Honor’s ‘Yongle’ Tablet Signals Potential MagicPad 3 Successor with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
A new, powerful tablet from Honor is on the horizon, potentially succeeding the MagicPad 3, and early leaks suggest a significant performance upgrade. On Tuesday, February 10, the well-regarded tipster Digital Chat Station shared details about the device, currently codenamed “Yongle,” hinting at a premium mid- to high-end offering powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and LPDDR5X RAM.
Power and Style: What We Know About ‘Yongle’
The rumored Honor tablet is expected to arrive in two color options and offer support for both a leather keyboard case and a stylus, catering to users seeking both productivity and creative capabilities. While an official name and release date remain unconfirmed, speculation points towards it being a direct successor to the Honor MagicPad 3.
The MagicPad 3 currently boasts impressive specifications, including a 13.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a substantial 12,450 mAh battery with 66W charging, and an incredibly slim 5.79mm profile weighing just 595g.
Honor Shifts Focus, Prioritizing Tablet Development
According to Digital Chat Station, Honor is strategically refocusing its efforts on tablet development. The leaker indicated that the company is prioritizing the return of its smaller tablet offerings, which have been “put on hold” since December of last year. This suggests a broader commitment to the tablet market beyond just the high-end segment.
Limited US Availability Expected
Unfortunately for US consumers, Honor tablets have historically faced challenges with widespread availability. Currently, purchasing an Honor tablet in the US often requires relying on third-party marketplaces like eBay, as major retailers such as Amazon and Verizon seldom carry them. This trend is expected to continue with the “Yongle” tablet, likely resulting in a limited release and near-certain unavailability in the US market.
This lack of accessibility is a growing concern, as one analyst noted, US customers have fewer options when it comes to high-quality tablets. While the OnePlus Pad 3, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 4, offers a competitive alternative, the upcoming Honor tablet, with its Gen 5 processor, promises even greater potential.
Price Hike Anticipated Due to Component Costs
Looking ahead, the question of price looms large. Will the new Honor tablet significantly exceed the MagicPad 3’s current price point of around $800? The answer, unfortunately, is likely yes.
Rising costs of LPDDR5X RAM, impacting even models beyond the recently announced LPDDR6, are contributing to increased production expenses. Furthermore, reports suggest the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip itself could cost as much as $280. Combining these factors, industry observers anticipate a price tag at least $100 higher than the MagicPad 3 – assuming “Yongle” is indeed its successor.
