Xiaomi has finally entered the tablet market with its sub-brand Poco, launching the Poco Pad. This 12.1-inch device marks Poco's first foray into tablets, but it comes with an interesting twist - it may have an identical twin.
Powerful Mid-Range Specs
The Poco Pad boasts impressive specifications for its price point:
- 12.1-inch LCD display with 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600)
- 120Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor
- 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable up to 1.5TB)
- 10,000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos
- 8MP front and rear cameras
- HyperOS based on Android 14
Pricing and Availability
Poco has aggressively priced the tablet at $300 during a launch promotion, with a regular price of $330. This positions it as a compelling option in the mid-range tablet market.
The Redmi Connection
Interestingly, a nearly identical device called the Redmi Pad Pro has also been spotted. Both tablets were recently listed in Malaysia's SIRIM database, despite earlier claims that the Poco Pad wouldn't be released there. This raises questions about Xiaomi's branding strategy and potential market confusion.
Accessories Ecosystem
To complement the Poco Pad, the company is offering several accessories:
- Keyboard ($80)
- Smart Pen ($60)
- Protective Cover ($20)
These add-ons aim to enhance productivity and versatility for users.
Early Impressions
While full reviews are pending, the Poco Pad's specifications suggest it could be a strong contender in the mid-range tablet space. The combination of a large, high-refresh-rate display, recent processor, and generous battery capacity is promising. However, the potential overlap with the Redmi Pad Pro may lead to some market confusion.
As Xiaomi's first Poco-branded tablet, the device will face scrutiny in terms of build quality, software optimization, and long-term support. Tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike will be watching closely to see if the Poco Pad can deliver on its promising spec sheet.
