and then launched without any issues.
With an elongated and large screen, two applications can be launched simultaneously comfortably. The real strength we feel is when surfing the web, reading e-books and running errands. The large screen makes reading the text easy on the eyes. Helped with a screen that has a high refresh rate.
There is a virtual memory feature but the settings only allow it to be activated all the time with 4GB. With around 12GB of memory, it's no surprise why the device felt smooth throughout the review. The only strange thing is why it can't be changed or turned off if the owner doesn't want to use it.
BENCH MARK
Here are the benchmark test scores we managed to do. Only Geekbench 6 and 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme can be done because we failed to install Antutu 3D. Based on the MediaTek Helio G99 score it is definitely not a powerful chip. But as we said above, the experience of using the Pad 2 is satisfactory. No lag issues or popular apps can't be installed.
We compare Realme Pad 2 with Tecno Pova5 4G (Helio G99), Realme 10 4G (Helio G99), Samsung Galaxy M14 5G (Exynos 1330), and Oppo A98 5G (Snapdragon 695)
Antutu 3D Benchmark
Realme Pad 2 – N/A
Tecno Pova5 4G – 406,217
Realme 10 4G – 398,203
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 454,662
Oppo A98 5G – 411,010
Geekbench6
Realme Pad 2 – 723/1967
Tecno Pova 5 4G – 737/2005
Realme 10 4G – 572/1743
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 924/2129
Oppo A98 5G – 885/2034
WildLife Extreme
Realme Pad 2 – 1354
Tecno Pova 5 4G – 1,263
Realme 10 4G – N/A
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 1388
Oppo A98 5G – 1212
TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, X, Facebook and Prime Video apps all run fine. On YouTube 2K videos can also be streamed smoothly without stuttering. Games like COD Mobile and PUBG Mobile can also be played smoothly on medium settings. This we feel is realistic because only flagship chips like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9100 can play these two games at the highest graphics settings. Because of the Pad 2's large body, we didn't notice any heating issues after long online sessions.
TELEPHONY
The reviewed device only supports 4G network in Malaysia. The internet speed is satisfactory and so is the WiFi speed which supports up to 5 GHz WiFi. We can stream 2K content smoothly. The lack of WiFi 6E support is not a big issue as the Realme Pad 2 is an entry-level tablet only.
CAMERA
The camera is only 8MP on the back and 5MP on the front. With a small sensor size and an inadequate lens, the photography capabilities of this tablet are not satisfactory at all. In good lighting situations the picture is still not sharp enough. It looks like a picture taken with a phone about eight years ago.
As the light conditions decrease, the quality of the pictures taken becomes more and more disappointing. Just look at the picture taken in the dark room below. Not only does the image look soft but the noise effect can also be seen in the background. The camera also has trouble focusing on the subject.
The selfie camera like the main camera can only take OK photos in good lighting situations but even that looks soft. In short the camera performance on this tablet does not allow it to be shared directly to social media without some editing first.
BATTERY
The given battery has a capacity of 8360 mAh and supports 33W wired charging which is included in the box. Overall the device can operate up to three days or SOT around 12 hours on moderate use. This we feel is satisfactory for a mid-range tablet. Battery recharge time is around 2.5 hours.
AUDIO
Four speakers are provided with an audio system that supports Dolby Atmos. Don't be fooled because Atmos can only be used if the device is connected to an audio accessory only. We don't like it when the Atmos system can't be used on physical speakers. Audio performance is just fine. Loud and clear on high settings but won't get you excited when watching a movie for example.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Realme Pad 2
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x 33W dual pin charger.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
For those looking for an affordable tablet that offers good build quality, satisfactory battery performance and has a processor that can run various applications without issue, we can recommend the Realme Pad 2 to you. It is powerful enough for daily needs and those who are also looking for a tablet that can be used as a second screen for watching media at home.
It is very compatible to buy for children who are not yet able to judge whether the tablet used is expensive or not. No need to spend a lot to have a satisfactory tablet now. It may be less powerful but still useful. In Malaysia Realme Pad 2 is sold at a price of RM1299 for 6/128GB and RM1499 for 8/256GB.
Pro
Neat design and big enough size.
Beautiful screen with high resolution and 120Hz.
Large battery size satisfactory battery life.
Works smoothly even with an entry-level processor.
Cons
The camera is not satisfactory.
No fingerprint scanner.
No stylus.