The Android tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from ultra-affordable options to premium devices rivaling iPads. We're pitting the Cubot Tab 40, a budget-focused tablet, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a performance-oriented contender, to determine which offers the best value for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities. However, the Cubot Tab 40 presents a compelling option for those on a tight budget who need basic tablet functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 11 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 18 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 247.3 x 157.1 x 7.7 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 449 g (15.84 oz) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Cubot Tab 40
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Suitable for basic tasks like reading and web browsing
- Substantially slower performance compared to the Xiaomi
- Likely lower quality display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 870
- Fast 67W charging
- Superior display quality (expected)
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be overkill for basic tablet users
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature large displays, details beyond size are missing for the Cubot Tab 40. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 12.4-inch display benefits from the Snapdragon 870’s powerful GPU for smooth rendering. The absence of display specs for the Cubot Tab 40 suggests a more basic panel, likely with lower brightness and color accuracy. The Xiaomi’s 67W charging also implies a larger battery, which is crucial for sustaining a high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Cubot Tab 40 are unavailable, suggesting a focus on core functionality rather than photography. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, while not a camera-centric device, likely features a more capable sensor and image processing pipeline, benefiting from the Snapdragon 870’s ISP. Without specific sensor details for either tablet, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the Xiaomi is expected to deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Cubot Tab 40’s Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, offer substantially higher single-core and multi-core performance. The 7nm process node also translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Unisoc T616, while capable for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The Xiaomi’s LPDDR5 RAM (speculation based on market segment) further enhances performance compared to the likely LPDDR4X RAM in the Cubot.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a standout feature, allowing for a 60% charge in 36 minutes and a full charge in 68 minutes. This rapid charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Cubot Tab 40’s battery capacity is unknown, its Unisoc T616 chipset is less power-hungry, potentially offsetting a smaller battery size. However, the Xiaomi’s larger battery (likely around 10,000 mAh, based on similar devices) combined with efficient charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab 40 if you need a basic tablet for media consumption, light web browsing, and occasional productivity tasks, and your budget is the primary concern. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize smooth multitasking, demanding gaming, and a premium user experience, and are willing to invest in a more powerful device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot Tab 40 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset in the Cubot Tab 40 is not designed for demanding games. While it may run simpler titles, expect significant frame rate drops and lag in games like Genshin Impact, even on low settings. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 is far better equipped to handle such games.
❓ How much faster is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 in real-world multitasking compared to the Cubot Tab 40?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 will offer a dramatically smoother multitasking experience. The Snapdragon 870’s superior CPU and GPU, combined with likely faster RAM, allow for seamless switching between apps and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Cubot Tab 40 will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdown when running several apps concurrently.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 truly as fast as advertised?
Yes, Xiaomi’s 67W charging is highly efficient. The claimed 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes are realistic expectations, providing a significant convenience boost compared to slower charging tablets. This is particularly useful for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
