The Xiaomi Pad 8 has been making waves in the tablet market with its impressive features and affordable price tag. This Android tablet offers plenty of power, improved battery capacity, and a premium design that is both portable and sleek. While there are a few areas that could use some improvement, overall, the Xiaomi Pad 8 is a solid choice for those looking for a value-packed tablet.
Design & Build
The Xiaomi Pad 8 boasts a compact yet premium design, available in three color options: green, blue, and grey. Despite its thin frame, the tablet manages to pack in a 9200mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance. The tablet’s camera module protrudes slightly, but this is a minor quibble compared to its overall sleek design.
Accessories
The Xiaomi Pad 8 offers a range of accessories, including the Focus Pen stylus and two keyboard options. The Focus Pen is a handy tool for navigation, drawing, and note-taking, while the keyboards provide a convenient typing experience. The folio cover is sturdy and versatile, allowing users to prop up the tablet vertically or horizontally.
Screen & Speakers
The Xiaomi Pad 8 features an 11.2-inch 3.2K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The tablet also boasts quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive sound quality. Whether you’re watching movies or playing games, the Xiaomi Pad 8 offers a top-notch audio-visual experience.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the Xiaomi Pad 8 delivers impressive performance for its price range. With options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the tablet offers plenty of power and storage capacity for multitasking and storing media. While there’s no support for expandable storage or 4G/5G connectivity, the Pad 8 excels in other performance aspects.
Cameras
The Xiaomi Pad 8 features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, suitable for general photography and video calls. While the camera quality may not rival that of smartphones, it gets the job done for everyday use. The front camera offers a wide field of view, making it ideal for video calls and group selfies.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 9200mAh battery, the Xiaomi Pad 8 offers impressive battery life, allowing for extended usage without frequent recharging. The tablet supports 45W charging, ensuring fast and efficient charging times. While the charging speed could be faster, the overall battery performance is commendable.
Software & AI
Running on Android 16 with HyperOS 3, the Xiaomi Pad 8 offers a user-friendly and customizable interface. HyperOS 3 provides handy features like split-screening and theme customization, making the tablet easy to use. The tablet also includes Xiaomi HyperConnect and HyperAI tools for seamless connectivity and AI-enhanced features.
Price & Availability
The Xiaomi Pad 8 is priced at £399 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, with a higher-end model available for £449. The tablet is available for purchase from Xiaomi and other retailers, but it is not currently available in the USA. While the accessories come at an additional cost, they offer added functionality and convenience for users.
Should you buy the Xiaomi Pad 8?
If you’re in the market for a mid-range Android tablet that offers exceptional performance and value for money, the Xiaomi Pad 8 is a solid choice. With its powerful processor, impressive display, and long-lasting battery life, the Pad 8 is a versatile device that caters to a wide range of users. While there are some areas for improvement, the overall package offered by the Xiaomi Pad 8 makes it a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet with premium features.