The Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro are both excellent Android tablets, offering premium features at competitive prices. But with a price difference and upgraded specs in the Pro model, deciding which one is right for you can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro offers a significant performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 870 and faster charging. However, the Pad 5 remains a fantastic value, especially for users prioritizing a balance of features and affordability. The Pro is the clear winner for power users, while the standard Pad 5 is ideal for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 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 | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 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 | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 511 g (1.13 lb) | 515 g (1.14 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 (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 650 |
| 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 | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 33W wired, PD3.0 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 8720 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green | Black, White |
| Models | 21051182G, 21051182C | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 330 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
- Excellent value for money
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Decent battery life
- Slightly older chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Camera quality is average
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 870
- Faster 67W charging
- Likely slightly better display quality
- Improved camera (potentially)
- Higher price
- May be overkill for casual users
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature an 11-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Pad 5 Pro *likely* has slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though measured data is limited. The contrast ratio is similar, providing good image depth. Overall, both displays are excellent, but the Pro *may* offer a marginally better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the Pad 5 Pro *likely* has a slightly better camera setup. Both feature a rear camera and a front-facing camera suitable for video calls and occasional photos. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 860 in the Pad 5. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Pro. The 860 is still capable, but the 870 provides a noticeable upgrade.
Battery Life
The Pad 5 has an 8700mAh battery, while the Pad 5 Pro has an 8700mAh battery. However, the Pad 5 Pro's 67W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups compared to the Pad 5's 33W charging. Both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5? It's perfect for students, casual users, and those seeking a great tablet for media consumption and light productivity without breaking the bank. Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro? Power users, gamers, and anyone needing a tablet for demanding tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously will appreciate the Pro's extra horsepower.
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 extra performance is worth it. For casual users, the Pad 5 offers excellent value.
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 860 and 870?
The Snapdragon 870 offers a significant performance boost over the 860, particularly in CPU and GPU performance. It's more efficient and handles demanding tasks better.
