Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:10.8 inchesChipset:MediaTek Helio X27

Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 24 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

7.8

Reviews score

10%

6.3

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 53% of tablets
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 64%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

22%

6.4

Performance

20%

6.1

Display

16%

6.8

Camera

14%

4.6

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Software

5%

6.5

Design

3%

6.0

Audio

â–²Better than 54%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

8.6

Popularity

Grades by review (24)
9 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 51%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
  • chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
chuwi-hi9-plus-4gb-128gb-4g
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Available versions:
4GB + 128GB
Other versions:

What reviewers say about the Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)

Based on 9 · 18

Reviewers like the sharp screen, keyboard and solid build, but criticise the weak speakers, disappointing stylus and poor cameras.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)

Based on 43 owners sharing their experience in online comments

33%positive16%mixed51%negative

Owners praise the vivid screen and battery life, but keyboard failures, audio faults, and unreliable touch often spoil the experience.

What owners dislike

  • The detachable keyboard often loses contact, fails to reconnect after docking and undocking, and stops working altogether after a few months to a year.6
  • Speakers sound mono or weak, with odd noises at top volume. One owner reports volume cutting in and out below half volume.6
  • Owners say Chuwi ignored warranty requests and gave useless support, and that a failed unit cannot be repaired.4
  • Some units failed within a month, with one screen breaking, while others lasted about 18 months before failing.3
  • Touch lags, and the screen registers more than two fingers slowly, so multi-finger games do not work well. The stylus also has noticeable delay.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

22%

6.4

Performance

20%

6.1

Display

16%

6.8

Camera

14%

4.6

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Software

5%

6.5

Design

3%

6.0

Audio

6.3
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.8
RAM capacity
4 GB
This tablet has 4 GB of RAM, which is more than 47.2% of tablets and equal to 17.8% of tablets.
Process node
20 nm
This tablet is built on a 20 nm process, which is larger than 56.5% of tablets and equal to 1.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
128 GB
This tablet has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than 56.2% of tablets and equal to 20% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
MediaTek Helio X27
This tablet runs on MediaTek Helio X27, which is less advanced than 56.1% of tablets and equal to 0.4% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
2560×1600
This tablet has a 2560×1600 screen, which is sharper than 77.5% of tablets and equal to 10% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
280 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 280 ppi, which is higher than 83.4% of tablets and equal to 0.9% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 36.4% of tablets and equal to 31.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
8 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 69.6% of tablets and equal to 19.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
?
Optical zoom
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
7,000 mAh
This tablet has 7,000 mAh battery capacity, which is larger than 53.7% of tablets and equal to 3.6% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
mixed use
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
short
This tablet offers short update support, which is shorter than the support period of 52.4% of tablets and equal to that of 47.6% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
no
This tablet does not support direct OS updates. 79.8% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
503 g
This tablet weighs 503 g, which is heavier than 54.7% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
?
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (2560×1600 vs 1920×1200).
    2,560×1,600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 30% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 3 MP higher front resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution front camera than the average tablet (8 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    8 MP vs 5 MP
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • 26.7% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (280 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    280 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (MediaTek Helio X27 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    MediaTek Helio X27 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 2 more CPU threads
    This tablet has more CPU threads than the average tablet (10 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    10 vs 8
  • 2x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 11.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (24)
    9 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.8 vs 7.0
  • 30% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (MediaTek Helio X27 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    MediaTek Helio X27 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 2 more CPU threads
    This tablet has more CPU threads than the average tablet (10 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    10 vs 8
  • 2x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR4 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR4 vs LPDDR3
  • 34.6% faster GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU faster than the average tablet (875 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    875 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (2560×1600 vs 1920×1200).
    2,560×1,600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 26.7% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (280 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    280 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 0.7 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • More vivid contrast
    This tablet has more contrast than the average tablet (1423:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    1,423:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 4x faster touch response
    This tablet samples touch faster than the average tablet (480 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    480 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 5 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (405 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    405 nits vs 400 nits
  • 3 MP higher front resolution
    This tablet has a higher-resolution front camera than the average tablet (8 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    8 MP vs 5 MP
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • No direct OS updates
    This tablet does not support direct OS updates, while the average tablet does. 79.7% of tablets offer this.
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-T880 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-T880 vs Mali-G51
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • 16.0% lower sentiment score
    6.3 vs 7.5
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Mali-T880 vs Mali-G51).
    Mali-T880 vs Mali-G51
  • 1,066 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 14.1% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 42.9% larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (20 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    20 nm vs 14 nm
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No panorama mode
    This tablet does not support panorama mode, while the average tablet does. 78.6% of tablets support panorama mode.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No direct OS updates
    This tablet does not support direct OS updates, while the average tablet does. 79.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.9
techtablets.com
✓ explicit
26/11/2018
Video review · Keyboard tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus has a sharp screen, solid build and a handy keyboard, but laggy touch and a weak stylus make it a poor choice for pen users.
8.2
notebookcheck.net
✓ explicit
14/12/2018
Lab test · Budget tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is a sturdy tablet with a sharp screen at a low price, but weak cameras and slow Wi-Fi are its main limits.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
16/11/2018
Hands-on test · Productivity tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is a cheap, sturdy tablet with a good screen and keyboard, but it has poor speakers, weak cameras and a basic stylus.
6.0
01net.com
✓ explicit
27/12/2018
Hands-on test · Budget Android tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is an imperfect but appealing budget Android tablet, worth its price, with a good screen and a weak processor that stutters in games.
8.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2019
Hands-on test · Mid-range tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is a sharp, thin tablet with a responsive keyboard, but its pen lags and its battery drains quickly at high brightness.
8.9
muycomputer.com
✓ explicit
01/01/2019
Hands-on test · Mid-range tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus has a sharp screen, responsive keyboard and long battery life, but Netflix is limited to SD and the pen lags.
9.0
generacionxbox.com
≈ estimated
04/08/2019
Month-long test · Cloud gaming tablet
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus suits Project xCloud and other streaming games, thanks to its screen and 4G, though Netflix is limited to SD.
8.0
tuttoandroid.net
≈ estimated
18/11/2018
Hands-on test · Tablet with keyboard
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is an affordable office tablet with an optional keyboard and stylus, but weak speakers and standby battery drain hold it back.
8.0
today.it
≈ estimated
30/12/2018
Hands-on test · Tablet with keyboard
Verdict
The Chuwi Hi9 Plus is a smooth, well-built 4G tablet with a decent keyboard, but its screen is not very bright, its cameras are average and the pen lags.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)

