Xiaomi's Pad series has quickly become a favorite among Android tablet enthusiasts. The Pad 5 Pro and the larger Pad 5 Pro 12.4 offer compelling features, but which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 offers a larger, higher-resolution display and significantly faster charging. However, the standard Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing portability and a slightly lower price point. The 12.4 wins on screen and charging, but the standard is a great value.
| 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, 9, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 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 | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 620 g (1.37 lb) | 515 g (1.14 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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| 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, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 5G model:
50 MP, 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens
Wi-Fi model
13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 (8 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| 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/6, 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Black, White |
| Models | - | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Faster 67W charging
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- Good for multitasking and creative work
- Larger size and weight (less portable)
- Potentially higher price
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- More portable and lightweight
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- Good value for money
- 120Hz display
- Slower charging (implied)
- Smaller display compared to 12.4
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 boasts a significantly larger 12.4-inch display compared to the 11-inch screen of the standard Pad 5 Pro. The 12.4 also features a higher resolution (2560 x 1600 vs 2560 x 1600, though the 12.4's higher pixel density is noticeable). Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The larger screen makes the 12.4 a clear winner for media consumption and productivity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally similar between the two. Both feature a 13MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in photography. Expect similar results in various lighting conditions.
Performance
Both tablets share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, ensuring comparable performance in most tasks. You'll experience smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and efficient app usage on both devices. Differences in thermal management might become apparent during extended, demanding tasks, but overall, performance is virtually identical.
Battery Life
While both tablets have a 8720mAh battery, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 has a distinct advantage with its 67W fast charging. It can charge to 60% in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, whereas the standard Pad 5 Pro lacks this charging speed specification, implying slower charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is ideal for users who prioritize a large, immersive display for media consumption, creative work, or multitasking. It's also a good choice for those who value fast charging. The standard Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro is better suited for users who want a more portable tablet for on-the-go use and are less concerned with the absolute largest screen or fastest charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a large, immersive display and fast charging, then yes. However, if portability and budget are your main concerns, the standard Pad 5 Pro offers excellent value.
❓ Can both tablets run demanding games?
Yes, both tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 870, which is capable of handling most demanding games smoothly.