The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. But with the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 and the newer Pad 6, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect every aspect, from display quality to battery life, 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 Pad 6 boasts a longer battery life and a more refined software experience. For media consumption and productivity on the go, the Pad 6 is a strong contender, while the 5 Pro excels in visual fidelity and charging speed.
| 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 | 2023, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2023, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | 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) | 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm (10.0 x 6.50 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 620 g (1.37 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~309 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 | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits |
| 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 13, MIUI Pad 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | - |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | Unspecified |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 video output | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory 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/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8840 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | 23043RP34C, 23043RP34G, 23043RP34I |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Faster 67W charging
- Potentially slightly better rear camera
- Good performance with Snapdragon 870
- Shorter battery life compared to Pad 6
- Slightly older software
Xiaomi Pad 6
- Excellent battery life (9:39h active use)
- Refined design and build quality
- Improved front-facing camera
- Modern software experience
- Slower 33W charging
- Smaller display compared to Pad 5 Pro
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 features a larger 12.4-inch 2560x1600 LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a sharper and more immersive visual experience. The Pad 6 has a slightly smaller 11-inch 2400x1600 LCD display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate and a reported 1060:1 contrast ratio and 500 nits brightness. While both are excellent, the 5 Pro's larger size gives it an edge for media and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for tablets, but the Pad 5 Pro generally has a slightly better rear camera setup. The Pad 6's front-facing camera is improved for video calls and selfies. Specific megapixel counts and features are similar, but image processing may differ.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, ensuring smooth performance for most tasks. However, the Pad 6 might benefit from slightly optimized software, potentially leading to marginally better real-world performance in some scenarios. Gaming performance should be comparable on both devices.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 6 shines in battery life, achieving a reported active use score of 9 hours and 39 minutes. The Pad 5 Pro's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive. This makes the Pad 6 a better choice for extended use without needing to recharge.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4? Users prioritizing a large, vibrant display for media consumption, creative work, or gaming. Those who value fast charging will also appreciate this model. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 6? Users seeking a more balanced tablet experience with excellent battery life, a refined design, and a slightly more modern software feel. It's ideal for everyday use, productivity, and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 worth upgrading from the Pad 5 Pro?
It depends on your priorities. If battery life and a more modern software experience are crucial, then yes. If you prioritize a larger display and faster charging, the Pad 5 Pro remains a strong option.
❓ Which tablet is better for drawing and creative work?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4's larger display provides more canvas space, making it slightly better for drawing and creative tasks. However, both tablets support stylus input and offer a decent creative experience.
