Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 review: Mini tablet with a mini price

Because the title suggests Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a compact pill, with an 8.7-inch display screen and 12.5cm in whole widget. This was as soon as a standard format for a pill, however as with telephones, the scale has grown through the years and tablets this small are actually a uncommon sight.

That in itself might be tempting, and the beginning value of simply £119 within the UK makes it a really interesting possibility. How does it fare in real-world utilization? Learn on to seek out out.

Design & Construct

Sadly, with this low cost pill, you additionally get a variety of funds {hardware}. For one, it’s a tool constructed totally out of plastic, and it reveals in the whole lot from the look to the grip really feel. A gray-blue, ribbed again transitions to flat sides after which to (the one factor that isn’t plastic) a Gorilla Glass 3 floor in entrance of the display screen.

Nevertheless, it rapidly accumulates a lot mud and grime that it nonetheless will get an inexpensive vibe. On the plus aspect, the pill is IP53-rated, which suggests it may well face up to water splashes with out injury. This may be reassuring when you’re exterior with it and it begins to rain. No must panic.

Display & Audio system

The show is a straightforward IPS LCD panel with 800 x 1340 pixel decision, weak colors and slim viewing angles. Nevertheless, the display screen can attain brightness ranges of as much as 600 nits, which suggests I can use it in daylight, so long as it’s not direct daylight.

It has a refresh fee of as much as 90Hz. It offers just a little nicer scrolling in paperwork, and typically on internet pages, if the processor and graphics can generate them quick sufficient.

So is it a great pill to stream movies on? Sure and no. Its Wi-Fi 5 connection is quick sufficient, which is what most 4K TVs nonetheless run on, so that ought to do the trick. However the display screen isn’t essentially the most engaging, and even the audio system aren’t the very best quality, regardless of good stereo unfold and Dolby Atmos assist.

Specs & Efficiency

Sadly, they solely do a few of the time. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is powered by the 2020 MediaTek Helio G85 chipset.

At some factors, its age is palpable, akin to older DDR4 RAM reminiscence, restricted digital camera assist and simply 4G quite than 5G too. Elsewhere, the cameras within the pill are very fundamental and the one connectivity you get is Wi-Fi 5, which isn’t a significant concern, however the efficiency simply isn’t good.

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With eight cores, together with two “high-performance” ones that weren’t at their peak even when the chipset first got here out, it’s not quick. Average RAM reminiscence and gradual eMMC storage contribute to gradual app launches and a variety of micro-pauses on the interface, like after I change display screen orientation or kind on the on-screen keyboard. This isn’t disqualifyingly dangerous, however it may be annoying.

The Mali-G52 MC2 graphics aren’t sufficient to noticeably play video games with 3D graphics, however the pill can deal with some easier titles. For some cause, GFXBench and 3DMark don’t appear to wish to obtain and set up their benchmarks on the Redmi Pad SE, so I don’t have any figures on how gradual it’s, however it’s something however quick. Additionally, anticipate lengthy loading instances and the identical danger of random bugs as there as within the browser.

Battery Life & Charging

Nevertheless, you do get a battery that’ll final you from morning to nighttime, if not nicely into the following day. It’s 6,650mAh in dimension, and with roughly the identical energy consumption when you’re watching movies or searching and operating workplace apps, it may well final a full working day.

Simply you’ll want to keep away from power-hungry apps akin to Instagram and TikTok, in any other case battery life might be considerably decreased.

By way of charging, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is restricted to simply 18W. There’s additionally solely a 10W adapter included within the field, which means going from empty to full will take a very long time.

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Cameras

If you wish to run video conferences on the pill, the selfie digital camera is purposeful, however the microphone sound is poor, so that you’ll wish to join a headset for that.

The selfie digital camera is definitely extra dependable than the rear digital camera, which has important issues focusing and by no means will get pixel-level element in both video or images.

Software program & Apps

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s personal HyperOS pores and skin excessive.

Meaning a complete bunch of additional apps, from climate to its personal safety and system optimisation app and a music participant. You additionally get Netflix pre-installed.

It’s straightforward to navigate on the entire, when you get used to a few of the quirks of the interface. However it’s noticeable that it places a variety of load on the graphics card in comparison with an Android pill with much less bloatware.

It’s not clear if Xiaomi has any Android updates deliberate for this pill, however don’t rely on it. Assume it hangs on and will get safety patches for possibly two or three years. Then it could be time to get a brand new one. Or get a greater pill now. It’s as much as you and your funds.

Worth & Availability

Within the UK, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 begins at £119 for 64GB of storage or £139 for 128GB.

It’s out there immediately from Xiaomi or through Amazon, the place there are sometimes reductions out there.

Like all Xiaomi merchandise, it’s not out there within the US, although you might be able to import one.

At this value, it’s one of many most cost-effective funds tablets you should purchase.

Do you have to purchase the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7?

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is comparatively reasonably priced, however there are too many compromises for most individuals to noticeably contemplate shopping for it.

As an alternative, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a greater all-rounder that’s typically out there for the same value.