Redmi Pad 2 review: Move aside Samsung

Xiaomi has lengthy established itself as a tour de drive within the tech world, making worth for cash for nearly all the pieces, together with telephones and tablets.

Its newest funds pill providing is the Redmi Pad 2, a classy and well-featured Android pill which prices simply £169. That’s greater than £200 cheaper than Google’s Pixel Pill or Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 FE.

In fact, it’s additionally a less expensive various to the entry-level iPad, however does Xiaomi do sufficient right here to make the Redmi Pad 2 value shopping for or do you have to steer clear and get a rival just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?

It’s a superb possibility for a funds pill in most use instances, although I’m unsure I’d suggest the most cost effective mannequin.

Design & Construct

• Clear unibody design
• 7.4mm
• 510g

First issues first, you’ll do not know the Redmi Pad 2 was so low cost if I simply handed it over. It seems and feels each bit pretty much as good as tablets double the worth or much more costly.

That is largely resulting from its clear unibody aluminium chassis, which is simple and avoids any pointless design components. I like the straightforward Redmi brand on the again and the compact digital camera module within the nook, now in a extra pleasing oval form.

Xiaomi has opted for a flat-sided design very similar to earlier Redmi tablets and the agency’s flagship vary, together with the Pad 7. The corners and edges are rounded, making it comfy to deal with.

Chris Martin / Foundry

It’s good and skinny at 7.4mm and though it’s a bit heavier than some rivals, 510g is completely serviceable and the system doesn’t really feel too weighty.

I’ve examined the brand new Lavender Purple colourway. Nevertheless, solely Graphite Black and Mint Inexperienced seem like accessible on the Mi UK retailer.

The design is split-orientated for use in portrait and panorama modes, however it favours the latter a bit bit extra because of the placement of the front-facing digital camera on the longer edge.

Chris Martin / Foundry

One factor that bugs me considerably is the location of the facility and quantity buttons. They’re on totally different sides, and when in panorama the quantity rocker works backwards to what you’ll count on it to do.

In any other case, I’m fairly taken with the system, aside from how near the sting the headphone jack is.

There’s no IP mud or waterproofing right here, however that’s to be anticipated at this value.

Equipment

A fast be aware on the Redmi Pad 2 equipment, as I’ve been capable of check out a pair.

The official case is a worthwhile funding at £29. Not solely does it defend the design, however it permits the display to routinely activate if you open it and acts like a stand, too. You simply must bend the folding part again a bit after it’s been in stand mode for some time.

Chris Martin / Foundry

There’s additionally a appropriate stylus within the Redmi Sensible Pen. It’s £59, however Xiaomi typically affords it at a diminished value of £19 when shopping for the pill. At that price, it’s a helpful add-on for a spot of sketching, note-taking, enjoyable colouring and even simply navigation with out getting the display grubby.

Display screen & Audio system

• 11-inch LCD
• 90Hz refresh price
• Greater decision and brightness
• Quad audio system with Dolby Atmos

Whereas the display continues to be an 11-inch LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh price, Xiaomi has upgraded the decision to 1600 x 2560 pixels with a 274ppi density. It’s additionally brighter than its predecessor at 600 nits in comparison with 400.

I measured it at 480 nits with a Spyder X colorimeter in regular mode and a good 570 nits in out of doors mode.

Chris Martin / Foundry

General, it’s a pleasant display for a funds pill, with good color replica and distinction. Not solely is it as crisp and vibrant as many costlier choices, however that 90Hz refresh price helps preserve issues easy, although you’ll have to change it into customized 90Hz to make use of it extra because the default auto mode makes use of 60Hz for many apps.

The bezel is skinny sufficient to look trendy whereas offering an space with which to carry the pill.

On the draw back, although hardly stunning at this value, the Redmi Pad 2 doesn’t have the very best viewing angles so ideally, you’ll be utilizing it trying straight on. Different issues you must understandably take care of at this value embrace reflective glass, uneven backlighting and fundamental auto brightness.

There’s no fingerprint scanner right here – not within the show or energy button – however you need to use face unlock, which I’ve discovered to be fairly dependable.

Chris Martin / Foundry

The audio on the Redmi Pad 2 is actually spectacular. It’s not unusual for gadgets this low cost to only go along with the naked minimal, providing both a mono speaker or probably the most fundamental stereo audio system.

