The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to powerful productivity machines. We pit the Lenovo Pad, a solid mid-range contender, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a more premium offering, to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly faster performance, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. However, the Lenovo Pad remains a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability and basic tablet functionality.
| 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, June 01 | 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 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | LED flash | 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) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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 | 20W 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 | Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | ZA7R0232CN | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Lenovo Pad
- Significantly more affordable
- Sufficient for basic tasks like browsing and video streaming
- Lightweight and portable
- Underpowered Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Slow 20W charging
- Likely lower display quality
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset for smooth performance
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Likely superior display quality and camera
- Higher price point
- Larger size and weight
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing for the Lenovo Pad, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 boasts a large 12.4-inch display. The key differentiator here is the chipset's ability to drive higher refresh rates, which the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is capable of. The Snapdragon 870's Adreno 660 GPU will deliver a smoother visual experience in games and apps compared to the Lenovo Pad's Adreno 610, which is paired with the less powerful Snapdragon 662. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely features a higher peak brightness and potentially wider color gamut, enhancing media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera performance isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is likely to have a more capable camera system due to its higher-end chipset and potentially larger sensors. While specific camera specs are unavailable for both devices, the Snapdragon 870’s image signal processor (ISP) offers advanced features like improved noise reduction and dynamic range. The Lenovo Pad’s camera will likely suffice for basic snapshots and video calls, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 will deliver noticeably better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these two tablets is substantial. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Lenovo Pad’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 662’s Kryo 260 Gold core at 2.0 GHz. This translates to a roughly 70-80% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 870 also offers superior power efficiency, meaning less throttling during sustained workloads. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 will handle demanding games and multitasking with ease, while the Lenovo Pad may struggle with more resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W charging is a standout feature. It can reach 60% charge in just 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, minimizing downtime. The Lenovo Pad’s 20W charging, while supporting Quick Charge 3.0, is significantly slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage in battery size. The Snapdragon 870’s improved power efficiency also contributes to longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad if you need a simple, affordable tablet for casual browsing, video streaming, and light tasks. It's ideal for students or families on a budget. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, or creative work, and if you value incredibly fast charging and a more refined overall experience. It's the better choice for power users and those seeking a long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Pad struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662 in the Lenovo Pad is not powerful enough to run Genshin Impact smoothly at high settings. You'll likely experience significant frame drops and lag. It's better suited for less demanding games.
❓ How much faster is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4's charging compared to the Lenovo Pad in real-world use?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 can go from 0% to 60% in about 36 minutes, while the Lenovo Pad will take well over an hour to reach the same level with its 20W charging. This difference is particularly noticeable when you need a quick top-up before a commute or meeting.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is generally well-managed in terms of thermals. While it will get warm during prolonged gaming, Xiaomi's cooling solutions typically prevent significant throttling, maintaining consistent performance for extended periods.
❓ Can the Lenovo Pad handle video editing or other creative tasks?
The Lenovo Pad can handle basic video editing, but it will be slow and may struggle with larger files or complex projects. The Snapdragon 662 lacks the processing power for a smooth creative workflow.
