The Android tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but narrowing down the field can be challenging. We pit the ultra-portable Huawei MatePad Mini against the performance-focused Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, examining their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tablet best suits your needs. This comparison focuses on core specs and real-world implications, moving beyond simple feature lists.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing portability and basic tasks, the Huawei MatePad Mini offers a compelling package. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 emerges as the clear winner for power users, content creators, and gamers thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and faster charging capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 04 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 13 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 198.6 x 127.3 x 5.2 mm (7.82 x 5.01 x 0.20 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~343 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.8 inches, 224.5 cm2 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1800 nits (peak), HDR Vivid | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 650 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.1 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K, 1080p | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4 | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | 6400 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Black | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | MLR-AL10 | - |
| Price | About 470 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Huawei MatePad Mini
- Highly portable and compact design
- Competitive 66W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Limited performance details suggest a less powerful processor
- Missing display specifications raise concerns about quality
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 5G chipset for demanding tasks
- Fast 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support
- Large 12.4-inch display for enhanced productivity and media consumption
- Larger size makes it less portable than the MatePad Mini
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
While display specifics for the MatePad Mini are absent, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 boasts a large 12.4-inch display powered by the Snapdragon 870. The larger screen real estate is immediately beneficial for productivity and media consumption. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s panel likely utilizes a high refresh rate (though not specified) which, combined with the Snapdragon 870’s GPU, will deliver smoother scrolling and animations. The absence of detailed display specs for the MatePad Mini suggests a focus on cost optimization rather than cutting-edge display technology.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the MatePad Mini are unavailable, suggesting it’s not a primary focus. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s camera system, while not the primary selling point for a tablet, benefits from the Snapdragon 870’s image signal processor (ISP). While specific sensor details are missing, the ISP will contribute to improved image quality and faster processing. The absence of camera information for the MatePad Mini suggests a basic camera setup suitable for occasional scanning or video calls.
Performance
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) chipset is the defining performance advantage. Its octa-core configuration – 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585 – delivers substantial processing power for demanding applications. This is a significant leap over the MatePad Mini, which lacks detailed chipset information, implying a less powerful processor geared towards basic tasks. The Snapdragon 870’s 7nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. Users who plan to game or edit videos will find the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 far more capable.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer fast wired charging – 66W for the MatePad Mini and 67W for the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 adds support for PD3.0 and QC4, offering broader compatibility and potentially faster charging with compatible chargers. Xiaomi claims 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes. While the MatePad Mini’s charging speed is competitive, the Xiaomi’s added protocols and slightly faster overall time provide a convenience advantage. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Xiaomi’s more efficient chipset may offset any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad Mini if you need a highly portable tablet for reading, light browsing, and media consumption on the go. Its compact size and 66W charging make it ideal for travel. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or multitasking, and appreciate the benefits of a larger display and faster 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is a capable chipset that can handle Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at high settings, though you may need to adjust settings slightly for optimal frame rates. The larger display of the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 also enhances the gaming experience.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 compatible with my existing USB-C chargers?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 supports USB Power Delivery (PD3.0) and Quick Charge (QC4), meaning it's compatible with a wide range of USB-C chargers. However, to achieve the fastest charging speeds, it's recommended to use a charger that specifically supports PD3.0 or QC4.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs, is the Huawei MatePad Mini suitable for taking handwritten notes with a stylus?
While the MatePad Mini's stylus compatibility isn't detailed here, Huawei tablets generally offer good stylus support. However, the smaller screen size might feel restrictive for extensive note-taking compared to the larger Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4.
