TechLife Pad Plus 12″ Review: A Surprising All-Rounder Tablet for Everyday Users

When you first pick up the TechLife Pad Plus 12″, it’s easy to forget it’s a budget tablet. Everything from the way it looks to how it handles everyday tasks feels a notch above its price point. It’s aimed squarely at students, casual users, professionals on the go, or anyone who wants a simple, reliable tablet for streaming, browsing, and productivity without paying flagship prices.

For a device that doesn’t try too hard to impress, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ still manages to tick a lot of the right boxes. A 12-inch display, quad speakers, decent performance, and a solid battery all come together in a surprisingly well-balanced package. It’s the kind of tablet that fits into most lifestyles.

Sure, it’s not built to compete with high-end tablets like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series or Apple’s iPad lineup, but within its price range, it’s punching well above its weight. If you can live with a few trade-offs like a slower charging speed and a 60Hz refresh rate, there’s a lot to like here.

So let’s dig deeper in the new TechLife Pad Plus 12″ and see how it can your next mobile companion.

First Look and Design

At first glance, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ looks and feels premium. The slim, minimalist design gives off a sleek, almost luxurious vibe that could easily pass for something much pricier. Its aluminum back adds a sense of sturdiness while keeping fingerprints and smudges to a minimum, especially the Moonlight Silver finish, which stays looking clean even after hours of use.

The tablet comes in three colors; Moonlight Silver, Storm Grey, and Sky Blue, each with a subtle tone that doesn’t scream for attention. It’s all about understated style here. Measuring just 7.6mm thick and weighing light enough to hold for long sessions, it strikes a sweet balance between size and comfort. The squared edges with rounded corners make it comfortable to grip, even during extended binge-watching sessions or while reading.

Durability-wise, it holds up well. There’s no flex or creaking when you handle it, and the metal body gives you confidence it can survive a few knocks or drops. The only downside is the lack of an official IP rating, so it’s best to keep it away from the pool or kitchen sink.

Buttons feel responsive, and the layout is intuitive. Power and volume controls sit neatly on the side where your fingers naturally land. For connectivity, it features a hybrid SIM tray with LTE support, which is a bonus for those who want mobile data on the go. Security is handled by the usual PIN or pattern lock, and there’s also facial recognition. It’s handy, though it slows down a bit in low light.

Around the back, the camera sits on an oval “island” which to me, looks absolutely neat. It comes with a 13MP single shooter accompanied with an LED flash next to it. The selfie camera is an 8MP sensor that sits right at the top middle of the front display when you’re using the tablet in landscape mode. This layout is ideal for video calls and Zoom meetings, which is a plus point.

Display and Multimedia Experience

The display is one of the main selling points of the TechLife Pad Plus 12″. You get a spacious 12-inch IPS panel with a 2000×1200 (WUXGA+) resolution that makes everything from YouTube videos to digital textbooks look crisp and clear. Colors are vibrant but not oversaturated, and viewing angles are solid from almost any direction.

With an 85% screen-to-body ratio and slim bezels, it feels immersive whether you’re watching a movie or scrolling through social feeds. The brightness peaks around 450 nits, which is bright enough for indoor use and even manageable outdoors unless you’re standing in direct sunlight.

Touch response is quick and fluid thanks to the 180Hz touch sampling rate, which makes swiping and scrolling feel snappy. The 90Hz refresh rate is a bonus for this price bracket. It’s not ultra-smooth, but great for casual use, reading, or streaming.

Now, the sound. The quad-speaker setup is honestly impressive for a budget tablet. You get a well-balanced, full soundstage with enough bass and clarity for watching shows or attending Zoom meetings without needing external speakers. With Widevine L1 certification, Netflix and other DRM-protected streaming services play in full HD, which is rare for tablets in this segment. The only caveat: there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so you’ll need a USB-C adapter or Bluetooth earphones for private listening.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ runs on the MediaTek Helio G91 processor, a 12nm octa-core chip that aims to balance performance with power efficiency. It’s not a flagship processor, but it’s dependable and well-suited for the kind of daily tasks most people actually use a tablet for. The Helio G91 packs two Cortex-A75 cores for the heavy lifting and six Cortex-A55 cores that handle lighter tasks, ensuring that the tablet doesn’t overheat or drain battery too fast during casual use. It’s designed for stability rather than raw horsepower, and in practice, that pays off.

Paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ runs impressively smooth when multitasking. You can jump between a browser with multiple tabs open, a YouTube stream, and a note-taking app without noticeable lag. TechLife also added a clever memory feature called Dynamic RAM Expansion (or Memory Fusion), which allocates a portion of unused storage as virtual RAM. This bumps your total usable memory up to 16GB, which is great for keeping background apps alive or improving overall responsiveness when the tablet’s under heavier workloads. It’s a small but smart feature that helps stretch the capabilities of the hardware further than you’d expect from this price tier.

Storage-wise, the tablet comes with a generous 256GB of internal space. Plenty for documents, offline videos, and mobile games. The one caveat is that it uses eMMC 5.1 storage instead of the faster UFS type found in premium devices. This means app installations and large file transfers take a little longer, and system updates might not feel quite as snappy. Still, in day-to-day use, you’re unlikely to notice it much unless you’re used to flagship-level performance. For flexibility, there’s also support for up to 1TB of microSD expansion and up to 2TB of external OTG storage via USB-C, so you’ll rarely run out of space.

In real-world performance, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ feels responsive and steady. Web pages load quickly, YouTube streams smoothly up to 1080p+, and Google Docs or Sheets open without much delay. It’s perfect for tasks like watching Netflix, handling schoolwork, managing social media, or even doing light productivity on the go. If you’re someone who lives mostly in Chrome, YouTube, or Microsoft Office, this tablet doesn’t skip a beat.

For gaming, the tablet performs surprisingly well given its mid-range chip. Titles like Mobile Legends, Clash Royale, or Asphalt 9 run smoothly on their low to medium settings. Even more demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG are playable on low to medium graphics. Sure, you’ll notice the occasional frame dip when the action gets intense, but overall, gameplay is stable enough for casual gaming sessions. It’s not built for competitive or high-end gaming, but as a travel companion or for downtime entertainment, it can still delivers.

Creative users will find it capable enough for light editing tasks too. Apps like CapCut run fine for trimming videos, adding captions, or basic transitions. However, once you start adding layers, filters, or high-resolution exports, you’ll feel the limits of the eMMC storage and the entry-level chipset. Rendering longer clips or exporting large projects will take extra time, but for short-form content or quick edits for your recent TikTok videos, it gets the job done.

In benchmark tests, the tablet puts up respectable numbers for its segment. On 3DMark benchmark, it only score 736 points. This may not look good as a benchmark, but it confirm what daily use already shows. Consistent, stable, and efficient performance that doesn’t overpromise or underdeliver.

Thermals are also well-managed. The aluminum body helps dissipate heat evenly, so even after a few hours of continuous video playback or gaming, the tablet only gets slightly warm to the touch. This contributes to its comfort during longer sessions while binge-watching a show or browsing the internet.

All things considered, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ performs better than you’d expect for its price. It’s not meant to compete with flagship tablets, but it nails the essentials. Smooth multitasking, reliable gaming on medium settings, and dependable everyday performance. It’s a device that doesn’t try to do too much, but it does what it’s supposed to do quite well.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is another highlight of the TechLife Pad Plus 12″. The 8,000mAh cell easily lasts a few days with moderate use by my personal experience. That’s roughly included with 10 to 12 hours of web browsing, streaming, or note-taking. It’s ideal for students or professionals who don’t want to be tethered to a charger all day.

Charging, however, is a bit on the slower side. The 18W charger takes just over three hours to fully juice up the tablet, which feels lengthy in 2025 standards. I did charge it up with my own 40W charger and it does shorten the charging time a little. Still, once it’s charged, it lasts long enough to make up for the slower top-up time. There’s also a neat 5W reverse charging feature that lets you use it as a backup power bank for smaller devices like earbuds.

Camera Features

Let’s be honest, tablets are rarely bought for their cameras, and the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ doesn’t try to change that narrative. Still, it’s nice to see that TechLife didn’t completely skimp on the camera setup either. The tablet comes equipped with a 13MP rear shooter paired with an f/2.0 aperture lens, plus a single LED flash for darker environments. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture that is more than capable for video calls, online classes, or quick social media snaps.

