The tablet market offers diverse options, from budget-friendly choices to premium powerhouses. Today, we're pitting the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6, a more budget-oriented option, against the Xiaomi Pad 6, a mid-range contender known for its impressive features. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which tablet reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset, vibrant display, and long battery life significantly outperform the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's older Snapdragon 615. While the Vodafone offers affordability, the Xiaomi delivers a superior overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | N/A |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| EDGE | Yes | N/A |
| GPRS | Yes | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2023, April 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 154 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.06 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm (10.0 x 6.50 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~309 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.1 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 405 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) | Android 13, MIUI Pad 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | Unspecified |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 8840 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | Smart ultra 6 | 23043RP34C, 23043RP34G, 23043RP34I |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Vodafone Smart ultra 6
- Affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Compact size (likely)
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Likely inferior display
- Limited camera capabilities
- Poor battery life (estimated)
Xiaomi Pad 6
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Excellent display quality
- Long battery life
- Fast charging (33W)
- Good value for money
- May lack premium features
- Software updates could be slower (Xiaomi reputation)
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a significantly superior display. Its 1060:1 contrast ratio and 500 nits brightness offer vibrant colors and excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight. The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's display is likely adequate but lacks the same level of visual fidelity and brightness. Expect a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience with the Xiaomi.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is often secondary on tablets, but the Xiaomi Pad 6 likely has a more capable camera system. While neither tablet is expected to excel in photography, the Xiaomi's newer hardware should provide better image quality and features. Specific camera specs for the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 are difficult to find, suggesting it's not a priority.
Performance
Performance is where the Xiaomi Pad 6 truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's Snapdragon 615, while functional, will struggle with more intensive tasks and may exhibit noticeable lag. Multitasking and overall responsiveness will be significantly better on the Xiaomi.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 6's active use score of 9:39h demonstrates exceptional battery life. This is a major advantage over the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6, which likely has a smaller battery and a less efficient processor. Expect significantly longer usage times on the Xiaomi Pad 6 between charges.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6? It's ideal for users on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, email, and light media consumption. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 6? This tablet is perfect for students, casual gamers, and anyone seeking a balance of performance, display quality, and battery life without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 good for gaming?
The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6's older chipset isn't ideal for demanding games. It might handle some lighter titles, but expect performance issues and lag.
❓ How does the Xiaomi Pad 6 compare to other tablets in its price range?
The Xiaomi Pad 6 offers a compelling combination of performance, display quality, and battery life, making it a strong contender against other mid-range tablets like the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro.