I got the 64GB model from Amazon for $300 during the deals last week. I wanted an 8" tablet for media and games (especially emulators) but with more CPU power than my Tab S 8.4 (gave to my wife). The Tab S 8.4 was great for media, but the chipset is weak for emulators since they are CPU heavy. Besides the build that is very good, here is a line item summary review:
Sound: Stereo is surprising full in spite of side firing. Loud in a good way. Watched some bits from concerts and movies- sound was better than expected.
Display: Even when set to 1080p the display looks great (did not expect this either). Movies, comics, pictures- all look great.
Wifi: Very good stability and range (better than the Tab S and equal or better than iPad Pro)
UI: Update. The update to 5 has made the UI much better. Gone from Dislike to Like.
Speed: Device is smooth and ditto for games in 1080p or 2K
Thermals: Device does not appear to get hot even after heavy use
Battery life seems good for IPS, but not ready to place estimates. Once again though, it appears better than expected.
Emulators: I have tested many devices including the Tab S2, S3, current Asus Zenpad and currently own the 8+ with 835 chipset. The Media Pad blows them all away for the higher CPU emulators like Dolphin, MAME and PSP. The 8+ is the near equal, but throttles after using Dolphin for ten minutes- no throttle causing stutter with the Mediapad and the device again does not get hot.
Even CPU heavy games like Rival Schools play smooth in MAME. The 8+ with 835 does not play smooth.
Factoring price and performance and my usage profile, I give the Mediapad M3 a 9/10.
Sound: Stereo is surprising full in spite of side firing. Loud in a good way. Watched some bits from concerts and movies- sound was better than expected.
Display: Even when set to 1080p the display looks great (did not expect this either). Movies, comics, pictures- all look great.
Wifi: Very good stability and range (better than the Tab S and equal or better than iPad Pro)
UI: Update. The update to 5 has made the UI much better. Gone from Dislike to Like.
Speed: Device is smooth and ditto for games in 1080p or 2K
Thermals: Device does not appear to get hot even after heavy use
Battery life seems good for IPS, but not ready to place estimates. Once again though, it appears better than expected.
Emulators: I have tested many devices including the Tab S2, S3, current Asus Zenpad and currently own the 8+ with 835 chipset. The Media Pad blows them all away for the higher CPU emulators like Dolphin, MAME and PSP. The 8+ is the near equal, but throttles after using Dolphin for ten minutes- no throttle causing stutter with the Mediapad and the device again does not get hot.
Even CPU heavy games like Rival Schools play smooth in MAME. The 8+ with 835 does not play smooth.
Factoring price and performance and my usage profile, I give the Mediapad M3 a 9/10.
Last edited:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram