Redmi Pad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$250 tablet market is heating up, with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ vying for dominance. Both offer large displays and promise all-day battery life, but significant differences in chipset architecture and charging capabilities separate these contenders. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet delivers the best experience for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra chipset delivers comparable CPU performance to the Snapdragon 695, coupled with a significantly longer active use battery life of 11:09 hours. While the Tab A9+ boasts 5G connectivity, the Redmi Pad 2’s superior battery life and faster charging make it a more practical daily driver.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model onlyGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model onlyHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - cellular model only1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, June 052023, October 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, June 05Available. Released 2023, October 17
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, plastic frame-
Dimensions254.6 x 166 x 7.4 mm (10.02 x 6.54 x 0.29 in)257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight510 g or 519 g (1.12 lb)480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3 or Panda glass-
Resolution1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM)TFT LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G100 Ultra (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 15, HyperOS 2Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers, with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS (cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro/compass (cellular model only)Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2, QC2.015W wired
TypeLi-Po 9000 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite Gray, Mint Green, Lavender PurpleGraphite, Silver, Navy
Models25040RP0AG, 25040RP0AISM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B
PriceAbout 230 EUR$ 199.99
SAR-0.42 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.19 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2

  • Longer battery life (11:09h active use)
  • Faster 18W charging with PD2/QC2.0
  • Potentially slightly better CPU performance

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Camera specs are unknown

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

  • Integrated 5G connectivity
  • Qualcomm’s established software support
  • Samsung’s brand recognition

  • Slower 15W charging
  • Likely shorter battery life
  • Potentially lower CPU performance

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature large displays suitable for media consumption, but detailed display specs are missing. Given the price point, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here shifts to performance, as display quality is likely similar. Bezels are expected to be moderate on both, typical for this segment. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for general use, but not professional color work.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Details are missing, but given the price bracket, expect basic camera setups. Focusing on the chipsets, the image signal processors (ISPs) within the Helio G100 and Snapdragon 695 will likely deliver similar image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be limited on both devices. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither tablet is geared towards serious photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Pad 2’s Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra (6nm) and the Tab A9+'s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) both employ octa-core architectures with similar peak clock speeds (2.2 GHz). However, the CPU core composition differs: the Helio G100 uses 2x Cortex-A76 and 6x Cortex-A55, while the Snapdragon 695 utilizes 2x Kryo 660 Gold and 6x Kryo 660 Silver. While clock speeds are similar, the Cortex-A76 generally offers slightly better single-core performance than the Kryo 660 Gold. The 6nm process node is shared, suggesting comparable efficiency. The Snapdragon 695’s integrated 5G modem is a key advantage for users needing cellular connectivity, but it also consumes additional power.

Battery Life

The Redmi Pad 2 shines in battery life, achieving 11:09 hours of active use. The Galaxy Tab A9+’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 15W charging and the power draw of the 5G modem suggest a shorter runtime. The Redmi Pad 2’s 18W charging with PD2 and QC2.0 support offers faster charging speeds and broader compatibility with existing chargers. This faster charging is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their tablet.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 if you prioritize long battery life for media consumption, casual gaming, and productivity tasks. Its efficient chipset and larger battery capacity provide a more reliable experience for extended use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if 5G connectivity is essential for your workflow, and you frequently need mobile data access on the go. However, be prepared for shorter battery life and slower charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy Tab A9+ struggle with demanding games?
The Snapdragon 695 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it may struggle with graphically intensive titles at higher settings. Expect to adjust graphics settings for a smoother experience. The Redmi Pad 2’s Helio G100 Ultra should offer similar gaming performance, potentially with slightly better sustained frame rates due to its thermal efficiency.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each tablet from 0%?
The Redmi Pad 2’s 18W charging with PD2/QC2.0 will likely achieve a full charge in around 2-3 hours. The Galaxy Tab A9+’s 15W charging will take considerably longer, potentially exceeding 3-4 hours. This difference is significant for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Does the Redmi Pad 2 support expandable storage?
This information is not provided. However, Xiaomi often includes microSD card slots in their tablets, making it likely the Redmi Pad 2 offers expandable storage. Check official specifications for confirmation.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Galaxy Tab A9+ worth the extra cost if I have Wi-Fi available most of the time?
If you primarily use Wi-Fi, the 5G connectivity on the Tab A9+ offers limited benefit. The added cost and reduced battery life may not be justified. The Redmi Pad 2 provides a more compelling experience for Wi-Fi-centric users.