The Xiaomi Mi Pad series offered compelling Android tablets at competitive prices. But which one is right for you? We're pitting the Mi Pad 2 against the Mi Pad 7.9 to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Mi Pad 7.9, powered by the Nvidia Tegra K1, generally offers superior performance and a smoother user experience. While the Mi Pad 2 boasts a slightly newer design, the 7.9's processing power makes it the better choice for most users, especially those seeking gaming capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, November. Released 2015, November | 2014, March. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 200.4 x 132.6 x 7 mm (7.89 x 5.22 x 0.28 in) | 202 x 135.4 x 8.5 mm (7.95 x 5.33 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 322 g (11.36 oz) | 360 g (12.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~326 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.9 inches, 190.9 cm2 (~71.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.9 inches, 190.9 cm2 (~69.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.24 GHz | Quad-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A15 |
| Chipset | Intel Atom X5-Z8500 | Nvidia Tegra K1 |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics | ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores) |
| OS | Android OS/ Optional Windows 10 (64 GB model), MIUI 7 | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), MIUI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Music play | Up to 100 h | Up to 86 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 649 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h 30 min (multimedia) | Up to 11 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 6190 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6700 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark grey, Champagne gold | Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, White, Gray |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 24456 |
Xiaomi Mi Pad 2
- Sleeker, more modern design
- Lightweight
- Decent for basic tasks
- Underpowered chipset
- Sluggish performance
- Mediocre camera
Xiaomi Mi Pad 7.9
- Powerful Nvidia Tegra K1 chipset
- Smoother performance
- Better multitasking
- Slightly better battery life
- Older design
- Camera quality is basic
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a 7.9-inch display, but the Mi Pad 7.9 often has slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to its IPS panel. The Mi Pad 2's display is adequate but may not be as vibrant. Resolution is similar on both, offering a sharp image for their size.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both tablets is unremarkable. Both feature basic photo and video capabilities suitable for casual snapshots, but don't expect high-quality images. The Mi Pad 7.9 might have a slight edge in low-light conditions, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The Nvidia Tegra K1 in the Mi Pad 7.9 is significantly more powerful than the Intel Atom X5-Z8500 in the Mi Pad 2. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Mi Pad 2 can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Mi Pad 7.9 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient Tegra K1 chipset. Both tablets provide a reasonable amount of usage time for everyday tasks, but the 7.9 can stretch further.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is a decent option for basic tasks like browsing and media consumption, especially if you prioritize a more modern design. However, the Mi Pad 7.9 is the better buy for users who want a tablet capable of handling more demanding applications, light gaming, and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mi Pad 2 worth buying in 2024?
Unless you're on a very tight budget and only need a tablet for basic tasks, the Mi Pad 7.9 is generally a better investment due to its superior performance.
❓ Can the Mi Pad 7.9 play games?
Yes, the Mi Pad 7.9 can handle many Android games reasonably well, thanks to its Nvidia Tegra K1 chipset. However, don't expect to play the latest AAA titles at high settings.
