Xiaomi has unveiled its latest budget tablet offering, positioning the Redmi Pad 2 as an affordable entry point into the tablet market without compromising on essential features. The device represents the company's continued effort to deliver compelling specifications at accessible price points, targeting users who need a capable tablet for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
Enhanced Display Technology at Budget Price Point
The Redmi Pad 2 features an 11-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, delivering what's effectively a 2.5K viewing experience. This represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering sharper text and more detailed visuals for media consumption and productivity tasks. The screen also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions than traditional 60Hz displays. With a maximum brightness of 600 nits, the tablet remains usable in various lighting conditions, though it may struggle in direct sunlight compared to premium alternatives.
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| Redmi Pad 2 features an impressive display with vibrant colors and clarity |
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, the tablet runs on MediaTek's Helio G100 Ultra processor, which despite being an entry-level chipset, offers eight cores of processing power. Introduced in August 2024, this silicon provides adequate performance for typical social media browsing, video streaming, and light productivity work. However, users should expect some limitations when it comes to intensive gaming or video editing tasks, where the processor may show signs of strain.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
One of the standout features is the substantial 9,000mAh battery, which represents a 1,000mAh increase over the original Redmi Pad. This large capacity battery is particularly impressive given the tablet's slim 8.33mm profile. Users can expect over twelve hours of usage for typical activities like video streaming and social media, though more demanding tasks will naturally reduce battery life. The device supports 18W charging via USB-C, which while not the fastest available, is reasonable for this price category.
Storage and Connectivity Options
The Redmi Pad 2 comes in multiple configurations to suit different needs and budgets. Users can choose between 4GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. For those requiring additional space, the tablet includes a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB in capacity. Connectivity options include both Wi-Fi only and cellular variants, with the latter supporting 4G networks for internet access on the go.
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| Redmi Pad 2 offers various configurations for user needs and includes expandable storage options |
Camera and Audio Features
The tablet incorporates a modest camera setup with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. While these specifications are adequate for basic photography and video calls, they're clearly designed for utility rather than creative photography. The quad-speaker system provides reasonable audio quality for the price point, though it lacks the depth and richness found in more expensive tablets.
Software and Stylus Support
Running HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, the tablet offers access to the latest Android features and security updates. A notable addition is stylus support through the optional Redmi Smart Pen, expanding the device's utility for note-taking and creative tasks. However, the tablet lacks a built-in storage solution for the stylus, which may prove inconvenient for users who frequently use pen input.
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| Redmi Pad 2 supports stylus functionality, enhancing its utility for creative tasks |
Pricing and Availability
The Redmi Pad 2 launches with competitive pricing that underscores its budget positioning. The Wi-Fi only model starts at £169 (approximately $228 USD) for the 4GB/128GB configuration, rising to £219 for the 8GB/256GB variant. The cellular-enabled versions command a £50 premium, starting at £219 for the base model and reaching £259 for the top specification. The tablet will be available in three color options: Graphite Gray, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple.
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| Redmi Pad 2 launched at competitive pricing, showcasing its modern design and colors |