The Android tablet market is experiencing a real renaissance, and Xiaomi is one of the leading companies here. If a few years ago the choice was limited to a few budget models, today the line of devices covers all price segments. Users can choose both an affordable gadget for consuming content and a powerful workstation with support for professional tasks.
Many still wonder: what is Xiaomi’s current tablet and how they differ from each other? Title confusion often arises because some series are released exclusively for the Chinese market, while others are available globally. Understanding these differences is critical before buying, so as not to purchase a device without the right language packages or services.
In this article, we will take a look at all the existing series, from the flagship Pad 6 to the available Redmi Pad, and help you decide on your choice. We will analyze the hardware, screens and software features so that you can make an informed decision. Don’t rely only on marketing names, since the specifications can vary significantly even within the same line.
The flagship series Xiaomi Pad 6 and its modifications
The current lineup is based on the Xiaomi Pad 6 series, which replaces the fifth generation, and is positioned as a universal solution for multimedia and learning. IPS-With a 144Hz refresh rate screen, making the interface movement and page scrolling incredibly smooth. The Snapdragon 870 processor, while not the latest, still delivers excellent performance in games and heavy applications.
For those who need maximum power, there is a version of the Pad 6 Pro. The main difference here is the installation of the top-end Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This device can already be considered as a full replacement for a laptop for many tasks, especially in conjunction with the keyboard-case. The speed of the HyperOS interface on this processor is amazing, and the performance margin will remain relevant for several years.
⚠️ WARNING: Global version of Pad 6 Pro may be different from Chinese lack of support for some frequencies 5G In the Chinese version, global firmware often has to be installed manually, which can lead to blocking of some banking applications.
The Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the pinnacle of evolution, with a larger screen and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It also supports 120W ultrafast charging, which is rare in the tablet segment. Full charging time has been reduced to smartphone-level, which dramatically changes the user experience.
- 🚀 Performance: Flagship models use chips level top smartphones, providing power reserve for years.
- 🎨 Screen: All Pad 6 models have a resolution above FullHD and support for Dolby Vision for high-quality HDR-content.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Battery capacity varies from 8600 mAh to 10,000 mAh depending on the diagonal.
Budget segment: Redmi Pad and SE series
If you don't need flagship specs, look at Xiaomi's Redmi brand, which was designed as a response to mid-range competitors, offers a metal body and good screens, but uses more affordable MediaTek processors, ideal for kids, online learning or watching movies in the kitchen.
Recently, the Redmi Pad SE has been added to the lineup. This device has become even more affordable, while maintaining a large 11-inch screen. It uses a Snapdragon 680 processor, which does not shine in benchmarks, but copes well with 4K video and simple games. The body is made of aluminum, which distinguishes it from plastic counterparts of other brands at this price.
It's important to understand the differences in materials and assembly. If expensive tablets use tempered glass Gorilla Glass, public sector workers often use less secure counterparts. The assembly point also affects quality: devices for the global market can be assembled in different factories, which sometimes leads to different screen and body quality.
- 💰 Price: The cost of Redmi Pad devices is often half that of the flagship Pad series.
- 📺 Multimedia: Having four speakers with Dolby Atmos support makes them great media hubs.
- 🎓 Training: Special modes of "Children's space" and parental control built into the shell MIUI pad.
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When buying Redmi Pad SE, pay attention to the memory version: for comfortable work in 2026, it is better to choose a configuration of at least 6/128 GB, since 4 GB of RAM can already cause slowdowns in heavy applications.
Comparison of technical characteristics of models
To structure information and answer the question of which Xiaomi tablet is best for you, you need to compare their key parameters in the table.
| Model | Processor | Screen (Hz) | Charging (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Snapdragon 870 | 144 | 33 |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 144 | 67 |
| Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 144 | 120 |
| Redmi Pad SE | Snapdragon 680 | 90 | 10 |
As you can see from the table, the performance gap between the base Pad 6 and the SE version is huge. However, for video player or book reader tasks, the user may not notice the difference in the speed of opening applications. In games, the difference will be immediately visible: the graphics settings on the Snapdragon 870 can be twisted to the maximum, while the Snapdragon 680 will only pull the average settings.
The charging speed is worth noting, but if you're used to fast-charging smartphones, the 10-watt power supply in the Redmi Pad SE can seem like torture. At the same time, the flagship 6S Pro charges faster than many laptops. This is an important aspect of the use case: if the tablet is in the dock, speed is not important, but for mobile work, 120 watts is a huge plus.
Software: MIUI for Pad and HyperOS
Iron is only half the story. The other half is the software shell. Xiaomi tablets run MIUI for Pad or the new HyperOS. These systems are adapted for large screens, offering multi-window mode and special widgets. Unlike the stretched versions of Android for smartphones, the interface is really user-friendly here.
Second Display allows you to use the tablet as a second monitor for a Windows or macOS computer, and it's system-level, and it doesn't require third-party software, and for office workers, it makes the device a full-fledged productivity tool, and you just connect the devices to the same Wi-Fi network and select the tablet in the projection menu.
⚠️ Note: When upgrading to HyperOS on older models (e.g. Pad 5), some multitasking features may be less stable than on newer chips.
The Secrets of Multitasking
Xiaomi's ecosystem allows you to synchronize clipboard, gallery and notes between your phone and tablet. If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, the tablet is the perfect complement. Photos taken on your phone instantly appear in the tablet gallery, eliminating the need for cloud storage or tossing files over the cable.
Accessories and peripherals to expand functionality
Buying a tablet is often just the beginning of the cost, and it requires accessories to work properly. The official Pad 6 keyboard case has a touchpad and backlight, making it a laptop-like device, but it's also sold separately and expensive.
The second-generation Xiaomi Smart Pen supports magnetic charging and side-facing, minimal input delays, allowing for comfortable handwriting, and artists can have special nozzles that mimic the feeling of writing on paper, making the tablet attractive to students in creative schools.
☑️ What to check before buying accessories
There are also third-party solutions that are often cheaper than the originals, and keyboards from brands like Baseus or Goojodoq offer similar functionality for half the price, but the quality of the materials and the accuracy of the touchpad can be inferior to the original, and it is worth reading reviews specifically for your model, as the location of ports and cameras may differ.
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Original accessories provide better integration with the system (for example, displaying the charge of the keyboard in the curtain), but third-party analogues can be more profitable in terms of price / quality.
The final choice: which Xiaomi tablet to buy?
The answer to the question "Xiaomi tablet is what it is" depends on your budget and tasks. If you need a device for gaming, video editing and graphics, then you should look at the Pad 6 Pro or 6S Pro without options. Their performance is enough, and the screens have excellent color reproduction.
For students and TV fans, the best choice is the basic Xiaomi Pad 6. It combines a premium design, a great screen and enough power. It is a “golden mean” that will not become obsolete in the next 3-4 years. Redmi budget series will suit children or as a stationary smart home control panel.
Don’t forget to check the region of the version before ordering from abroad. Global Version has an English box and Google Play preinstalled. Chinese versions (CN Version) are often cheaper, but require a global firmware installation on their own, which can be difficult for a beginner and lacks warranty in local services.