The Android tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from ultra-budget options to premium flagships. We're pitting the Oscal Pad 13, a newcomer aiming for affordability, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a well-regarded device offering a more robust feature set. This comparison focuses on how the core hardware differences translate into real-world usability.
🏆 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 5G chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking. However, the Oscal Pad 13 presents a compelling value proposition for those on a tight budget and with less demanding needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 12 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 17 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 239.2 x 158 x 7.6 mm (9.42 x 6.22 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 | 435 g (15.34 oz) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~78.3% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke-OS 3.0 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Unspecified | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | 7680 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Space Grey | Black, Silver, Green |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Oscal Pad 13
- Significantly more affordable
- Potentially lighter and more portable
- Acceptable for basic tasks like browsing and video
- Substantially slower performance
- Likely lower quality display
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 870
- 67W fast charging for minimal downtime
- Likely superior display quality and build materials
- Higher price point
- Potentially heavier than the Oscal Pad 13
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 12.4-inch displays, the underlying technology and performance likely differ. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, typical of its price range, likely incorporates a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate (though not specified). The Oscal Pad 13, focusing on cost savings, may utilize a simpler LCD panel. The absence of detailed display specs for the Oscal Pad 13 suggests it won't compete with the Xiaomi in terms of visual fidelity. Bezels are also likely thinner on the Xiaomi, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both tablets likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video conferencing and casual snapshots. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, given its higher price point, likely has a more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. We can assume the Xiaomi will deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Oscal Pad 13's camera is likely sufficient for basic needs but won't compete in terms of detail or dynamic range.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Unisoc T606 in the Oscal Pad 13, built on a 12nm process, is an entry-level chipset designed for efficiency. Its octa-core configuration (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking. Conversely, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, is a flagship-level chipset. Its octa-core CPU (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) delivers substantially higher processing power and a more responsive user experience. The Xiaomi's Adreno 660 GPU will also provide a far superior gaming experience. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely utilizes faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the Oscal Pad 13, but given its focus on affordability, it's likely smaller than the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4's. The Xiaomi's 67W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC4, is a significant advantage. Reaching 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes minimizes downtime. The Oscal Pad 13 likely charges at a slower rate, potentially requiring several hours to fully charge. While a larger battery capacity on the Oscal Pad 13 could offset the slower charging, the Xiaomi's fast charging is a major convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Pad 13 if you need a basic tablet for casual browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks, and your budget is a primary concern. It's ideal for students or users who prioritize portability and affordability. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you demand a responsive experience for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking, and you value faster charging and a more refined overall experience. It's suited for creative professionals and power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Oscal Pad 13 capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Oscal Pad 13 can *launch* Genshin Impact, expect very low frame rates and significant lag, even on the lowest settings. The Unisoc T606 simply lacks the processing power and GPU performance to provide a playable experience for graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 support stylus input and keyboard attachments?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is designed with productivity in mind and fully supports Xiaomi's Smart Pen (sold separately) and a variety of Bluetooth keyboards. This makes it a viable option for note-taking, drawing, and document editing.
❓ How does the thermal management of the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 hold up during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is known for its efficient thermal performance. While some throttling may occur during prolonged, intense gaming, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4's cooling system is generally effective at preventing overheating and maintaining stable frame rates for extended periods.
