In a world filled with high-end tablets boasting premium price tags, the LG G Pad X8.0 is a reliable mid-range option. Aimed at users who seek a solid balance between price and performance, this tablet promises to offer just enough of everything without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the LG G Pad X8.0, from its design and display to its performance and battery life, helping you decide if it’s the right tablet for your needs.

What is the LG G Pad X8.0?

The LG G Pad X8.0 is a mid-range tablet released by LG, designed to balance affordability and functionality. It has an 8-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, which offers sharp images ideal for video watching, online surfing, and light gaming.

Smooth performance is ensured by the LG G Pad X8.0’s potent octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor and 2GB of RAM. The tablet’s 16GB of internal storage can be increased to 128GB using a microSD card, offering users ample space to enhance its functionality. This device is truly a versatile and reliable companion. This setup allows the tablet to easily handle everyday tasks like browsing social media, streaming videos, and running essential productivity apps. It runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with LG’s custom user interface layered on top, offering features like multi-window support and QuickMemo+ for note-taking.

One of its standout features is the built-in kickstand, which enhances the tablet’s versatility for hands-free use. It also includes a 4800mAh battery, which provides up to 8-10 hours of use, making it suitable for on-the-go users. The tablet has basic 5MP front and rear cameras for casual photography and video calls.

Although not a high-performance device, the LG G Pad X8.0 is aimed at consumers looking for an affordable tablet with decent performance for everyday activities. It’s beneficial for media consumption, light multitasking, and portability.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the LG G Pad X8.0 exudes a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits comfortably into any casual or professional environment. The tablet is perfect for users who value portability because of its small size and 8-inch screen.

The tablet measures 210.8 x 124.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs around 309 grams, making it easy to carry around without being too bulky. The body is primarily plastic but feels durable enough for daily use. A metal frame runs along the edges, adding a touch of sturdiness to its otherwise lightweight design.

One particularly convenient feature is the kickstand on the back, which allows users to prop the tablet up for hands-free use—perfect for watching videos or conducting video calls. This added element of functionality boosts its usability, making it more versatile than your typical budget tablet.

Display Quality

One of the LG G Pad X8.0’s most notable characteristics is its 8.0-inch IPS LCD. Experience the impressive 1200 x 1920 pixel resolution, delivering a stunning 283 pixels per inch for a vivid, crystal-clear display! The result is sharp, crisp visuals that perform well across various use cases, from watching movies to browsing the web.

The colors appear vivid and accurate, although less punchy than those in AMOLED displays. However, the screen quality is impressive for a tablet in this price range. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but outdoor visibility under direct sunlight can be challenging.

The touch response is smooth, with little to no lag, which enhances the user experience when navigating the device or typing on the virtual keyboard.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the LG G Pad X8.0 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset, an octa-core processor that balances performance and energy efficiency well. With a microSD card, the tablet’s 16GB of built-in storage may be increased to 128 GB. Additionally, it comes equipped with 2GB of RAM.

While the Snapdragon 615 isn’t the latest or most powerful chipset, it works well for everyday tasks. There are no noticeable lags, whether using social networking apps, checking emails, or surfing the web. However, more resource-intensive tasks such as gaming or multitasking with several apps open simultaneously may cause noticeable lag or stuttering.

In benchmark tests, the LG G Pad X8.0 delivers performance scores comparable to other mid-range tablets. More graphically demanding games like Asphalt 9 and PUBG Mobile will run poorly even on lower settings, but casual games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds load swiftly.

Software: LG’s Custom UI

The LG G Pad X8.0 runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, which feels a bit dated by today’s standards. LG has layered its custom UI on top of Android, offering valuable additions and unnecessary bloatware that can slow the tablet down over time.

On the plus side, LG’s customizations bring a few features that improve the overall experience. The dual-window mode allows users to multitask by running two apps side by side, which is especially useful on an 8-inch screen. You also get the QuickMemo+ feature, which makes it easy to jot down notes on the go, and the QPair app, which lets you link your tablet with an LG smartphone for seamless notifications and call management.

One downside, however, is that the tablet may only receive future software updates within Android Marshmallow. This limits its ability to run newer apps that require the latest Android versions, which could be a dealbreaker for some users looking for long-term usability.

Camera Quality

Table cameras are typically not their strong suit, and the LG G Pad X8.0 is no exception. The tablet‘s front-facing and back-facing 5MP cameras are sufficient for casual photography and video calls but anticipate only a few high-quality images.

The rear camera performs decently in well-lit conditions, capturing clear enough shots for casual use. However, the images quickly become grainy and lose detail in low light. The front-facing camera is similarly functional, making it suitable for video calls via Skype or Zoom, but it could be better for selfies or high-quality photos.

Battery Life

Its impressive battery life is one of the LG G Pad X8.0’s most appealing features. The tablet comes with a 4800mAh battery, enough to last a full day of moderate usage. Whether browsing the web, streaming videos, or using social media, you can expect a solid 8-10 hours of battery life on a single charge.

In our tests, streaming a 1080p video on Wi-Fi at full brightness consumed about 12-15% of the battery per hour, which means the tablet could last for around 7-8 hours of continuous video playback.

Charging the tablet from 0% to 100% takes about 3 hours, which is reasonable given the battery size. Unfortunately, there is no fast-charging support, which is something to consider if you’re often pressed for time.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The LG G Pad X8.0 has Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac to guarantee a dependable connection for everyday tasks. Additionally, some versions enable LTE, which lets you utilize mobile data while on the go by inserting a SIM card. This feature might be beneficial for regular users.

