The budget tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for your attention: the Realme Pad and the Xiaomi Redmi Pad. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad edges out the Realme Pad thanks to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset and slightly more efficient 6nm process. While both offer solid value, the Redmi Pad's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users, especially those seeking smoother multitasking and gaming.
| 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 | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 246.1 x 155.9 x 6.9 mm (9.69 x 6.14 x 0.27 in) | 250.5 x 158.1 x 7.1 mm (9.86 x 6.22 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~220 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.61 inches, 320.4 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP, f/2.3, 105° (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | 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, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 7100 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Gold | Graphite Gray, Moonlight Silver, Mint Green |
| Models | RMP2102, RMP2103 | 22081283G |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1554:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1529:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.4 LUFS (Excellent)
|
-23.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 187913 (v8), 226474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1236 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 319077 (v9)
GeekBench: 1852 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Pad
- Slightly brighter display
- Reverse wired charging
- Good value for money
- Less powerful chipset
- Older 12nm process
- Basic camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi Pad
- More powerful chipset (Helio G99)
- More efficient 6nm process
- Sleek design
- Slightly lower peak brightness
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature similar contrast ratios (1554:1), but the Realme Pad boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 455 nits compared to the Redmi Pad's 402 nits. This means the Realme Pad might be a bit easier to view in direct sunlight. Both have LCD panels, so don't expect OLED-level color accuracy or deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic 8MP rear cameras suitable for casual snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Front-facing cameras are also modest, likely adequate for video calls but not much more.
Performance
This is where the Redmi Pad takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset (6nm) is significantly more powerful than the Realme Pad's Helio G80 (12nm). The G99's Cortex-A76 cores also offer a performance boost over the Realme Pad's Cortex-A75 cores. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Redmi Pad.
Battery Life
Battery life is expected to be comparable on both devices, likely lasting a full day of moderate use. Both support 18W wired charging, but the Redmi Pad's more efficient chipset could potentially translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Realme Pad is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly brighter display and those who might occasionally use reverse charging. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad is ideal for users who want a more powerful processor for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a slightly more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G99 chipset.
❓ Can I use the Realme Pad to charge other devices?
Yes, the Realme Pad supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices at a slow rate.
❓ Are the displays on both tablets any good?
Both displays are decent for the price, offering good contrast. However, neither offers exceptional color accuracy or brightness compared to higher-end tablets.