The budget tablet market is heating up, with Xiaomi and Realme offering compelling options under $200. Both the Redmi Pad 2 and Realme Pad 2 Lite aim to deliver a solid multimedia experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on performance, battery life, and charging capabilities to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its longer active use battery life (11:09h) and support for both PD2 and QC2.0 charging provide a more versatile and convenient experience, offsetting the Realme Pad 2 Lite's marginally newer chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 05 | 2024, September 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 05 | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 254.6 x 166 x 7.4 mm (10.02 x 6.54 x 0.29 in) | 258 x 169.5 x 8.3 mm (10.16 x 6.67 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 510 g or 519 g (1.12 lb) | 525 g (1.16 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 or Panda glass | - |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~207 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 for Pad |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers, with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS (cellular model only) | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro/compass (cellular model only) | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2, QC2.0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 9000 mAh | 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Nebula Purple, Space Grey |
| Models | 25040RP0AG, 25040RP0AI | RMP2402 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2
- Longer battery life (11:09h active use)
- Supports PD2 and QC2.0 fast charging
- Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal headroom
- Chipset is a generation older than the Realme Pad 2 Lite
- Display specifications are unknown
Realme Pad 2 Lite
- Features a newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Competitive price point
- Slightly more modern architecture
- Lower charging wattage (15W)
- Shorter battery life (inferred)
- Limited fast charging protocol support
Display Comparison
Both tablets lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given their price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding resolution, refresh rate, or peak brightness suggests neither tablet is aiming for display excellence, focusing instead on affordability. Bezels are likely to be similar, prioritizing screen real estate over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn't offer specifics beyond the chipsets. We can assume both will feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Expect image quality to be adequate for the price point, but not competitive with smartphone cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Redmi Pad 2 features the Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra (6nm), while the Realme Pad 2 Lite uses the Helio G99 (also 6nm). Both CPUs share the same core configuration – an octa-core setup with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – meaning raw CPU performance will be very similar. The G99, being a newer generation, *may* offer slightly improved GPU performance and efficiency, but the 6nm process node is consistent across both, minimizing thermal differences. The lack of RAM specifications prevents a full assessment, but the chipset parity suggests similar multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Redmi Pad 2 boasts an active use battery life of 11:09 hours, a significant advantage over what we can infer for the Realme Pad 2 Lite. While the Realme Pad 2 Lite has a slightly lower charging wattage (15W vs 18W), the Redmi Pad 2’s support for both PD2 and QC2.0 offers broader compatibility with existing chargers and potentially faster charging speeds with compatible adapters. This flexibility is a key benefit for users who travel frequently or have a variety of charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 if you prioritize extended battery life for long commutes or travel, and appreciate the flexibility of fast charging standards like PD2 and QC2.0. Buy the Realme Pad 2 Lite if you are looking for a slightly newer chipset and are less concerned about maximizing battery runtime or fast charging compatibility. Both are excellent choices for media consumption and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Redmi Pad 2's support for PD2 and QC2.0 actually translate to faster charging in real-world use?
Yes, if you have a compatible charger. While both tablets support 18W/15W charging, the Redmi Pad 2's broader protocol support means it can leverage higher-wattage chargers that adhere to PD2 or QC2.0 standards, potentially reducing charge times compared to using a standard 15W charger.
❓ Will I notice a significant performance difference between the Helio G99 and Helio G100 Ultra for gaming?
The performance difference will likely be minimal for most games. Both chipsets feature the same CPU core configuration. The Helio G99's newer GPU *may* offer a slight edge in graphically demanding titles, but the difference won't be dramatic. Both are best suited for casual gaming rather than high-end titles at maximum settings.
❓ How does the battery life of the Redmi Pad 2 hold up with heavy usage, such as video streaming and gaming?
The 11:09 hour active use score suggests good battery endurance. While this score doesn't specify the type of usage, it indicates the Redmi Pad 2 can comfortably handle several hours of video streaming or moderate gaming sessions on a single charge. Expect battery life to decrease with more intensive tasks.