The Android tablet market is heating up, with Xiaomi and Samsung offering compelling options at different price points. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro, leveraging the Snapdragon 870, aims to deliver flagship performance without the flagship price tag. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ boasts the newer, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ emerges as the superior choice. While the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro offers excellent value, the Tab S8+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in demanding tasks and sustained workloads, justifying the higher price for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 10 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 10 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in) | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm (11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 567 g (Wi-Fi), 572 g (5G) (1.25 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 | 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 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5G model:
50 MP, 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens
Wi-Fi model
13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 45W wired, 100% in 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C | SM-X800, SM-X806, SM-X806B, SM-X806U, SM-X806N |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 950 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- Excellent value for the performance offered
- Capable Snapdragon 870 processor for most tasks
- Less powerful processor than the Tab S8+
- Potentially lower sustained performance due to thermal limitations
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
- Superior performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- More efficient 4nm process for better thermal management
- Likely better image processing and camera quality
- Slower 45W charging
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature high-quality LCD panels (specific panel tech is not provided), the core difference lies in processing power impacting display responsiveness. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8+ allows for potentially smoother animations and faster rendering of graphically intensive content. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 is still capable, but may exhibit slight lag in complex scenarios. We expect both to have excellent color accuracy, but the Tab S8+ may benefit from Samsung’s display calibration expertise. Bezels are likely comparable, given both target a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Given the tablet form factor, camera quality isn't a primary concern for most users. However, the Tab S8+ likely benefits from Samsung’s superior image processing algorithms. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. We can assume the Tab S8+ will offer better low-light performance and more refined image quality. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro will likely suffice for casual snapshots and video calls, but won’t compete with dedicated cameras.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Galaxy Tab S8+ represents a significant architectural leap over the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro. Built on a 4nm process versus the 870’s 7nm, the Gen 1 offers improved power efficiency and higher peak performance. The Tab S8+'s CPU configuration – 1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 – provides a more robust core arrangement than the 870’s Octa-core setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior performance in demanding games. The 8 Gen 1’s Adreno GPU also offers a substantial graphics boost. Thermal management will be crucial; the 4nm node should help the Tab S8+ maintain peak performance for longer periods.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro’s 67W wired charging is a clear advantage, promising significantly faster charging times compared to the Tab S8+'s 45W charging (82 minutes to 100%). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is more power-hungry than the 870. The faster charging of the Pad 5 Pro mitigates the potential battery life disadvantage. Users prioritizing minimal downtime will favor the Xiaomi, while those willing to trade charging speed for potentially longer sustained performance may prefer the Samsung.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro if you prioritize value and a smooth, responsive experience for everyday tasks like media consumption, note-taking, and light gaming. It’s ideal for students or casual users who want a large screen without breaking the bank. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding applications, intensive gaming, or professional workflows. Its superior chipset and potential for future-proofing make it the better investment for power users and creatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8+ overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate more heat than previous generations. However, the 4nm process and Samsung’s thermal management system should mitigate overheating. While some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding gaming, the Tab S8+ is designed to maintain high performance for extended periods, unlike some phones with the same chipset.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro enough to fully offset the potential battery life difference compared to the Tab S8+?
The 67W charging is a significant advantage, allowing for a full charge in less time. While the Tab S8+'s more efficient processor *may* result in slightly longer battery life under light use, the Pad 5 Pro’s faster charging means you’ll spend less time tethered to an outlet. For users who frequently use their tablet throughout the day, the faster charging is a major benefit.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro support stylus input and keyboard accessories?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro supports the Xiaomi Smart Pen (sold separately) and can be paired with a dedicated keyboard cover, transforming it into a productivity-focused device. However, Samsung’s S Pen integration and keyboard accessories are generally considered more refined and feature-rich.
