Xiaomi's Pad series has consistently offered compelling value in the Android tablet space. The Pad 8 Pro represents a significant leap forward with its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, while the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 remains a strong contender with its larger display and established reputation. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers substantially faster performance, thanks to the Oryon CPU cores and 3nm process, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming. While the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 offers a larger screen, the performance gap is too significant to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | - | N/A |
| EDGE | N/A | No |
| GPRS | N/A | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 25 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 25 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 251.2 x 173.4 x 5.8 mm (9.89 x 6.83 x 0.23 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 485 g or 494 g (1.07 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 2136 x 3200 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~344 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.2 inches, 373.7 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 800 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 16, HyperOS 3 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 0.61µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, LHDC 5 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3+
22.5W reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | 9200 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Green | Black, Silver, Green |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite)
- More efficient 3nm process for better battery life and reduced throttling
- Likely features LTPO display technology for adaptive refresh rates
- Smaller display size compared to the Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Specific display specs (brightness, color accuracy) are currently unknown
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Larger 12.4-inch display for enhanced multitasking and media consumption
- Established reputation and proven performance
- Fast 67W charging with documented charging times
- Older Snapdragon 870 processor is significantly slower than the 8 Elite
- 7nm process is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat and throttling
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature high-quality displays, key differences exist. The Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 12.4-inch panel offers a larger canvas, beneficial for split-screen multitasking. However, the Pad 8 Pro’s display technology isn’t specified, but given Xiaomi’s recent trends, it likely incorporates LTPO for adaptive refresh rates, potentially improving battery efficiency. The 8 Pro’s panel is expected to be smaller, but the newer chipset could offset any perceived disadvantage in responsiveness. We lack specific brightness data for both, but expect both to deliver adequate outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, but the camera systems are worth noting. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Xiaomi typically prioritizes main sensor quality. We can assume the Pad 8 Pro benefits from the newer ISP within the Snapdragon 8 Elite, potentially leading to improved image processing and low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests that both tablets are geared towards video conferencing and casual snapshots rather than serious photography.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant factor. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro’s Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite, built on a 3nm process, represents a generational leap over the Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 8 Elite’s octa-core CPU, featuring Oryon V2 Phoenix L and M cores clocked up to 4.32 GHz, will demonstrably outperform the 870’s Kryo 585 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance. The 3nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The 8 Pro is expected to have faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
Both tablets support 67W wired charging, with the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 claiming 60% charge in 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes. The Pad 8 Pro’s charging speed is not detailed beyond 67W, but it likely offers comparable charging times. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and screen brightness. While the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 may have a larger battery capacity (unspecified), the Pad 8 Pro’s more efficient 3nm chipset could offset this difference, resulting in similar real-world battery endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you prioritize raw performance, future-proofing, and responsiveness for demanding applications like video editing, graphic design, or high-end mobile gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you absolutely require a larger 12.4-inch display for multitasking or media consumption and are willing to compromise on processing power. The 5 Pro 12.4 is a good option for casual users who don't need the latest and greatest.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Pad 8 Pro handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at max settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is designed to handle even the most demanding mobile games at maximum settings. The Oryon CPU cores and Adreno GPU will provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience, with minimal frame drops. The 3nm process will also help to prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 support stylus input and keyboard accessories?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is fully compatible with Xiaomi's Smart Pen and Smart Keyboard Folio. These accessories are sold separately and enhance the tablet's productivity capabilities, making it suitable for note-taking, drawing, and document editing. The Pad 8 Pro is also expected to support these accessories, but confirmation is needed.
❓ How does the thermal management compare between the Pad 8 Pro and Pad 5 Pro 12.4 during prolonged use?
The Pad 8 Pro is expected to have superior thermal management due to its 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The smaller process node generates less heat, reducing the likelihood of throttling during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. The Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 7nm Snapdragon 870 may experience more noticeable throttling under sustained load.
