The Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro 12.4 are both excellent Android tablets, but cater to slightly different needs. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 offers a significant upgrade in performance and charging speed thanks to the Snapdragon 870 and 67W charging. However, the Pad 5 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing value and a slightly more compact form factor. The Pro is the clear winner for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 11 | 2021, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2021, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) | 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 620 g (1.37 lb) | 511 g (1.13 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@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) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 video output | USB Type-C |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min | 33W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8720 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green |
| Models | - | 21051182G, 21051182C |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1271:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 473819 (v8), 555079 (v9)
GeekBench: 2583 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 24fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
- Faster 67W Charging
- Larger 12.4-inch Display
- Improved Multitasking
- Potentially Better Camera
- Higher Price
- Larger Size (Less Portable)
- May be Overkill for Casual Users
Xiaomi Pad 5
- More Affordable
- Compact and Portable
- Excellent Display Quality
- Good Performance for Casual Use
- Well-Rounded Tablet Experience
- Slower 33W Charging
- Less Powerful Processor
- Smaller Display
- May Struggle with Demanding Tasks
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 boasts a larger 12.4-inch display, offering more screen real estate for multitasking and immersive content consumption. Both tablets feature a 1271:1 contrast ratio, providing excellent blacks and vibrant colors. While the Pad 5's 478 nits brightness is respectable, the Pro likely offers slightly better outdoor visibility, though specific measurements are needed for confirmation. The Pro's larger size also makes it ideal for split-screen multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for tablets, but the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely has a slightly better camera system. Both tablets feature rear cameras suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. However, the Pro's more powerful processor could contribute to better image processing and overall image quality. Specific camera specs and sample images would be needed for a more definitive comparison.
Performance
Here's where the Pro truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is a noticeable step up from the Snapdragon 860 in the Pad 5. Expect smoother performance in demanding games, faster app loading times, and improved multitasking capabilities. The 870's superior CPU and GPU provide a more responsive and fluid user experience overall. The Pro's improved thermal management also helps sustain performance during extended use.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4's 67W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge from 0% to 60% in just 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes. The Pad 5's 33W charging is slower, taking considerably longer to reach a full charge. While both tablets have similar battery capacities, the Pro's faster charging provides a significant convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4? Power users, creatives, and anyone needing a large, high-performance display for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5? Students, casual users, and those seeking a great tablet experience at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 worth the extra money?
If you need the best possible performance, faster charging, and a larger display, then yes. Otherwise, the Pad 5 offers excellent value for the price.
❓ Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful processor and better thermal management.
