The Xiaomi Pad series has consistently delivered impressive value in the Android tablet market. But with the release of the Pad 6, is it a worthy upgrade over its predecessor, the Pad 5? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which tablet is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 6 offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 870 and a slightly brighter display. While the Pad 5 remains a strong contender, especially for budget-conscious buyers, the Pad 6’s improvements make it the overall winner for most users.
| 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 | 2023, April 18 | 2021, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 18 | 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 | No |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 511 g (1.13 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 (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI Pad 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 (4 speakers) |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 33W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 8840 mAh | Li-Po 8720 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green |
| Models | 23043RP34C, 23043RP34G, 23043RP34I | 21051182G, 21051182C |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 350 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 6
- Improved Performance (Snapdragon 870)
- Slightly Brighter Display
- 5G Connectivity
- Future-Proof Hardware
- Potentially Higher Price
- Minor Design Changes
Xiaomi Pad 5
- Excellent Value for Money
- Great Display Quality
- Solid Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Mature Software Support
- Older Processor (Snapdragon 860)
- Slightly Dimmer Display
- Less Future-Proof
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits compared to the Pad 5's 478 nits, resulting in a slightly more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors. Both tablets feature excellent contrast ratios (1060:1 vs 1271:1), delivering rich blacks and vivid colors. The Pad 5's slightly higher contrast ratio is nominal and may not be noticeable in real-world use.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for tablets, but the Pad 6 likely features a slightly improved camera system. Both tablets have decent front-facing cameras suitable for video calls. Detailed camera specs are not readily available, so a direct comparison is difficult.
Performance
Here's where the Pad 6 truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 860 in the Pad 5. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Pad 6. Both tablets handle everyday tasks with ease, but the 870 provides a noticeable edge for demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer excellent battery life, with the Pad 6 achieving a reported active use score of 9:39h. The Pad 5's battery life is comparable, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. Both support 33W fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and future-proofing. If you're on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute latest hardware, the Xiaomi Pad 5 remains a fantastic option offering excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 worth the upgrade from the Pad 5?
If you prioritize performance and a slightly better display, the Pad 6 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a budget and the Pad 5 meets your needs, it remains a great option.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 870 and 860?
The Snapdragon 870 offers a noticeable performance boost over the 860, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. It's more efficient and provides smoother overall performance.
