iPad (2025) vs Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4: A Deep Dive Comparison

The tablet market is heating up, with Apple’s continued dominance challenged by increasingly capable Android alternatives. We pit the upcoming Apple iPad (2025) against the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, two devices aiming for the premium segment, to determine which offers the best blend of performance, features, and value. This comparison focuses on the core specs and how they translate to real-world usage.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing ecosystem integration and a refined software experience, the Apple iPad (2025) remains a strong choice. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 delivers superior battery life and significantly faster charging, making it the better option for power users and those frequently on the go.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad (2025) Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900N/A
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100N/A
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A3355-
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3355, A3356-
EDGE-N/A
GPRS-N/A
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only-
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GNo cellular connectivity
Launch
Announced2025, March 042024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 12Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in)278.7 x 191.6 x 6.3 mm (10.97 x 7.54 x 0.25 in)
SIMeSIM (cellular model only)No
Weight477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)590 g (1.30 lb)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density)2032 x 3048 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~295 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 357.6 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio)12.4 inches, 457.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLiquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU5-coreOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 740
OSiPadOS 18.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesHDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF-
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.6", 0.61µm
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, EDR, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, LHDC
NFCNoYes (file transfer only)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)No
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, PD120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 45% in 10 min, 100% in 35 min
TypeLi-Po (28.93 Wh)10000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, Blue, Pink, YellowBlack, Blue, Green
ModelsA3355, A3356, A335424018RPACG
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 700 EUR
SAR1.19 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.47 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery67:00h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass E (0 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Apple iPad (2025)

  • Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
  • Optimized software experience (iPadOS)
  • Long-term software support

  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Potentially lower peak performance

Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4

  • Significantly brighter display (848 nits)
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging
  • Stronger CPU performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)

  • Android tablet ecosystem limitations
  • Potential for software bloat
  • Less refined user interface compared to iPadOS

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 immediately stands out with its significantly brighter display, reaching 848 nits compared to the iPad (2025)’s 466 nits. This makes the Xiaomi tablet far more usable outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Furthermore, the Xiaomi boasts a 1378:1 contrast ratio, suggesting deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. While Apple doesn’t disclose contrast ratios, the difference in peak brightness is a clear advantage for the Xiaomi. We anticipate the iPad (2025) will utilize a high-quality IPS panel, but it will likely lack the visual punch of the Xiaomi’s display. The larger screen size of the Xiaomi (12.4 inches vs. assumed 11-inch for the iPad) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Given the tablet form factor, camera performance isn’t a primary concern for most users. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is likely to feature a more robust camera system than the iPad (2025), based on Xiaomi’s smartphone offerings. Apple typically prioritizes front-facing cameras for video conferencing on iPads. Without specific details on the iPad (2025)’s camera specs, it’s safe to assume the Xiaomi will offer a more versatile photography experience, though image processing philosophies will differ significantly between the two brands.

Performance

On paper, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 holds a performance edge with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset, an octa-core processor featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz. This contrasts with the Apple A16 Bionic (4nm) in the iPad (2025), a 5-core CPU. While Apple’s silicon is renowned for its efficiency and optimized software integration, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 generally offers higher peak performance in raw benchmarks. The Xiaomi’s CPU architecture – incorporating Cortex-A715 and A710 cores alongside A510 efficiency cores – provides a broader range of processing capabilities. However, Apple’s tight control over hardware and software often translates to smoother real-world performance, despite potentially lower theoretical numbers. Both devices utilize a 4nm process, suggesting comparable thermal efficiency, but the Xiaomi’s more complex CPU design may generate more heat under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 shines in battery performance, achieving an active use score of 11:14h, significantly exceeding the iPad (2025)’s 9:26h. This difference is further amplified by the Xiaomi’s blazing-fast 120W wired charging, capable of reaching 45% charge in just 10 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. The iPad (2025) is limited to 45W PD charging, a considerably slower pace. While the iPad boasts a claimed 1000 charge cycles, the Xiaomi’s superior charging speed and longer active use time provide a more practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their device. The iPad’s 67:00h endurance rating is a long-term metric, but the Xiaomi’s daily usability is demonstrably better.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad (2025) if you need seamless integration with other Apple devices, prioritize a polished user interface, and value long-term software support. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 if you prefer a brighter display, require faster charging speeds, and want a tablet optimized for extended use away from a power outlet, all while potentially saving money.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 throttle under heavy gaming loads?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a thermally efficient chip, but sustained high performance can still generate heat. Xiaomi typically employs effective cooling solutions in their flagship devices, but throttling may occur during extended gaming sessions. The 4nm process helps mitigate this, but real-world performance will depend on the tablet’s thermal design.
❓ How does the iPad (2025)'s Apple Pencil integration compare to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4's stylus support?
Apple Pencil integration is a key strength of the iPad ecosystem, offering low latency and precise input. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 supports a stylus, but it likely won’t match the responsiveness and features of the Apple Pencil. Apple’s software is specifically optimized for the Pencil, providing a more seamless experience.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 support desktop mode or multi-window functionality?
Yes, Xiaomi’s MIUI for Pad includes robust multi-window support and a desktop-like mode, allowing users to connect a keyboard and mouse for a more productive experience. This functionality is comparable to iPadOS’s Stage Manager, though the implementation and user experience may differ.