Xiaomi has fitted the pill with at least 4 audio system – two on every brief aspect – and it additionally has Dolby Atmos assist. The audio system sound nice for a variety of content material and the Atmos assist makes an actual distinction, offering a way more dynamic and spacious audio.

I’ve heard loads of worse-sounding tablets for lots extra money.

Specs & Efficiency

• Mediatek Helio G100 Extremely processor
• 4 or 8GB of RAM
• 128 or 256GB storage

The Redmi Pad 2 runs on a Mediatek Helio G100 Extremely processor. A 2024 octa-core chip present in gadgets from the likes of Xiaomi, Tecno and Infinix.

It’s a step up in identify from the G99 discovered within the unique however the pair have very comparable specs.

In the event you purchase the most cost effective Redmi Pad 2 you get simply 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Nevertheless, for an additional £50 you’ll be able to improve to double each of these specs.

You may not want the extra storage, maybe (and you may add extra by way of the microSD card slot if wanted), however the 8GB of RAM might be an necessary asset. If you wish to use the Redmi Pad 2 for something demanding like working apps concurrently or 3D video games, then I’d severely contemplate getting this mannequin.

It’s the mannequin I’ve been testing right here, and I don’t assume I’d need to drop right down to 4GB of reminiscence.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Certain, the pill has ample efficiency total for navigating, working varied apps and gaming if it’s on the lighter finish of the dimensions, however even with 8GB of RAM, I’ve seen the system sometimes decelerate.

It’s probably the greatest for efficiency at this value vary, however equally, you shouldn’t count on an excessive amount of of it. In different phrases, you’ll be able to watch video content material however don’t try to edit GBs of footage.

Elsewhere, you get a enough set of specs like Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3 and a headphone jack. Nothing thrilling however they do the job whereas holding the associated fee down.

Xiaomi has added an LTE mannequin this 12 months (with GPS) so you may get information on the go with out having to discover a Wi-Fi community, however this doesn’t seem like on sale within the UK.

Cameras

• Two cameras complete
• 8Mp rear digital camera
• Downgraded 5Mp entrance digital camera

We don’t care in regards to the cameras on tablets a lot and nor do you have to (actually, simply purchase a funds cellphone if images is necessary). Nevertheless, you would possibly discover you want them in sure conditions.

Primarily, a pill (particularly with a case that works as a stand) could be a useful gizmo for video calls. It’s irritating, then, that Xiaomi has executed what a variety of pill makers do and put the higher shooter on the again.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Even worse, is that the entrance digital camera has been downgraded from 8- to 5Mp. The standard is sweet sufficient for a video chat or assembly, offered the lighting is respectable (don’t have a window behind you).

In the meantime, the rear digital camera is okay in the event you want some fundamental snaps – once more, solely in good lighting – however don’t count on something that appears higher than a cellphone from 10 years in the past.

Battery Life & Charging

• Bigger 9000mAh
• Strong longevity
• Gradual charging

The Redmi Pad 2 has a 9000mAh battery inside, which makes it nearly 2000mAh bigger than the Galaxy Tab A9+ and 1000mAh greater than its predecessor.

In our common PCMark for Android battery check, the pill lasted a decent 10 hours and two minutes, outpacing the A9+’s eight hours and 32 minutes.

It’s a bit behind the Redmi Pad SE’s spectacular 13 hours and 16 minutes, however that pill has a a lot decrease decision display.

Chris Martin / Foundry

In my real-world testing, watching an hour of video on YouTube noticed the battery drop simply over 10%, which is roughly in step with the PCMark results of 10 hours. Contemplating that is nonetheless what Apple quotes for video playback on iPads, it’s a strong end result, even when it’s far off the 17 hours the agency claims.

It additionally affords barely quicker charging than its key Samsung rival at 18W vs 15W. Nevertheless, this isn’t something to write down dwelling about.

In my check, utilizing a Xiaomi 67W charger, the Redmi Pad 2 went from useless to 21% in 30-minutes. That’s 5% greater than the A9+, however not precisely ‘quick’.

A charger doesn’t come within the field, however Xiaomi typically provides one in at no cost on the Mi retailer.

