The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly media consumption devices to powerful productivity powerhouses. We pit the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro, a well-regarded mid-range contender, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a device aiming for near-flagship performance, to determine which tablet best suits 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 uplift over the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro’s Snapdragon 730G, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro remains a viable option for those prioritizing affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, December 14 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 264.3 x 171.4 x 6.9 mm (10.41 x 6.75 x 0.27 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 485 g (1.07 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 383.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide)
8 MP, IR TOF 3D, (biometrics sensor only) | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | - | 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, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | TB-J706F | - |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Decent build quality
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 20W charging
- Less future-proof
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 870
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Higher price tag
- Potentially higher power consumption
- Larger size may not suit all users
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature 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. the P11 Pro’s 11.2 inches) benefits from the more powerful chipset, allowing for smoother animations and faster rendering. We anticipate the Xiaomi will have higher peak brightness, though specific nits values are unavailable. Bezels are likely comparable, given both target a premium aesthetic. Color accuracy will depend on calibration, but the Xiaomi’s superior processing allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on tablets is rarely a primary concern, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely holds an advantage due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Snapdragon 870. While sensor sizes and apertures are unknown, the 870’s processing capabilities will result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. We expect both tablets to offer adequate cameras for video conferencing and casual snapshots, but neither will rival dedicated smartphone cameras.
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 Tab P11 Pro’s Snapdragon 730G (8nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 730G’s Kryo 470 Gold core at 2.2 GHz. This translates to a noticeable difference in app launch times, multitasking responsiveness, and gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the 870 also offers improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While RAM specifications are not provided, the Xiaomi is likely to benefit from faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro’s 20W wired charging is comparatively slow. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a massive advantage, capable of charging from 0% to 60% in just 36 minutes and fully charging in 68 minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery size. The Xiaomi also supports PD3.0 and QC4, offering broader compatibility with chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro if you need a capable tablet for casual browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks, and are on a strict budget. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking, and value incredibly fast charging speeds. The Xiaomi is the better choice for power users and those who want a tablet that will remain responsive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 730G in the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 730G is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential overheating. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 compared to the 20W charging on the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 can gain a significant charge during a short break, while the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro will require hours to fully charge. The Xiaomi can reach 60% charge in the time it takes the Lenovo to reach around 30%.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 a good option for taking handwritten notes with a stylus?
While stylus support isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided data, Xiaomi offers a dedicated stylus for the Pad 5 Pro series. The Snapdragon 870’s processing power and potentially a high refresh rate display (not confirmed) would contribute to a responsive and natural writing experience.