The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to powerful productivity powerhouses. We pit the Lenovo Pad Plus, a value-focused 5G tablet, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a premium offering boasting a flagship-tier Snapdragon 870 processor, to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Lenovo Pad Plus’s Snapdragon 750G, coupled with significantly faster 67W charging. While the Lenovo Pad Plus offers a more affordable entry point, the Xiaomi’s superior speed and convenience justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.9 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.31 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by JBL | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Face recognition, accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, QC3 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | ZA900000CN | - |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Lenovo Pad Plus
- More affordable price point
- Integrated 5G connectivity
- Lightweight and portable
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Potentially limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Larger, more immersive display
- Higher price tag
- May not include 5G connectivity (depending on model)
- Larger size may be less portable
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature IPS LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s larger screen size (12.4 inches vs. unspecified for the Lenovo Pad Plus) suggests a more immersive viewing experience. Without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the larger canvas of the Xiaomi is a significant advantage for media consumption and creative work. The Lenovo Pad Plus’s display will likely be adequate for everyday use, but won’t match the potential of the Xiaomi.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera performance isn’t a primary concern. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is likely to have a more capable camera system due to its higher-tier chipset and potentially larger sensors (data not provided). The Lenovo Pad Plus’s Snapdragon 750G has a less powerful ISP, which will impact image processing quality. Without specific camera specs, it’s reasonable to assume the Xiaomi will deliver sharper, more detailed photos and videos.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Lenovo Pad Plus’s Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 750G’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 570. This translates to a noticeable difference in app launch speeds, multitasking responsiveness, and gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the 870 also offers better power efficiency, potentially mitigating the performance difference under sustained load. The Xiaomi will handle demanding applications and graphically intensive games with ease, while the Lenovo Pad Plus may struggle with more complex tasks.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. The Lenovo Pad Plus, with its QC3 charging, will take considerably longer to fully charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Xiaomi effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Snapdragon 870’s improved power efficiency also contributes to longer real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Plus if you prioritize affordability and 5G connectivity for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity. It’s ideal for students or casual users on a tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you demand smooth multitasking, demanding gaming performance, and rapid charging. This tablet is geared towards professionals, creatives, and power users who need a responsive and versatile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Lenovo Pad Plus be sufficient for playing demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 750G can run Genshin Impact, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 will provide a much smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 support stylus input and keyboard attachments for increased productivity?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen and a dedicated keyboard cover, transforming it into a capable 2-in-1 device. These accessories are sold separately. The Lenovo Pad Plus’s accessory support is more limited.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity on the Lenovo Pad Plus impact real-world performance compared to Wi-Fi on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4?
5G offers faster download and upload speeds when a strong signal is available, but Wi-Fi 6 (likely supported by the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4) often provides more stable and reliable connectivity, especially indoors. The benefit of 5G on the Lenovo Pad Plus is most noticeable when traveling or in areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage.
