Xiaomi Tablets: Key Model Differences and What to Choose in 2026

Tablets from Xiaomi in recent years have turned from niche devices into full-fledged competitors of the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab. But if the brand’s smartphones have long been familiar to Russian users, then there is often confusion with the line of tablets. How is Xiaomi Pad 6 different from Pad 5? Should you overpay for the Pad 6 Pro or will the budget Pad SE be enough? And what about the Redmi Pad – this is the same Xiaomi, but cheaper?

In this article, we will analyze all the current models of Xiaomi tablets (2026), compare them on key parameters - from the processor and screen to stylus support and battery life. You will learn which model is suitable for professional graphics work, which is optimal for studying or reading, and which will be the ideal multimedia center for families.

1. Xiaomi tablet line: who is who

Xiaomi has three main series of tablets, each of which is aimed at a different audience:

• 📱 Xiaomi Pad (series 5/6) are flagship models with top-end processors, support for the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus and keyboards, premium displays. Suitable for work, drawing and demanding games.
• 💰 Redmi Pad is a budget series with a focus on multimedia and basic tasks, distinguished by affordable price, but stripped down features (no stylus support, weaker processors).
• 🎓 Xiaomi Pad SE — the middle ground between flagships and public sector employees, optimal for learning, reading and easy games.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Pad is not a “simplified Xiaomi” but a separate sub-brand with its own priorities, such as the Redmi Pad SE being marketed as a device for entertainment, not for productivity, while the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro can replace a laptop for many tasks thanks to support for DeX mode (similar to Samsung DeX).

Another nuance: not all models are officially sold in Russia, for example, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max with a screen of 14 inches is not yet available in the local market, but it can be ordered from China.

Comparison of technical characteristics: table

To see the differences between the models, we put together key parameters in a table, and you can see that the CPU, the refresh rate of the screen and accessory support are the main criteria that affect the user experience.

The table shows that the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro is the only model with a flagship processor (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) that is not inferior to premium smartphones, which makes it ideal for multitasking (for example, Photoshop, a browser with 20 tabs and instant messengers are open at the same time), while the Redmi Pad with Helio G99 is suitable only for watching videos and light games like Brawl Stars.

⚠️ Warning: If you need a stylus, look for the Xiaomi Smart Pen version. The first generation (for the Pad SE) does not support magnetic mounting and has fewer press levels (4096 vs 8192 for the Smart Pen 2).

3. Screen and multimedia: what is important for the eyes and ears

The display is one of the key features of the tablet, especially if you plan to watch movies, read books or draw. Xiaomi has a few important nuances here:

• 🎨 Color rendering: All Pad 6 models support Dolby Vision and HDR10, and are certified DisplayMate A+. This means that the colors on the screen are as close to the real ones as possible (important for designers and photographers).
• 🔄 Update rate: 144 Hz for Pad 6/6 Pro vs. 90 Hz for the rest of us. The difference is noticeable when you scroll through pages or in dynamic games, the picture looks smoother.
• 🔊 Sound: Only the Pad 6 Pro has 8 speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Other models have 4 speakers, but the sound quality is still at the same level.
• 👁️ Vision protection: All Xiaomi tablets have Reading Mode 3.0 (blue light filter) and TÜV Low Blue Light certification. This reduces eye strain with prolonged use.

The Pad 6 Pro and Pad 6 have a diagonal of 11 inches, which is optimal for document work or drawing. Redmi Pad with 10.61 inches is less convenient for multitasking, but more compact. If you need a tablet for travel, pay attention to the Pad SE - it is lighter than others (478 g vs 500 + g on other models).

💡

To enable Reading Mode 3.0 read mode, go to Settings → Display → Read mode and activate the option. This mode automatically adjusts the color temperature to the lighting in the room.

4. Performance: What tasks will each model pull

The choice of processor determines how comfortable the tablet will be to cope with your tasks.

• 🚀 Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1): Easy work with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom (via emulating Android versions); run demanding games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) at maximum settings; Simultaneous work with 10+ apps without hanging.
• ⚡ Xiaomi Pad 6 (Snapdragon 870): Good for learning (simultaneous use of Zoom, notebook and browser). Support for Google Play and most Windows programs via Wine or Termux. Games on medium settings (e.g., PUBG Mobile on HDR + Ultra).
• 📚 Xiaomi Pad SE (Snapdragon 7s Gen 2): Ideal for reading, watching videos and light games (Among Us, Clash Royale).
• 🎬 Redmi Pad/Redmi Pad SE (Snapdragon 680/Helio G99): Basic tasks only: YouTube, Netflix, WhatsApp, games like Minecraft or Roblox at minimal settings. Not suitable for graphics or video.

If you plan to use the tablet for professional tasks, pay attention to cooling. Pad 6 Pro has liquid cooling (vaporeser), which allows the processor to keep high performance longer. At the same time, the Redmi Pad begins trottling (reduced processor frequency due to overheating).

For objective performance assessment, you can focus on benchmark tests:

• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro: ~1,100,000 points in AnTuTu v10.
• Xiaomi Pad 6: ~700,000 points.
• Xiaomi Pad SE: ~450,000 points.
• Redmi Pad SE: ~250,000 points.

