The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from ultra-affordable to premium experiences. We pit the Realme Pad, a budget-focused device, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a powerhouse boasting flagship-level components, to determine which tablet delivers the best value for your money. This comparison focuses on real-world performance implications, not just raw specifications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a premium experience, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly faster processing and smoother multitasking. However, the Realme Pad remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget who need a basic tablet for casual use.
| 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 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 246.1 x 155.9 x 6.9 mm (9.69 x 6.14 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 | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | - | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | 7100 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | RMP2102, RMP2103 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1554:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.4 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 187913 (v8), 226474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1236 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme Pad
- Significantly more affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Decent display brightness for indoor use
- Underpowered processor for demanding tasks
- Slow charging speed
- Basic camera system
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Larger, higher-quality display
- Higher price point
- Larger size and weight
- May require additional accessories (stylus, keyboard)
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s larger 12.4-inch display immediately sets it apart. While the Realme Pad’s display achieves a respectable 455 nits of peak brightness, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is expected to exceed this, offering better visibility in bright environments (based on typical Xiaomi display performance). Both tablets feature a 1554:1 contrast ratio, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely benefits from a higher-quality panel with wider color gamut coverage. The larger screen real estate of the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is a significant advantage for productivity and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is expected to have a more capable camera system. While specific details are missing, Xiaomi typically equips its Pro tablets with higher-resolution sensors and improved image processing. The Realme Pad’s camera specifications are not a focus, suggesting a basic implementation suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s larger sensor (expected) will capture more light, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Realme Pad’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) is a capable chip for everyday tasks, utilizing an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, it’s dwarfed by the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores – 1x3.2 GHz, 3x2.42 GHz, and 4x1.80 GHz – deliver significantly faster processing speeds and superior graphics performance. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 870 also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme Pad offers 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, a reasonable setup for its price point. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. Xiaomi claims a 60% charge in 36 minutes and a full charge in 68 minutes – a massive advantage over the Realme Pad. While the Realme Pad’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s faster charging mitigates concerns about battery life, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. The power efficiency of the Snapdragon 870 also contributes to longer battery life during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Pad if you need a simple, portable tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light reading, and are unwilling to spend more than $200. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking, and value features like fast charging and a higher-quality display. It's the choice for power users and those seeking a long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Pad struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G80 processor in the Realme Pad is adequate for single-app use, but it may exhibit lag or slowdowns when multitasking with several apps open. It's best suited for running one application at a time.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 compatible with all USB-C chargers?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 supports PD3.0 and QC4 charging standards, meaning it will work with most USB-C Power Delivery chargers. However, to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports these protocols and delivers sufficient wattage.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. However, sustained gaming may generate heat, potentially leading to some thermal throttling, though the 7nm process helps mitigate this.
❓ Does the Realme Pad support stylus input or keyboard attachments?
The Realme Pad does not officially support stylus input or keyboard attachments. While you might find third-party accessories that claim compatibility, the experience is unlikely to be optimized.
