The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. But with the newer Pad 6 Pro arriving, is it worth upgrading from the already capable Pad 5 Pro? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, helping you decide which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro offers a noticeable upgrade in performance and features, particularly with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and improved display. While the Pad 5 Pro remains a solid choice, the 6 Pro's faster processor, brighter screen, and quicker charging make it the overall winner for most users.
| 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 | 2023, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 10 | Available. Released 2023, April 30 |
| 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) | 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm (10.0 x 6.50 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~309 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, 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, 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 1 hour |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C | 23046RP50C |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Capable performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- Solid build quality
- Slightly older chipset
- Less bright display
- Slower charging
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
- Significantly faster performance
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster charging
- Improved camera processing
- Higher price point
- Minor design changes
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro boasts a brighter 11-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering improved color accuracy and a smoother visual experience compared to the Pad 5 Pro's 11-inch 2K LCD. The 6 Pro's display also features better peak brightness, making it more usable outdoors.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Pad 6 Pro's camera setup offers slightly improved image processing and low-light performance. Both feature a 13MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera, suitable for video calls and casual snapshots.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Pad 6 Pro provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 6 Pro. Both tablets handle everyday tasks with ease, but the 6 Pro shines under heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both tablets feature a 8740mAh battery, providing excellent battery life. However, the Pad 6 Pro's faster 67W charging (reaching 100% in approximately 1 hour) gives it a clear advantage over the Pad 5 Pro's charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro? Users on a tighter budget who still want a capable tablet for media consumption, light gaming, and productivity tasks. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro? Power users, gamers, and anyone who demands the best possible performance and a premium display experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pad 5 Pro?
If you prioritize performance, a better display, and faster charging, then the upgrade is worthwhile. However, if you're happy with the Pad 5 Pro's performance and are on a budget, it remains a solid option.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 870 and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1?
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a significant performance boost, roughly 20-30% faster in CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 870. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and improved multitasking.
