The Android tablet market is heating up, with the Realme Pad 2 offering a compelling budget option and the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 aiming for a premium experience. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet delivers the best value and performance for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw power and rapid charging, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 120W charging significantly outperform the Realme Pad 2’s Helio G99 and 33W charging. However, the Pad 2 remains a viable option for casual users on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 19 | 2024, February 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 01 | Available. Released 2024, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 268.2 x 168.5 x 7.2 mm (10.56 x 6.63 x 0.28 in) | 278.7 x 191.6 x 6.3 mm (10.97 x 7.54 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 518 g (1.14 lb) | 590 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 2032 x 3048 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 457.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, 450 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 13 or Android 14, Realme UI 4 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.6", 0.61µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, LHDC |
| NFC | No | Yes (file transfer only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired
Reverse wired | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 45% in 10 min, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | 8360 mAh | 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | 24018RPACG |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Realme Pad 2
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Large display for media consumption
- Significantly slower charging
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display quality
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Ultra-fast 120W charging
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Higher price tag
- Potentially more expensive repairs
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 848 nits compared to the Realme Pad 2’s unspecified brightness. This makes the Xiaomi tablet far more usable outdoors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD technology (given the lack of OLED specification), the Xiaomi’s 1378:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. The larger 12.4-inch screen on the Xiaomi also provides more screen real estate for multitasking and content creation. Bezels are not specified for either device, but the Xiaomi’s premium positioning suggests tighter tolerances.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Given the tablet form factor, camera quality isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is likely to feature a more sophisticated camera system, benefiting from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s advanced image signal processor (ISP). The Realme Pad 2’s camera is likely focused on basic video conferencing and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Xiaomi’s chipset advantage suggests superior image processing capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is in a different league than the Realme Pad 2’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 features a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside high-performance Cortex-A715 and A710 cores, offering a massive leap in CPU and GPU capabilities. The Helio G99, while capable for everyday tasks, relies on older Cortex-A76 and A55 cores. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 also translates to superior thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads. While RAM specifications are missing, the Xiaomi is likely to feature faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 delivers a compelling battery experience, achieving 11:14 hours of active use. Crucially, its 120W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of charging from 0-100% in just 35 minutes and reaching 45% in only 10 minutes. The Realme Pad 2’s 33W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Xiaomi’s faster charging mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency also contributes to longer battery life despite the more demanding performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Pad 2 if you need a large-screen device for media consumption, light productivity tasks, and casual gaming, and value affordability above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 if you demand flagship-level performance for demanding applications, gaming, and content creation, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast charging and a superior display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a powerful chip, sustained workloads can generate heat. However, the 4nm process node and likely advanced cooling solutions within the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 are designed to mitigate throttling, providing consistently high performance for longer periods compared to the Realme Pad 2’s Helio G99.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Realme Pad 2 sufficient for typical daily use?
33W charging is adequate for overnight charging or topping up the battery while not in use. However, it pales in comparison to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4’s 120W charging, which can provide a significant charge in just a few minutes – ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ What type of display technology does each tablet use?
While not explicitly stated, both tablets likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4’s higher brightness and contrast ratio suggest a higher-quality IPS panel. Neither device is confirmed to have an OLED display.
❓ How does the MediaTek Helio G99 perform in graphically intensive games?
The Helio G99 can handle many mobile games at medium settings. However, demanding titles will likely require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 offers a significantly smoother and more consistent gaming experience at higher settings.
