Honor teases ultra-thin MagicPad 4 tablet ahead of MWC

Honor has revealed early details of its upcoming MagicPad 4 tablet, claiming it is the “world’s slimmest Android tablet”. The company shared the information ahead of its full product launch at Mobile World Conference (MWC), where more details are expected during a press conference later this week.

The new model continues Honor’s push towards thinner and lighter devices, positioning the MagicPad 4 as a direct rival to premium tablets from Apple and Samsung. While pricing and release dates have not been confirmed, the company has outlined several key specifications to highlight its focus on portability and performance.

A thinner design with a new OLED display

Honor said the MagicPad 4 measures just 4.8 mm thick, excluding its rear camera bump. This makes it a full millimetre thinner than the previous MagicPad 3 and slightly slimmer than the latest iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, both of which are around 5.1 mm thick. The company described the device as the “world’s slimmest Android tablet”, underlining its emphasis on industrial design.

The thinner chassis is paired with a new 12.3-inch OLED display with a 165 Hz refresh rate. This represents a shift from the LCD panel used in the MagicPad 3, which should result in deeper blacks, better contrast and smoother motion. The screen is slightly smaller than before, but Honor suggested the quality improvements should outweigh the size reduction.

Honor has also reduced the tablet’s weight to 450 g, which is 145 g lighter than the previous model. The company attributed this to the new display technology and a slightly smaller battery. The MagicPad 4 includes a 10,100 mAh battery and supports 66 W fast charging, with a charger included in the box.

High-end hardware and multimedia features

The MagicPad 4 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, positioning it firmly in the flagship category. Honor said the tablet will be available with up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal storage, targeting users who need strong performance for multitasking, gaming and content creation.

For photography and video calls, the tablet includes a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 9-megapixel front-facing camera. While tablets are rarely used as primary cameras, these specifications suggest Honor is focusing on video conferencing and casual photography.

Audio is another key area of focus. Honor has equipped the MagicPad 4 with eight speakers and support for spatial audio, aiming to deliver an immersive sound experience for streaming, gaming and media consumption. This could help the tablet compete with other premium devices that emphasise entertainment features.

The tablet will run MagicOS 10, Honor’s customised version of Android 16. The software is expected to include features designed for large screens, such as multitasking tools and enhanced productivity options. Honor has not yet detailed any exclusive software features, but the company has previously highlighted cross-device collaboration and AI-powered tools in its MagicOS platform.

Market positioning and launch expectations

Honor has not disclosed the price or availability of the MagicPad 4. However, the company indicated that more information will be shared during its MWC press conference on Sunday, where it is also expected to showcase other products, including a robot teased earlier in the week.

The tablet market has become increasingly competitive, with manufacturers focusing on premium designs, powerful processors and high-quality displays to attract consumers. Apple’s iPad Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series dominate the high-end segment. Still, Chinese brands such as Honor, Xiaomi and Oppo are pushing aggressively with thin designs and flagship specifications at potentially lower prices.

By focusing on extreme thinness, Honor is likely targeting users who value portability and design as much as performance. However, thinner devices often raise questions about battery life, durability and heat management. Honor’s decision to slightly reduce battery capacity may prompt scrutiny, although fast charging could help offset concerns.

Industry analysts will be watching closely to see how the MagicPad 4 performs in real-world use and how it is priced relative to rivals. If Honor can balance its slim design with strong battery life and competitive pricing, the MagicPad 4 could appeal to consumers looking for a premium Android tablet alternative.