Redmi Pad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: Which Budget Tablet Wins?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G100 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618, and its longer battery life makes it ideal for extended use. However, Samsung's brand recognition and software experience may appeal to some.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 05 | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 05 | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| 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) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 510 g or 519 g (1.12 lb) | 508 g (1.12 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 (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers, with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS (cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro/compass (cellular model only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2, QC2.0 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 9000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | 25040RP0AG, 25040RP0AI | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2
- Superior performance with the Mediatek Helio G100 chipset.
- Longer battery life (11:09h active use).
- Faster charging with 18W support and PD2/QC2.0.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be divisive.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Established Samsung brand and software ecosystem.
- Generally clean and user-friendly One UI interface.
- Wide availability and support network.
- Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset.
- Shorter battery life (estimated).
- Slower 15W charging.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but detailed display specs are missing. However, the focus should be on the processing power needed to drive the display. The Redmi Pad 2’s more powerful GPU will likely handle graphically intensive tasks and video playback more smoothly. Bezels are likely comparable given the price point, and color accuracy will be typical for this segment – adequate for general use but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is a photography powerhouse. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but given the price bracket, expect basic image quality suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. The focus should not be on camera performance when choosing between these two. Any differences in image quality will likely be minimal and overshadowed by the overall user experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Pad 2’s Mediatek Helio G100 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618 (12nm) with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm process of the Helio G100 translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the Redmi Pad 2 will likely maintain higher performance for longer periods during gaming or video editing. The CPU core architecture also favors the Redmi Pad 2, with the A76 cores offering a performance uplift over the A75 cores in the Tab A8.
Battery Life
The Redmi Pad 2 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, achieving 11:09 hours of active use. The Galaxy Tab A8’s battery life is not specified, but its less efficient 12nm chipset and lower charging wattage (15W vs 18W with PD2/QC2.0 on the Redmi Pad 2) suggest it will require more frequent charging. The Redmi Pad 2’s faster charging capabilities also contribute to a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 if you prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and streaming, and value longer battery life. It’s the ideal choice for students or anyone who needs a capable tablet for productivity on the go. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prefer the Samsung ecosystem, a more established brand reputation, and a slightly more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power and battery endurance.