Software program & Apps

• HyperOS 2
• Primarily based on Android 15
• Clear however with quirks and a bit bloatware

Software program is commonly one thing of a sticking level with Xiaomi gadgets. MIUI, the agency’s personal person interface, was divisive, and the pivot to HyperOS isn’t truly that totally different.

Chris Martin / Foundry

I’ve personally discovered it lots higher over the past couple of years and I discover the working system extra intuitive and appropriate for tablets in comparison with smartphones.

General, the HyperOS 2 software program based mostly on Android 15 – which by the way in which is the latest model and never a given on low cost tech – seems good and is much cleaner and extra intuitive than it was. I significantly just like the static launcher bar on the backside which exhibits your favorite and up to date apps.

Elsewhere, you will have the Google Uncover feed to the left of the primary dwelling web page and typical Android gesture-based navigation (or you need to use buttons in the event you desire).

In the event you’re new to HyperOS, it’d take some time to get used to the Apple-style system of splitting the notification and fast settings panels. You’ll must swipe down from left or proper, respectively, relying on which you want.

Chris Martin / Foundry

The Redmi Pad 2 comes with bloatware in several kinds, however nothing too dangerous. First up, you will have Xiaomi’s personal apps just like the Mi Browser, which duplicate Google’s higher ones (why would I exploit that as an alternative of Chrome?).

Some could are available in helpful, akin to Recorder, Mi Canvas and Safety, however others will be merely hidden and forgotten about.

Then you definately get pre-loaded apps like WPS Workplace, LinkedIn, Netflix, Spotify, Temu and TikTok – a few of which could prevent the effort of downloading them to be truthful. Ones you’re not eager on can fortuitously be shortly uninstalled.

A irritating omission is the power to run two apps concurrently in a split-screen view. This can be a function in HyperOS 2 on different gadgets however not on the Redmi Pad 2. This can be as a result of the efficiency could endure, or Xiaomi needs to provide you a purpose to purchase one thing costlier.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Whatever the purpose, don’t purchase it if this can be a non-negotiable. What Xiaomi is pushing as an alternative is Xiaomi Interconnectivity, which implies you’ll be able to sync issues like calls and clipboard, in addition to routinely hotspot to your cellphone.

You’ll want a appropriate Xiaomi system, after all, and, to be sincere, I’d relatively simply be capable of split-screen apps.

I’m ready for affirmation from Xiaomi however it seems just like the Redmi Pad 2 will get two years of OS updates and three years of safety updates. It’s not a lot, but additionally pretty customary for one thing this low cost.

Worth & Availability

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 is accessible now beginning at simply £169, which can get you the essential mannequin with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

In the event you want the system for something greater than probably the most fundamental duties, I’d suggest upgrading to the 8/256GB mannequin to double each these specs for £219.

You should buy it from the Mi retailer in addition to different retailers like Amazon.

For comparability, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, which additionally has an 11-inch display, begins at £239 for the 64GB mannequin. The Oppo Pad Air is £239 and the Amazon Hearth Max 11 is £249.

Try our listing of the very best funds tablets to see our high suggestions.

Must you purchase the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2?

In the event you’re on the lookout for a really low cost Android pill with a pleasant design and largely respectable specs and efficiency, then the Redmi Pad 2 actually suits the invoice.

For starters, it seems and seems like a way more costly pill because of its clear metallic unibody design.

It then affords comparable or higher specs than its pricier key rival, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. Every little thing is enough for the sort of utilization a funds pill affords, even when nothing is especially thrilling.

Optionally available equipment, significantly the stylus, make it an fascinating possibility, particularly when Xiaomi bundles these in or affords them at a large low cost.

General, the Redmi Pad 2 is a superb all-round worth pill, and the downsides are largely to be anticipated at this value anyway. Simply rigorously contemplate what you need it for if choosing the cheaper mannequin with solely 4GB of RAM.

Specs

• HyperOS 2 (Android 15) 
• 11-inch FHD+ LCD show, 90Hz 
• Mediatek Helio G100 Extremely
• Reminiscence: 4/8GB  
• Storage: 128/256GB + microSD as much as 2TB 
• Cameras: 8Mp rear, 5Mp entrance  
• Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Wi-Fi 5 
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Quad audio system with Dolby Atmos assist 
• 9000mAh battery
• 18W charging
• 254.6×166.0×7.4mm
• 510g 
• Launch colors: Mint Inexperienced, Graphite Gray and Lavender Purple