For those seeking a big-screen tablet experience without breaking the bank, the options have often been limited. You either sacrificed screen size or coughed up the big bucks.

Enter the Honor Pad X9, boldly challenging the notion that a generously-sized tablet screen equates to a hefty price tag.

: The Honor Pad X9 is no dainty device. Its impressive size is offset by slim bezels, allowing it to stay relatively compact. Despite its scale, the tablet remains a featherweight at 495g, and its 6.9mm thickness (sans the modest camera bump) is incredibly sleek.

Its aesthetic? Premium, minus the price. The matte-finished aluminium body feels premium, and resists those irksome fingerprint smudges, while the understated gunmetal grey palette is a sight for sore eyes.

At 11.5 inches, the display is the undeniable star. It confidently stands tall, only dwarfed by pricier rivals. With a 2000×1200 resolution, visuals are crisp, and text pops.

While it’s an LCD panel, it doesn’t shy away from vibrant color reproduction. And, with a 120Hz refresh rate, there’s nary a stutter in sight.

Powered by a Snapdragon 685 CPU and a 4GB RAM, the Pad X9 is a stride ahead of its predecessor. It may not be the Hercules of budget tablets, but for those valuing screen real estate, it’s the kingpin.

Honor’s MagicOS 7.1 ensures multitasking is a breeze, though a nod goes to Google Pixel Tablet’s smart taskbar for setting the gold standard.

Let’s be real – tablets aren’t your go-to photography device. With a 5MP front and rear camera, the Pad X9 sticks to the basics. Selfie aficionados and budding photographers, keep your smartphones close.

The Honor Pad X9 makes a compelling argument for those hunting for a big-screen experience without the associated price tag. While it might not be the powerhouse some crave, it’s undeniably a value proposition. Apple and Samsung, take notes. For now, we wait with bated breath to pit it against its closest rival, the Lenovo Tab P11.

May the best tablet win.