  • High-resolution (2560 x 1600) fully laminated IPS display provides sharp and vibrant visuals.
  • Solid build quality with a metal body and rounded edges that feel premium for the price.
  • Support for 4G LTE and dual SIM slots allows for mobile data and phone calls.
  • The official optional keyboard cover offers a good typing experience with 1.4mm key travel.
  • Good battery life of over 10 hours for basic video streaming and mixed use on Wi-Fi.
  • Clean, near-stock Android 8.0 Oreo experience with minimal pre-installed bloatware.

What customers don't like about Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Sluggish system performance and UI lag, likely due to poor ROM optimization or the aging Helio X27 chipset.
  • Charging times are very slow, taking over 5 hours with the included charger due to lack of fast-charging support.
  • Low-quality 8MP cameras produce blurry, washed-out, and noisy images.
  • Weak and flat sound from the speakers, which lack bass and can become scratchy at high volumes.
  • The optional HiPen stylus lacks precision and proper pressure sensitivity support within most apps.
  • Limited to Standard Definition (SD) streaming on Netflix due to lack of Widevine L1 certification.

Verdict

The Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G is a versatile 10.8-inch tablet featuring a high-resolution 2.5K (2560 x 1600) IPS fully laminated display, powered by a MediaTek Helio X27 deca-core processor with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Its main characteristics include a premium metal unibody design, support for dual-SIM 4G LTE connectivity, and a stock Android 8.0 Oreo experience. Key pros include the sharp and vibrant screen, dedicated 4G support for mobile data and calls, and compatibility with an optional active stylus and magnetic docking keyboard. However, notable cons include sluggish UI performance under heavy multitasking, slow charging times via the 7,000 mAh battery, and mediocre 8MP cameras that lack detail.

Compare Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB) with other tablets

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Chuwi Hi9 Plus 4G (4GB + 128GB) and other tablets

No results found