Assessed: Budget-friendly Xiaomi tablet offers unexpectedly notable performance
The Redmi Pad 2, a tablet by Xiaomi, offers a balanced blend of portability, decent specs, and stylus capability. With its 11-inch IPS LCD screen boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600, it delivers a reasonable gaming performance on casual titles, albeit falling short of console-quality.
Running on HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15, the Redmi Pad 2 offers a cleaner and more intuitive user experience compared to Xiaomi's previous attempts. The device comes in two RAM options: 4GB or 8GB, and two storage options: 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD up to 2TB.
The Redmi Pad 2's Smart Pen is pressure-sensitive and is useful for note-taking and sketching. The tablet also features a headphone jack, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a max refresh rate of 90Hz, ensuring an immersive audio-visual experience.
Weighing 510g and with dimensions of 254.6 x 166.0 x 7.4mm, the Redmi Pad 2 sports a slim profile with rounded edges and an aluminium build that feels premium. The tablet also comes with optional Smart Pen and case.
However, the Redmi Pad 2 is not recommended for those who enjoy top-tier gaming, run creative software, or prioritise fast charging. Its charging speed is sluggish by modern standards, taking over two hours for a full charge. The MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra chipset handles everyday tasks competently, but heavy productivity might lag.
For those seeking a well-rounded alternative to the Redmi Pad 2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite stands out. With its 10.4-inch 2000x1200 display, magnetic S Pen stylus, and good battery life, it offers a balanced tablet for note-taking, drawing, and general use.
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad and Ugee UT2 serve more niche or budget segments. The former, designed specifically for stylus drawing, offers a budget-friendly alternative to iPads, while the latter, priced under $199, is ideal for those wanting stylus support without premium features.
The OnePlus Pad 3 and Lenovo Idea Tab Pro are also worth considering, depending on feature priorities and budget. The OnePlus Pad 3 positions itself as a strong iPad alternative with stylus support and competitive specs, while the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is aimed at users looking for productivity and multimedia use.
For professional drawing experiences, larger dedicated pen displays like the Xencelabs Pen Display 24 or XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 offer superior options, but are bulkier and primarily meant as desktop setups rather than portable tablets.
In summary, the Redmi Pad 2 is perfect for students, those wanting a cheap media consumption device, and anyone needing a reliable device for note-taking, research, and entertainment. Its budget-friendly price and stylus capability make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and functionality.
- The Redmi Pad 2's Smart Pen is useful for not only note-taking but also sketching, making it ideal for creative tasks.
- With its cleaner and more intuitive user interface, the Redmi Pad 2 offers a more creative software-friendly experience compared to Xiaomi's previous tablets.
- The Redmi Pad 2's 11-inch IPS LCD screen is suitable for casual gaming, although it may not deliver console-quality performance.
- The tablet's design, with its aluminium build and rounded edges, gives it a premium feel, while the stylus and case are optional extras.
- Creative professionals seeking a more advanced drawing experience may prefer larger pen displays like the Xencelabs Pen Display 24 or XP-Pen Artist Pro 16, which are primarily designed for desktop use.
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, with its magnetic S Pen stylus, is another option that offers a balanced tablet for note-taking, drawing, and general use.
- The Redmi Pad 2, with its budget-friendly price and stylus capability, is a creative solution for those seeking a balance between cost and functionality, particularly for media consumption, note-taking, research, and entertainment.
