Redmi Pad: A Game-Changer in Budget Tablets with Premium Features?

Following the onset of the pandemic, there was a notable rise in the demand for devices with larger screens as individuals began to work and learn from home. The iPad emerged as a favored option, although it wasn’t the most budget-friendly device, particularly in India. Android smartphone makers like Samsung, Realme, Motorola, and others began to introduce an increasing number of affordable tablets priced under Rs. 20,000 in India. Xiaomi was slightly behind in this trend but is now set to catch up with the launch of the Redmi Pad.

The Redmi Pad marks the inaugural Android tablet in the Redmi series in India. Promoted as “the right choice”, the Redmi Pad comes in three storage variations. The entry-level model starts at Rs. 14,999 and includes 3GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage. Additional models feature 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and 6GB of RAM coupled with 128GB of storage, priced at Rs. 17,999 and Rs. 19,999 respectively.

This tablet is offered in three different colors, including a Mint Green variant with a matte finish, which helps to reduce the visibility of fingerprints and smudges. For a more classic look, consumers can choose from Moonlight Silver or Graphite Grey options. The all-metal construction adds a touch of premium quality to the Redmi Pad.

Redmi Pad in its Mint Green colorway

The Redmi Pad features a flat frame, with the volume controls and microSD card slot located on the right edge. The power button is positioned on the top right corner. Weighing approximately 465g, the tablet feels considerably lighter in hand. Its rounded corners enhance grip comfort whether you’re holding it vertically or horizontally. The rear panel includes a rectangular module that houses the 8-megapixel rear camera.

On the front, the device displays a 10.61-inch IPS LCD, which Xiaomi touts as the tallest in its category. It boasts a peak brightness of 400 nits along with relatively slim bezels for a budget-friendly tablet. An 8-megapixel front camera is available, strategically placed for convenient video calling. A feature called FocusFrame allows the camera to switch to a wider view automatically when it detects multiple people in the frame.

The Redmi Pad features fairly narrow bezels for a budget Android tablet

The Redmi Pad’s display offers a 15:9 aspect ratio and, to enhance visual experiences, it comes with Widevine L1 certification and the capability to showcase a billion colors. Complementing this tall display is a quad-speaker system (two speakers on the top edge and two on the bottom), delivering clear and loud audio. However, it would have been nice to see a 3.5mm headphone jack, given that this is a budget tablet and measures 7.05mm in thickness.

It is claimed that the Redmi Pad is the only tablet within its price bracket that provides a 90Hz display, allowing compatible games to benefit from the high refresh rate. Xiaomi also states that the tablet delivers top-notch gaming performance, powered by the MediaTek Hello G99 SoC. Additionally, it features an 8000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging, and a 22.5W charger with a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable is included in the package.

Redmi Pad playing Asphalt 9 Legends

The device operates on MIUI 13.1, based on Android 12. MIUI is recognized as one of the most feature-abundant Android skins, featuring options like split-screen and floating windows. Unlike most Redmi smartphones, the Redmi Pad comes with fewer pre-installed third-party applications, sparing users the hassle of uninstalling unwanted apps. Xiaomi also promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches for the Redmi Pad.

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Redmi Pad is claimed to have the tallest display in its price segment

The Redmi Pad competes with several Android tablets under Rs. 20,000. Given its specifications, the Redmi Pad shows promise on paper, yet the specifications alone don’t reveal the complete picture. How will it perform in everyday scenarios? For that, stay tuned for the comprehensive review of the Redmi Pad, coming soon on Gadgets 360.