Xiaomi's Pad series has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the Android tablet market. The Pad 5 Pro and the larger Pad 5 Pro 12.4 offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you choose the perfect tablet for your lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 wins for those prioritizing a larger, more immersive display and slightly faster charging. However, the standard Pad 5 Pro remains a fantastic option, offering excellent performance and value for users who don't need the extra screen real estate. Both share the same powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset.
| 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 | N/A |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| 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 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 10 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C | - |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- More portable
- Excellent value for money
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Powerful Snapdragon 870
- Smaller screen compared to 12.4
- Slightly slower charging
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Immersive 12.4-inch display
- Faster charging
- Great for multitasking and creative work
- Powerful Snapdragon 870
- Less portable
- Slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The most significant difference lies in the display. The Pad 5 Pro boasts an 11-inch display, while the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 features a massive 12.4-inch screen. Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy, but the larger size of the 12.4 provides a more cinematic and productive experience. The 12.4 also has slightly better brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is similar on both devices. Expect decent quality for video calls and casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in photography. The 12.4 might have a slight edge due to its potentially larger sensor, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 870, ensuring smooth performance for virtually any task. Gaming, video editing, and multitasking are handled with ease. While there might be minor thermal differences under sustained load, the performance is largely identical.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 8740mAh battery. The Pad 5 Pro 12.4's charging time is slightly faster, reaching 60% in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, thanks to optimized charging algorithms. The standard Pad 5 Pro takes a bit longer to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro is ideal for students, casual users, and those who want a portable tablet for media consumption and light productivity. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is better suited for creative professionals, artists, and anyone who wants a tablet for immersive gaming, video editing, or multitasking with multiple apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 processor enough for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is a very capable processor and can handle most mobile games at high settings without any issues. Both tablets offer a smooth gaming experience.
❓ Which tablet is better for drawing and note-taking?
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is generally better for drawing and note-taking due to its larger screen size, providing more space for creative work. Consider pairing it with a stylus for an even better experience.