The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from premium flagships to aggressively priced contenders. The vivo Pad5e and Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 represent opposite ends of this spectrum – the Pad5e boasting a modern Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, while the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 aims for affordability with a MediaTek Helio G85. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the vivo Pad5e is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s Helio G85. However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize portability and basic tablet functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 13 | 2024, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 17 | Available. Released 2024, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3) |
| Dimensions | 266.4 x 192 x 6.6 mm (10.49 x 7.56 x 0.26 in) | 211.6 x 125.5 x 8.8 mm (8.33 x 4.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 584 g or 591 g (1.29 lb) | 370 / 373 / 375 g (13.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1968 x 2800 pixels (~283 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 444.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, 900 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 735 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 HD | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 18W wired (Int'l)
10W wired (India) |
| Type | 10000 mAh | 6650 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Purple, Green, Gray, Silver | Aurora Green (Forest Green), Sky Blue (Ocean Blue), Graphite Gray (Urban Grey) |
| Models | - | 220233L2G |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
vivo Pad5e
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
- Faster 44W charging with PD support
- Potentially better thermal management due to 4nm process
- Likely higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7
- More affordable price
- Compact 8.7-inch display for portability
- Lightweight design
- Slower and less efficient Helio G85 processor
- Slow 10W/18W charging
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature LCD panels, details regarding resolution, peak brightness, and color accuracy are missing. However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s 8.7-inch size offers a more compact form factor, potentially enhancing portability. The absence of information on refresh rates is notable; the Pad5e, given its higher-end chipset, *may* support a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling, but this is unconfirmed. Bezels are also unknown, but typically, more affordable tablets have larger bezels.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Given the market segment, neither tablet is expected to excel in photography. The focus should be on video conferencing capabilities. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s camera specs are likely to be minimal, while the Pad5e *may* offer slightly better image quality due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. However, expecting flagship-level camera performance from either device is unrealistic.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad5e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, coupled with its more modern architecture, delivers substantially higher CPU performance. The 4nm process node also translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Helio G85, while capable for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking. The Pad5e’s potential for LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its performance advantage, offering faster data transfer speeds compared to the likely LPDDR4X found in the Redmi Pad SE.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either tablet. However, the vivo Pad5e’s 44W wired charging with PD support is a major advantage over the Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s 18W (International) or 10W (India) charging. This means the Pad5e will recharge significantly faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s superior power efficiency likely means the Pad5e can achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad5e if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking without compromise. Its superior chipset and faster charging will significantly enhance your productivity and entertainment. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 if you prefer a highly portable and affordable tablet for casual browsing, media consumption, and light productivity. It’s an excellent choice for students or anyone needing a secondary device for simple tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G85 is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can handle less demanding games, Genshin Impact and similar titles will likely require significant graphical settings reductions and may still experience noticeable frame rate drops and stuttering. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the vivo Pad5e is far better equipped to handle these games smoothly.
❓ Does the vivo Pad5e support external displays or accessories for enhanced productivity?
While not explicitly stated, tablets with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipsets often support DisplayPort Alt Mode via USB-C, allowing connection to external monitors. The Pad5e’s more powerful processor also makes it a better candidate for supporting keyboard and mouse accessories for a desktop-like experience. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s limited processing power may hinder its ability to effectively utilize such accessories.
❓ What is the real-world difference in charging time between the 44W and 18W/10W chargers?
The difference is substantial. A 44W charger can potentially charge a tablet from 0-100% in around 1.5-2 hours, while the 18W/10W chargers could take 3-5 hours or even longer. This means you'll spend significantly less time tethered to an outlet with the vivo Pad5e.
