The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. But with the newer Pad 6 Pro arriving, is it time to upgrade from the already excellent Pad 5 Pro 12.4? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and improved display. While the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 remains a strong contender, the 6 Pro's refinements make it the better overall choice, especially for demanding 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 | 2023, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2023, April 30 |
| 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 (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| 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/6e, 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 1 hour |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | 23046RP50C |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Excellent value for money
- Large, vibrant display
- Capable performance with Snapdragon 870
- Fast charging (67W)
- Older chipset compared to the 6 Pro
- Slightly less bright display
- 120Hz refresh rate
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
- Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
- Brighter and smoother 144Hz display
- Sleek and modern design
- Improved performance
- Slightly higher price
- Charging time is a bit longer than the 5 Pro
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro boasts a slightly brighter display (around 550 nits vs 500 nits) and a 144Hz refresh rate compared to the Pad 5 Pro's 120Hz. Both feature a 12.4-inch 2.5K resolution LCD, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The 6 Pro's improved refresh rate contributes to a noticeably smoother experience, particularly when scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature a 13MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera. Image quality is decent for tablets, suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The Pad 6 Pro may offer slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset, but the difference isn't drastic.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Pad 6 Pro is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While the 870 is still capable, the 8+ Gen 1 provides a more future-proof and premium experience. Both tablets offer ample RAM and storage options.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 8740mAh battery. The Pad 5 Pro charges from 0-60% in 36 minutes and 0-100% in 68 minutes. The Pad 6 Pro charges 0-100% in 1 hour. While battery capacity is the same, the 6 Pro's slightly improved efficiency and charging speed give it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4? Users seeking a large-screen tablet with excellent performance and a great display at a more budget-friendly price. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro? Power users, creatives, and anyone who prioritizes the latest technology, a brighter display, and smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pad 5 Pro?
If you prioritize performance and a smoother display, the upgrade is worthwhile. However, the Pad 5 Pro remains a solid choice if you're on a tighter budget.
❓ What accessories are compatible with both tablets?
Both tablets support the same Xiaomi Smart Pen and keyboard accessories, offering a seamless transition between models.