In addition, the tablet has a USB Type-C port for data transfer and charging, which is a nice feature considering that many low-cost tablets still have Micro-USB ports. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in modern devices but still appreciated by users who prefer wired headphones.

The LG G Pad X8.0’s benefits and drawbacks

Pros:

• Affordable: A budget-friendly tablet with a good feature set.
• Great Display: The 8-inch display offers sharp visuals and vibrant colors for its price range.
• Long Battery Life: A 4800mAh battery ensures you can get through a full day of use.
• Expandable Storage: It supports microSD cards with up to 128GB capacity, enabling you to store additional media and files.
• Kickstand: The built-in kickstand is a nice bonus for hands-free usage.

Cons:

• Outdated Software: Runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow without guaranteeing future updates.
• Average Performance: The Snapdragon 615 and 2GB of RAM are suitable for basic tasks, but the tablet struggles with heavy multitasking or gaming.
• Mediocre Cameras: The 5MP cameras are serviceable but could be better, especially in low light.
• No Fast Charging: The tablet takes around 3 hours to charge fully, with no fast-charging capability.

LG G Pad X8.0 Vs. Other Brands

Compared to other brands, the LG G Pad X8.0 is a budget-friendly alternative to more premium tablets like the Apple iPad Mini or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series. While it doesn’t offer these flagship models’ high-end specifications or sleek metal designs, it holds its own in the mid-range market, especially for users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. The 8-inch display, while not as vibrant as the iPad Mini’s Retina Display or the AMOLED screen found in Samsung’s tablets, still provides clear and crisp visuals for casual viewing.

Regarding performance, the Snapdragon 615 chipset in the G Pad X8.0 falls behind the A12 Bionic chip in the iPad Mini or the Exynos/Snapdragon processors in Samsung’s higher-tier tablets. Therefore, the LG tablet is better suited for lighter activities like browsing the web and streaming media, while its competitors are more capable of managing demanding multitasking and gaming. However, the expandable storage on the LG G Pad X8.0 (up to 128GB via microSD) is a feature that even some pricier tablets, like the iPad, lack.

The LG G Pad X8.0 kickstand adds a layer of convenience not found on many similarly priced tablets, making it more versatile for hands-free use. The tablet’s battery life is competitive at 8-10 hours, though it falls short of the iPad Mini’s more optimized power efficiency. Ultimately, while the LG G Pad X8.0 can’t compete with Apple and Samsung’s high performance and polished ecosystems, it offers a compelling option for budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance without paying a premium price.

Here is a comparison table of the LG G Pad X8.0 against similar tablets from other popular brands, including pricing (approximate) based on average market values for new and refurbished models:

Tablet Model	Screen Size	Storage	Processor	Approximate Price (New)	Approximate Price (Refurbished)
LG G Pad X8.0	8.0 inches	16GB, expandable	Qualcomm Snapdragon 615	$150 – $180	$90 – $120
Apple iPad Mini (5th Gen)	7.9 inches	64GB/256GB	Apple A12 Bionic	$399 – $499	$300 – $350
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0	8.0 inches	32GB, expandable	Qualcomm Snapdragon 429	$150 – $170	$100 – $120
Amazon Fire HD 8	8.0 inches	32GB, expandable	MediaTek MT8168	$89.99	$60 – $80
Lenovo Tab M8 (HD)	8.0 inches	32GB, expandable	MediaTek Helio A22	$109 – $129	$80 – $100
Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8	8.0 inches	32GB/64GB, expandable	HiSilicon Kirin 710	$200 – $250	$140 – $170

Key Observations:

• The LG G Pad X8.0 is positioned in the mid-range segment, with prices that fall between budget options like the Amazon Fire HD 8 and premium models like the Apple iPad Mini.
• Regarding overall performance and features, the iPad Mini is the best, with its powerful processor and more extensive storage options, but it comes at a much higher price.
• The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 offers similar pricing to the LG G Pad X8.0 but has a slightly less powerful processor.
• The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the most affordable option in this range, but it is limited by weaker processing power and Amazon’s ecosystem-focused software.
• Lenovo and Huawei offer mid-range alternatives with comparable pricing to the LG G Pad X8.0. Huawei’s MediaPad M5 Lite provides more processing power at a slightly higher price.

FAQs

What is the display quality of the LG G Pad X8.0?

The LG G Pad X8.0’s 8.0-inch IPS LCD display features a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. Though less vibrant than AMOLED screens, this screen provides clear and sharp visuals.

What is the battery life like?

Its 4800mAh battery offers 8-10 hours of use with moderate activities like browsing and media streaming.

Does the LG G Pad X8.0 support expandable storage?

Yes, it has 16GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 128 GB.

Is the LG G Pad X8.0 good for gaming?

It’s suitable for casual gaming but may need help with more graphics-intensive games due to its Snapdragon 615 chipset.

Does it support cellular connectivity?

Specific versions have LTE capabilities, meaning you can use a SIM card to get mobile data for internet access.

The tablet includes 5MP front and rear cameras, suitable for bare photos and video calls but not for high-quality photography.

What operating system does it run on?

It runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, which is outdated and may limit compatibility with newer apps.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for an affordable, no-nonsense tablet that handles everyday tasks well, the LG G Pad X8.0 is a solid option. Its bright display, long battery life, and added features like a kickstand and expandable storage make it a versatile choice for casual users. However, those who need top-tier performance, cutting-edge software, or excellent cameras may want to look elsewhere.

For its price, the LG G Pad X8.0 delivers good value, particularly if you’re looking for a portable tablet for web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity. While it won’t compete with higher-end models like the iPad or Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series, it holds its own in the mid-range market, making it a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious buyers.