Xiaomi’s POCO has launched its budget tablet in the global market, featuring good specifications at an affordable price point.
Gone are the days when Chinese companies offered groundbreaking specifications at a fraction of the cost. However, they continue to provide attractive specifications at very reasonable prices.
The POCO Pad follows suit, providing good specifications that are competitive, particularly when compared to more expensive offerings from other brands.
So, here are the Xiaomi POCO Pad specs, features, pros and cons, and our honest opinion.
Xiaomi POCO Pad Specs
| Specs | Xiaomi POCO Pad |
|---|---|
| Display: | 12.1 inch, IPS LCD, 2.5k (1600 x 2560), 120Hz, 12-bit, 500 Nits (Typ), 600 Nits (HBM), Dolby Vision, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor: | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Cores | 8 (4×2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU: | Adreno 710 |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Storage: | 256GB (Expandable up to 1.5 TB) |
| Operating System: | Xiaomi HyperOS, Android 14 |
| OS Updates: | 2 Major, 3 Years Security |
| Rear Camera: | 8MP 1/4″, f/2, 1.12μm |
| Front Camera: | 8MP1/4″, f/2.28, 1.12μm |
| Battery: | 10000 mAh, 33W Wired Charging, PD3.0, QC3+ (Charger Included in the Box) |
| Wireless Charging: | No |
| Estimated Usage: | 6-8 hours SOT on normal to heavy use |
| Dimensions & Weight: | 280 x 181.9 x 7.5 mm, 571 Grams |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Color temperature sensor, Electronic compass, Hall sensor |
| Others: | Quad Speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Metal Body |
| Colors: | Dark Gray, Blue |
| Box Content: | Tablet, Adapter, USB Type-C Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, SD Card Eject Tool |
| Price | $330 in US, £261 in UK, 280 EUR |
Xiaomi POCO Pad Features
Display: Beyond the display resolution, the POCO Pad’s screen quality is notable. Featuring a 12-bit display, it offers enhanced color depth, resulting in vivid and true-to-life colors. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to smoother visuals suitable for everyday tasks, including work and media consumption.
Build Quality: The POCO Pad features a metal construction reminiscent of older smartphones, lending a premium feel with metal sides and back panels.
Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, the POCO Pad delivers adequate performance for typical daily use. While it doesn’t excel in processing power, it handles routine tasks smoothly, including light to moderate gaming. Expect mid-range performance levels appropriate for its class.
RAM and Storage: The POCO Pad impresses with a base storage option of 8GB RAM + 256GB, opting against the more common 128GB base configuration. Expandable memory up to 1.5TB via a dedicated slot offers substantial flexibility.
Camera: The POCO Pad’s 8MP front and rear cameras produce below-average results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. They suffice for basic photography needs but may not meet higher expectations.
Battery: Equipped with a sizable battery, the POCO Pad provides 6 to 8 hours of screen-on time depending on usage patterns. The inclusion of a charger in the box is convenient, although charging the 10,000mAh battery from 0 to 100% with the 33W charger can be time-consuming, taking over 2.5 hours.
Connectivity: It’s worth noting that the POCO Pad lacks a cellular variant, limiting connectivity to Wi-Fi only. This aspect may deter users seeking mobile data flexibility.
Additional Features: The POCO Pad supports stylus compatibility (stylus sold separately) and features quad speakers that deliver satisfactory sound quality, catering well to media consumption. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a practical advantage appreciated by many users.
You can also check the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.
Our Honest Opinion
The POCO Pad is aimed at budget-conscious users and generally meets expectations.
The display quality stands out for everyday tasks, work, and media consumption. The build quality contributes to a sturdy feel.
The processor choice is adequate for typical tasks, although it’s not the most powerful in its segment.
Battery life is sufficient for regular use, reducing the need for frequent charging.
However, shortcomings like the weaker cameras and lack of cellular connectivity may be significant drawbacks for many users.
If these features are not essential and you already use a smartphone for such tasks, the POCO Pad could be a viable budget-friendly tablet option.
Overall, the POCO Pad is a viable option for those who do not require a high-end tablet but are seeking a budget-friendly alternative.
You can also check the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 vs 7300X comparisons.
Xiaomi POCO Pad Pros and Cons
The Pros
- Solid build quality
- Impressive display
- Good processor for the price
- Rich and loud quad speakers
- Smooth user interface
- Expandable storage
The Cons
- Average camera quality
- Long charging time
- No cellular version available
- Hyper OS may not be to everyone’s liking
Also, check the CMF Phone 1 specs and features.
Conclusion: Is Xiaomi POCO Pad Worth It?
While the Xiaomi POCO Pad has its share of disadvantages, it remains a contender worth considering.
Key reasons to consider this tablet include its ample 256GB storage, impressive display, solid performance, and reliable battery life.
It’s important to note that the POCO Pad is aimed at budget-conscious users and doesn’t compete with mid-range or premium offerings. It fulfills its promise of delivering basic functionality without breaking the bank.
While there’s room for improvement in several areas, making the changes would likely increase the cost and steer it away from its target audience.
Ultimately, whether the POCO Pad is right for you depends on your specific needs and budget considerations. We’ve provided our honest assessment; if it meets your requirements, it could be a suitable choice. However, if you find better options slightly above this price range, those might also be worth exploring.
If you decide to purchase the POCO Pad, we recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Also, check the Dimensity 8300 vs 8300 Ultra comparison.
FAQs
1. How does the Xiaomi POCO Pad compare to other budget tablets in its class?
Firstly, tablets in this price range are limited, and those available often lack attractive specifications. The POCO Pad stands out by offering a solid build quality, impressive display, and good performance relative to its price point.
However, it’s important to note that the camera performance is average, and the absence of cellular connectivity could be a deciding factor for some.
2. Is the Xiaomi POCO Pad compatible with a stylus?
Yes, the POCO Pad supports stylus compatibility, enhancing its usability for note-taking and creative tasks. However, you need to purchase the stylus separately.
3. How long does the battery of the Xiaomi POCO Pad last?
The POCO Pad has a sizable battery that provides approximately 6 to 8 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage. It supports 33W fast charging, although charging the 10,000mAh battery from 0 to 100% can take over 2.5 hours.
4. Does the Xiaomi POCO Pad support cellular connectivity?
No, the POCO Pad is available only in a Wi-Fi version. It does not have a cellular variant, so it relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.
5. What processor does the Xiaomi POCO Pad use?
The POCO Pad is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, which offers adequate power for everyday tasks and light to moderate gaming.
That concludes our overview of the Xiaomi POCO Pad specs, features, pros and cons, and our perspective. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.
We’re interested in hearing your thoughts on whether you find the POCO Pad compelling for its price.
