The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. But with the newer Pad 6 Pro, the question arises: is the upgrade worth it? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which Xiaomi tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, faster charging, and a generally more refined experience. However, the Pad 5 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a good display and solid performance for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | N/A | N/A |
| GPRS | N/A | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| 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 | No | No |
| Weight | 511 g (1.13 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 (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | 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 | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| 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 (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | 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, 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 | 33W wired, PD3.0 | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 1 hour |
| Type | Li-Po 8720 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | 21051182G, 21051182C | 23046RP50C |
| 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
- Good display with high contrast ratio
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Decent battery life
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Less premium design
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
- Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
- Incredibly fast 67W charging
- Premium design and build quality
- Improved camera system (likely)
- Higher price
- May be overkill for casual users
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature excellent LCD displays, but the Pad 6 Pro likely has slightly better color accuracy and potentially a higher resolution (though official specs are needed for confirmation). The Pad 5's 1271:1 contrast ratio is impressive, offering deep blacks. Brightness is comparable, with the Pad 6 Pro potentially edging out the Pad 5 slightly.
Camera Comparison
Tablet cameras are rarely a priority, but the Pad 6 Pro likely has a slightly improved camera system. Expect better image quality and potentially more features. However, neither tablet is likely to rival dedicated smartphone cameras.
Performance
This is where the Pad 6 Pro truly shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 860, offering significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Pad 6 Pro.
Battery Life
The Pad 6 Pro's 67W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times (1 hour as stated). The Pad 5's 33W charging is still respectable, but considerably slower. Battery capacity is likely similar, so the charging speed difference is the key factor here.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Pad 5 is ideal for students, casual users, and those on a tighter budget who need a reliable tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro is perfect for power users, gamers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance, faster charging, and a more premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pad 5?
If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a more premium experience, then yes. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade. However, if you're happy with the Pad 5's performance and are on a budget, the upgrade might not be necessary.
❓ What is the screen resolution of the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro?
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience compared to the Pad 5.