In daylight, the main camera performs surprisingly well. Shots come out crisp, colorful, and detailed enough for casual photography or scanning documents. The color balance is fairly natural, and the autofocus does a decent job of locking onto subjects quickly. It won’t replace your smartphone camera, but for snapping quick notes, receipts, or even a few vacation photos, it’s reliable. Indoor shots with good lighting also hold up nicely, with minimal noise and enough clarity for everyday sharing or uploading to cloud folders.

Portrait mode, which tries to blur out the background for that DSLR-like look, works but isn’t perfect. The edges around the subject sometimes look a bit artificial, especially in complex backgrounds. Still, when it nails the focus, it gives a pleasant amount of separation that makes the subject pop.

When the lights go down, though, you start to feel the limits of the hardware. Low-light shots often come out grainy, and fine details tend to get washed out. Even with the flash, there’s noticeable noise, and the colors lose their punch. It’s not a dealbreaker as most budget tablets struggle in low light, but it’s best to stick to well-lit environments for photos if you want decent results.

Video recording is available at up to 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second for both the front and rear cameras. The quality is acceptable for casual use, like recording a quick clip for school or a vlog update, but without image stabilization, footage can get shaky if you’re walking or moving around too much. A tripod or even just keeping your hands steady makes a big difference. The microphone, on the other hand, does a respectable job capturing voice clearly, which helps for virtual meetings or impromptu video chats.

The front camera deserves a shoutout for how well it handles online calls. It delivers a clean, balanced image under good lighting. It doesn’t overexpose faces and maintains decent sharpness even when multiple people are in frame. Pair that with the tablet’s quad speakers, and you get a solid all-around experience for video conferencing. Something that really matters in today’s hybrid work and learning setups.

Overall, the TechLife Pad Plus 12’s camera system is what you’d call practical rather than impressive. It’s built for utility, not photography. It captures documents, supports video calls, and gets you usable daylight photos without much fuss. If you expect cinematic shots or low-light wizardry, you’ll be disappointed, but if your goal is simply to stay connected and productive, it just works.

Sample photos

Software and Connectivity

The TechLife Pad Plus 12′ runs on Android 15, layered with TechLife’s own Pad UI skin, and thankfully, it’s a good one. The interface feels light, uncluttered, and refreshingly straightforward. There’s no bloatware overload, no unnecessary pop-ups, and no confusing navigation. Everything from the quick settings to the app drawer feels clean and snappy, almost stock-like but with just enough extra touches to make it feel tailored for the larger 12-inch display.

Swiping through the home screens, opening apps, and switching between windows all feel seamless. Animations are smooth, and transitions don’t lag or stutter, which speaks volumes about how well-optimized the software is for its hardware. TechLife’s Pad UI doesn’t try to reinvent Android. Instead, it polishes what’s already familiar. This makes it approachable even for people who might be new to Android tablets, like seniors or first-time users.

One of the best things about the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ is its multitasking capability. It supports split-screen mode, allowing you to open two apps side by side, say, a YouTube tutorial on one half and Google Docs or a Notes app on the other. This instantly makes it a productivity-friendly device for students and professionals alike. There’s also a floating window feature for quick access to calculators, messaging apps, or media players without having to exit your main screen. It’s these little convenience tweaks that make a big difference in daily use.

On top of that, the tablet comes with Google Gemini AI integration, a nice touch that extends the device’s usability beyond basic tasks. Gemini can help you draft messages, summarize text, or respond to prompts hands-free using voice commands. It’s not intrusive, and it’s integrated in a way that feels optional but handy when you want to speed things up.

TechLife also added a few extra modes that fit real-world use cases. GameSpace optimizes performance when gaming by minimizing background processes and notifications, while Child Mode creates a safe and simplified interface for kids, complete with screen-time limits and app restrictions. Android Auto compatibility is another unexpected bonus. Great for users who want to hook the tablet up in their car for navigation or entertainment on longer drives.

In terms of connectivity, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ is well-equipped. It supports dual-band WiFi 5, meaning it can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for faster and more stable internet performance. Browsing, streaming, and video calls stay consistent without random drops in signal. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable too, pairing easily with headphones, keyboards, or wireless mice. Perfect for anyone using the tablet as a lightweight productivity machine. GPS is built in, and it locks onto your location fairly quickly, which is helpful for navigation apps or location-based tools.

