The Android tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for the top spot: the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. Both offer large, beautiful displays and powerful performance, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 edges out the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro with its superior display, S Pen support, and refined software experience. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro offers incredible value with its faster charging and competitive performance at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 11 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 620 g (1.37 lb) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 video output | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Excellent value for money
- Fast 67W charging
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Large, vibrant display
- LCD display (not as vibrant as AMOLED)
- Camera performance not as good as Tab S8
- No S Pen support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- S Pen support for creativity and productivity
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- Refined software experience
- Slower charging speed
- Higher price point
- Can get warm under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both tablets boast stunning 12.4-inch displays. The Tab S8 features a brighter, more color-accurate AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The Pad 5 Pro has an LCD panel, which is still excellent but lacks the contrast and vibrancy of AMOLED. The Tab S8's S Pen integration further enhances the display experience.
Camera Comparison
The Tab S8 generally has a better camera system, offering improved image quality and more versatile shooting options. The Pad 5 Pro's cameras are adequate for casual use but don't match the Tab S8's capabilities. The Tab S8 also has better video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Tab S8's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 generally outperforms the Pad 5 Pro's Snapdragon 870 in sustained workloads, thanks to its more advanced architecture and manufacturing process. However, the Pad 5 Pro remains a very capable performer for everyday tasks and gaming. Both handle multitasking with ease.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro takes a clear lead in charging speed with its 67W wired charging, reaching 60% in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes. The Tab S8's 45W charging is slower, taking around 80 minutes to fully charge. Battery life is comparable between the two, offering a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4? Users seeking a large-screen tablet with excellent performance and fast charging on a budget. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Creative professionals and those who value a premium experience, S Pen functionality, and a vibrant display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more powerful processor and superior cooling system, but both tablets are capable of handling most games smoothly.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro support a stylus?
No, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro does not officially support a stylus. While you might be able to use a third-party stylus, it won't offer the same level of integration as the S Pen on the Tab S8.
