The Android tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for your attention: the ZTE Axon Pad and the Xiaomi Pad 5. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Axon Pad boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, offering superior performance. However, the Xiaomi Pad 5 shines with its excellent display and more refined software experience. For raw power, the Axon Pad wins, but for overall value and usability, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a strong contender.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| EDGE | - | N/A |
| GPRS | - | N/A |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 12 | 2021, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2021, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 279 x 181 x 6.5 mm (10.98 x 7.13 x 0.26 in) | 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm (10.03 x 6.55 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 605 g (1.33 lb) | 511 g (1.13 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 13, MyOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Po 8720 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Cosmic Gray, Pearl White, Green |
| Models | - | 21051182G, 21051182C |
| Price | About 460 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) |
ZTE Axon Pad
- Significantly faster performance
- 80W fast charging
- Larger screen (likely, based on typical Axon Pad models)
- Potentially better speakers (based on typical Axon Pad models)
- Potentially less refined software
- May lack software updates
- Higher price point
Xiaomi Pad 5
- Excellent display quality
- Faster charging (PD3.0)
- More polished software experience
- Generally better value for money
- Older chipset, less powerful
- Slower charging compared to Axon Pad (in theory)
- May not be ideal for demanding games
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 5 takes the display crown. While both offer a 1271:1 contrast ratio, the Xiaomi Pad 5's measured 478 nits brightness provides a noticeably more vibrant and viewable experience, especially outdoors. The Axon Pad's display is good, but lacks the same punch. Both feature 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is often not a primary concern for tablets, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 generally offers slightly better image processing and a more consistent experience. Both tablets feature rear cameras suitable for casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level photography. Front-facing cameras are adequate for video calls.
Performance
Here, the ZTE Axon Pad absolutely dominates. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a flagship-level chipset, significantly outperforming the Xiaomi Pad 5's Snapdragon 860. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance on the Axon Pad. The Xiaomi Pad 5 is still capable, but it shows its age.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a clear advantage in charging speed with its 33W wired charging and PD3.0 support. The Axon Pad's 80W charging is impressive, but real-world battery life and charging times are more nuanced. Both offer all-day battery life for moderate usage, but the Xiaomi Pad 5's optimized power management gives it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Axon Pad is ideal for gamers, power users, and those who demand the absolute best performance from their tablet. The Xiaomi Pad 5 is a great choice for students, casual users, and those who prioritize a beautiful display and a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Axon Pad good for gaming?
Yes, the Axon Pad's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset makes it an excellent choice for mobile gaming, handling even demanding titles with ease.
❓ Which tablet has better battery life?
While both offer all-day battery life, the Xiaomi Pad 5's optimized power management and efficient chipset give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.