For mobile connectivity, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ includes 4G LTE with VoLTE support, so you can pop in a SIM card and stay connected even without WiFi. The hybrid SIM tray lets you use either two nano SIMs or one SIM and one microSD card, giving you some flexibility depending on your needs. Having mobile data access on a tablet is still a rare luxury at this price point, and it’s one of the key features that make the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ stand out in the budget category.

As for wired connectivity, the tablet relies on a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It also supports OTG (On-The-Go) peripherals, so you can plug in flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, or even a mouse. This turns the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ into a pseudo-laptop setup when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard or a USB-C hub. It’s surprisingly flexible for such an affordable tablet.

The software and connectivity experience is one of the areas where the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ quietly shines. The combination of clean Android, thoughtful UI features, and strong connectivity options make it feel reliable and well-rounded. It’s intuitive enough for casual users, flexible enough for students, and functional enough for light work or entertainment on the move. The experience feels simple yet complete, exactly what you’d want from a tablet in this range.

Good news if you’re planning to grab the newly launched TechLife Pad Plus 12″. TechLife is bundling in a free keyboard case worth RM299 when the online sale kicks off. I’ve been using the keyboard case with the tablet for a while now, and honestly, it pairs beautifully. The connection is instant, the typing experience feels comfortable, and the built-in trackpad makes navigation effortless. It basically turns the tablet into a mini laptop whenever you need to get some work done.

The keyboard itself is made of plastic, so it doesn’t have that premium soft feel, but it’s solid and does exactly what you need it to do. The keys have a decent amount of travel, and the trackpad supports gestures like scrolling and pointer control just like a regular laptop. For anyone who wants to use the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ for work, note-taking, or light productivity, the keyboard case is a very welcome bonus. It is practical, responsive, and surprisingly handy for an included freebie.

Conclusion

After spending time with the TechLife Pad Plus 12″, it’s clear that this tablet doesn’t need to scream for attention. It’s not here to compete with the high-end flagships, but rather to give everyday users a device that just works, and works well. For students, casual users, young professionals, or even retirees who just want something simple for reading, watching, or staying connected, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ feels like the right mix of practicality and value.

What makes it shine is how balanced everything feels. The large 12-inch display is crisp and immersive, perfect for streaming Netflix or getting through a long YouTube session. The quad speakers are a pleasant surprise with loud, clear, and genuinely enjoyable for movies and music. Battery life easily lasts a few days for normal use without constantly worrying about a charger. And with Android 15 and TechLife’s clean interface, the software feels modern and smooth, without unnecessary fluff getting in the way.

Performance-wise, it holds up well for its price range. The Helio G91 may not be the fastest chip around, but it handles the essentials with ease. Add in 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB with virtual memory), 256GB of storage, and LTE support, and you’ve got a tablet that’s both functional and flexible.

The included keyboard case is the cherry on top. It might not look fancy, but it transforms the tablet into a compact workstation in seconds. The typing feels comfortable, the trackpad works well for navigation, and the whole setup feels cohesive. The fact that TechLife is throwing it in for free at launch makes the deal even sweeter. For anyone looking for a tablet that can double as a light productivity device, this bundle adds serious value.

Of course, it’s not perfect. Charging could be faster, and the cameras won’t replace your smartphone any time soon. But for the price bracket this tablet sits in, these trade-offs feel fair. What matters more is that the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ doesn’t stumble where it counts. It’s smooth, dependable, and feels built to last.

If we’re talking value for money, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ hits that sweet spot. It’s a tablet that doesn’t overpromise but consistently delivers. It’s rare to find a device that balances entertainment, productivity, and portability this well without pushing the price too high.

Overall, I’d call the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ one of the best-rounded budget tablets available right now. It gets the essentials right and doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. If you’re after a tablet that’s affordable, reliable, and actually fun to use, the TechLife Pad Plus 12″ should definitely be on your shortlist.

Techlife Pad Plus 12”’
Online and Offline First Sale Begins	31 October 2025
Online Platforms	Shopee, TikTok, Lazada	Free Gifts Worth RM299* TechLife Pad Plus 12” Keyboard (RRP: RM299)
Offline Stores	realme Authorised Dealer Stores	Free Gifts Worth RM398* TechLife Pad Plus 12” Keyboard (RRP: RM299) TechLife Storage Bag (RRP: RM99)
RRP	RM799

*while stocks last