Xiaomi's Pad series has quickly become a favorite among Android tablet enthusiasts. But with two excellent options – the Pad 5 Pro and the Pad 5 – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro offers a significant upgrade in charging speed and a slightly more powerful chipset. However, the Pad 5 remains a fantastic value proposition, especially for those prioritizing a vibrant display and a more budget-friendly price. The Pro is for power users; the 5 is for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 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 | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 10 | 2021, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 10 | Available. Released 2021, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | 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) | 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 511 g (1.13 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| 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 | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 | 33W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 8720 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green |
| Models | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C | 21051182G, 21051182C |
| Price | About 330 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
- Faster Charging (67W)
- More Powerful Snapdragon 870
- Potentially Slightly Better Display
- Larger Battery (10,000 mAh)
- Higher Price
- Slightly Larger and Heavier
Xiaomi Pad 5
- More Affordable
- Excellent Display
- Good Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Sleek and Lightweight Design
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Less Powerful Snapdragon 860
- Smaller Battery (8,720 mAh)
Display Comparison
Both tablets boast a stunning 120Hz IPS LCD display with a 1271:1 contrast ratio. The Pad 5 Pro *may* have slightly better color accuracy and brightness, but the difference is minimal in real-world usage. The Pad 5's 478 nits brightness is already excellent for indoor and outdoor use. The Pro's display is generally considered slightly better, but not a game-changer.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a primary concern for tablets. Both devices feature similar camera setups, with the Pad 5 Pro potentially offering marginally better image processing due to its more powerful chipset. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro holds a clear advantage over the Snapdragon 860 in the Pad 5. While both offer smooth performance for everyday tasks, the 870 provides a noticeable boost in demanding games and multitasking scenarios. Expect slightly faster app loading times and improved responsiveness on the Pro.
Battery Life
The Pad 5 Pro has a 10,000 mAh battery, while the Pad 5 has an 8,720 mAh battery. Both offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. However, the Pad 5 Pro's 67W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in around 45-50 minutes, compared to the Pad 5's 33W charging which takes around 90 minutes.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro? Power users, creatives, and gamers who demand faster charging and a bit more processing power will appreciate the Pro's enhancements. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5? Students, casual users, and those on a tighter budget will find the Pad 5 offers an exceptional experience at a more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro worth the extra money?
It depends on your needs. If you're a power user or gamer, the faster charging and improved performance justify the price. For casual users, the Pad 5 offers excellent value.
❓ What resolution are the displays on both tablets?
Both the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro and Pad 5 feature a 2560 x 1600 resolution display, providing a sharp and detailed viewing experience.
