The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. Now, with the Pad 6 Pro, Xiaomi aims to elevate the experience further. But how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Pad 5 Pro? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which tablet is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro offers a significant performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, faster charging, and potentially improved display technology. However, the Pad 5 Pro remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the absolute latest and greatest.
| 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 | 2023, April 18 | 2021, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 30 | Available. Released 2021, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm (10.0 x 6.50 x 0.26 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 | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 515 g (1.14 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~309 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 550 nits | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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 | 5.3, 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 3.2, accessory connector | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6e, 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 (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 1 hour | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 8600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Black, White |
| Models | 23046RP50C | M2105K81AC, M2105K81C |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
- Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
- Faster 67W charging
- Potentially brighter and higher resolution display
- Likely improved color accuracy
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Higher price
- May not be necessary for casual users
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
- More affordable
- Excellent value for money
- Large battery for all-day use
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Good display quality
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 870)
- Slower charging
- Less powerful for demanding games and apps
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature vibrant LCD displays, but the Pad 6 Pro is expected to have a slightly brighter panel and potentially a higher resolution (likely 2.88K vs 2.5K). The 6 Pro also likely has a 144Hz refresh rate compared to the 5 Pro's 120Hz, offering smoother visuals. Color accuracy is expected to be improved on the 6 Pro.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet is a photography powerhouse, the Pad 6 Pro is expected to have slightly improved camera sensors and image processing. Both likely feature a 13MP main rear camera and a 8MP front camera. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, supporting 1080p or 4K recording.
Performance
This is where the Pad 6 Pro truly shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 870, offering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a much better gaming experience on the 6 Pro. The 6 Pro's 4nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both tablets boast a large 8740mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Pad 6 Pro's faster 67W charging (100% in 1 hour) gives it a significant advantage in charging speed compared to the Pad 5 Pro.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro is ideal for power users, gamers, and creatives who demand top-tier performance and a premium experience. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro is a great choice for students, casual users, and those seeking a high-quality tablet at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pad 5 Pro?
If you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a potentially better display, then yes. Otherwise, the Pad 5 Pro remains a great value.
❓ What is the RAM and storage options available for each tablet?
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro typically comes in 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/512GB configurations. The Pad 5 Pro is usually available in 6GB/128GB and 6GB/256GB options.