5. Battery and charging: how much will work without a socket

Autonomy is one of the key parameters for a tablet, especially if you're taking it on a trip or for school, and there are a few important things here:

1. Battery capacity: All models have 8,000-8840mAh batteries, but real life depends on the processor and screen. For example, the Pad 6 Pro, with its powerful chipset, discharges faster than the Redmi Pad, despite the larger capacity.
2. Fast charging: Only the Pad 6 Pro supports 67W (full charge in ~1 hour) charging.The remaining models are limited to 33W or 18W.
3. Software optimization: Xiaomi tablets have an Ultra Battery Saver mode that disables background processes and limits performance to save charge.

Approximate operating time in different scenarios (on one charge):

⚠️ Warning: If you use a tablet for video calls (Zoom, Teams) often, autonomy is reduced by 20 to 30 percent, due to the camera, microphone and Wi-Fi, and it is recommended to keep the device on charge.

Another nuance is battery degradation: Xiaomi tablets use lithium polymer batteries that lose ~20% of their capacity after 500 charging cycles to extend the life of the battery:

Don’t keep your charge 100% for a long time.|Avoid full discharge (charge at 10-20%)|Use the original ZU|Do not operate at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 35°C-->

Accessories: stylus, keyboard and docking station

One of the main advantages of Xiaomi tablets over budget counterparts is the support of official accessories, but not all models are compatible with them.

• ✍️ Stylus: Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 (8192 levels of pressing, magnetic mount) - compatible with Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro. Xiaomi Smart Pen (4096 levels) - for Pad 5 and Pad SE. Redmi Pad and Redmi Pad SE do not support styluses.
• ⌨️ Keyboard: The official Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard keyboard is suitable for the Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro (magnet-mounted, backlit). There are no keyboards from Xiaomi for the Pad SE and Redmi Pad, but you can use universal Bluetooth keyboards.
• 🔌 Docking Stations: Pad 6 Pro supports DeX mode (similar to Samsung DeX), which allows you to connect the tablet to the monitor and use it as a PC. Other models have Second Screen mode, but without a full desktop shell.

Cost of accessories:

• Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 — ~8 000 ₽.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard — ~7 000 ₽.
• Universal docking station (USB-C) - from 2000 ₽.

If you plan to draw or take notes, a stylus is a must. However, keep in mind that the Smart Pen 2 has a 7ms input delay (versus 24ms for the first generation), which is critical for professional artists. Apple Pencil 2 delayed ~9ms.

💡

If you need a tablet for graphics, go for the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro + Smart Pen 2 + keyboard. This is the only combination that brings the Android tablet closer to the iPad Pro in functionality.

7.Software: MIUI for Pad vs Standard Android

All Xiaomi tablets are based on MIUI for Pad, a special version of the shell adapted for large screens.

• 🖥️ Multitasking: Support for split screen (up to 3 apps at a time). Floating windows (e.g., you can open a calculator on top of a document).
• 🎨 Drawing Tools: Built-in Notes app with layering and export support in PDF. Integration with Wacom for professional artists.
• 🔒 Security: Separate Mode for children with time and content restrictions, machine-level encryption.

However, MIUI for Pad has its disadvantages:

• There is no official support for Google Play Services in some regions (manually installed).
• Software updates are less common than for smartphones (for example, the Pad 5 has not yet received Android 14).
• Embedded apps (such as Mi Video) cannot be removed without root rights.

If you want a clean version of Android, you can install custom firmware (like LineageOS), but that will take away some of the warranty and features (like stylus support).

For those planning to use the tablet as a replacement for a laptop, it is useful to know about the possibility of installing Windows 11 through the WoA project (Windows on ARM). However, this requires technical skills and leads to a loss of warranty.

8.Price and Where to Buy

The cost of Xiaomi tablets varies widely - from 15 000 to 50 000 ₽. Here are the current prices for 2026 (according to Yandex Market and official stores):

• Redmi Pad (4/128 GB) is from 15 000 ₽.
• Redmi Pad SE (4/128 GB) is from 18 000 ₽.
• Xiaomi Pad SE (6/128 GB) is from 25 000 ₽.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 (6/128 GB) is from 35 000 ₽.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro (8/256 GB) is from 45 000 ₽.

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video - 12 months warranty, but prices are higher.
• 🌍 Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market – there are often discounts, but check the seller (ranking above 4.8).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese stores: AliExpress, Joybuy - cheaper by 10-15%, but there is no Russian warranty and there may be problems with customs.

⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, pay attention to the firmware version. Chinese models (CN ROM) do not have Google Play or Russian in the system. To install global firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which voids the warranty.

If you have a budget, but you need a tablet to study, the best choice is the Xiaomi Pad SE. It is cheaper than the Pad 6, but it has stylus support and is productive enough for most tasks. If money is not a problem, the Pad 6 Pro will be a full-fledged replacement for a laptop for many professions.

💡

For example, the Xiaomi Pad 6 version with 8/256 GB costs 10 000 ₽ more than 6/128 GB, but for most users, there will be no difference in performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi tablets