In a world where finding a quality Android tablet at an affordable price can be a challenging task, Xiaomi has stepped up to the plate with the Xiaomi Pad 6. Following the success of the Pad 5, Xiaomi is back with the Pad 6, aiming to provide a comprehensive tablet experience while keeping the price under Rs 30,000. In this review, we’ll dive into the Xiaomi Pad 6 to explore its features, performance, and whether it truly stands as the best tablet in its price range.
A New Contender in the Android Tablet Space
Android tablets have often faced the dilemma of either being too expensive for premium options or lacking essential features in the budget-friendly category. Apple’s iPad has traditionally dominated the tablet market across various price ranges. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has emerged as a formidable competitor in the budget and mid-range segments, challenging even Apple’s entry-level tablet.
Design and Display
One of the most noticeable upgrades in the Xiaomi Pad 6 is its design. Unlike the Pad 5, which had a plastic rear panel, the Pad 6 boasts an all-metal body, exuding a premium and durable feel. The metal construction enhances its aesthetic appeal and minimizes fingerprint smudges, keeping the tablet looking sleek and clean.
What’s even more impressive is the Pad 6’s lightweight build, weighing just 490 g and measuring a mere 6.51 mm in thickness. This lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly convenient for daily commutes and on-the-go usage, fitting comfortably in handbags and backpacks.
The camera module design is inspired by Xiaomi’s flagship phone, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, although the hardware differs. The Pad 6 features a single 13-megapixel rear camera and, notably, lacks a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it compensates with a USB Type-C port that supports the USB 3.2 standard, allowing users to connect the tablet to a 4K monitor for an enhanced viewing experience.
The tablet’s 11-inch screen boasts a faster refresh rate and higher screen resolution compared to the Pad 5. It supports an adaptive 144 Hz refresh rate, automatically adjusting between 30Hz and 144Hz based on the content, offering smooth visuals. The 2.8K screen resolution (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) ensures sharp and detailed images and videos.
The display also holds certifications for HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, guaranteeing vibrant colors and superior contrast for HDR content. While the display is impressive, it has a highly reflective panel, which can be distracting in well-lit rooms or outdoor use. A brighter display would have helped mitigate this issue.
Keyboard Cover and Smart Pen Performance
The Xiaomi Pad 6 goes beyond entertainment with support for a keyboard cover and Xiaomi’s Smart Pen (Gen 2). Attaching the keyboard cover is straightforward, but it lacks the secure attachment one might expect, occasionally detaching when lifted by the cover. Although it lacks a touchpad, the keyboard keys offer satisfying tactile feedback and comfortable typing.
The Smart Pen’s low latency provides an exceptional experience, responding swiftly to every stroke or input. It replicates the feel of writing or drawing on traditional paper, making it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and creative tasks.
Performance and Battery Life
Powering the Xiaomi Pad 6 is the Snapdragon 870 SoC, an upgrade over the Pad 5’s Snapdragon 860. Running on Android 13-based MIUI 14 for Pad software, the tablet delivers a smooth and user-friendly experience. It excels in benchmark tests, ensuring reliable performance without lag or slowdowns, even during demanding tasks like gaming.
Despite app optimization concerns, the Pad 6’s 13-megapixel rear camera produces impressive results in various lighting conditions, capturing sharp and detailed images. The 8-megapixel front camera performs well during video calls and meetings.
The tablet has an 8840 mAh battery and a 33 W fast charger. Xiaomi claims up to two days of battery life, even with moderate usage. It offers a hassle-free experience, rarely requiring recharging.
Should You Buy Xiaomi Pad 6?
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is a versatile mid-range Android tablet that excels in design, display, performance, battery life, and camera performance. Its support for a keyboard cover and Smart Pen enhances productivity and creativity. While it has minor drawbacks like screen reflectivity and app optimization, it remains a compelling choice for those seeking an all-rounded and affordable tablet under Rs 30,000.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to offering quality devices at accessible prices, giving Android tablet enthusiasts a viable alternative to Apple’s iPad lineup.
If you’re in the market for an Android tablet that combines performance, versatility, and affordability, the Xiaomi Pad 6 deserves serious consideration.