Bargain tablet with Snapdragon, stylus, and 120 Hz — Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 9.7 review
At first glance, it is hard to believe that the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is an entry-level device. With its aluminum unibody design, slim bezels, and a smooth 120-Hz panel, it exudes a mid-range feel. However, beneath this attractive exterior lie compromises that become apparent upon closer inspection.
Price vs. Real-World Performance
The core of the device's identity lies in its positioning. For around US$ 180–190, Xiaomi provides a functional tool for everyday tasks. However, a significant conflict arises with the choice of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset. Despite being a relatively recent release, its architecture (Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A53) lacks the performance headroom required for heavy workloads. In our testing, CPU benchmarks were underwhelming, and the Adreno 610 GPU struggles significantly with modern gaming, delivering extremely low frame rates in tests like GFXBench.
That said, for web browsing, streaming, or document editing, the tablet performs adequately. If you avoid heavy multitasking or demanding 3D games, the experience remains acceptable. It is worth noting that due to the lack of performance reserves, the device may face bottlenecks as software requirements increase over time.
Display and Multimedia: The Strong Suits
The display is where Xiaomi refuses to compromise. The 9.7-inch LCD panel, featuring a 2048 x 1280 resolution, provides excellent smoothness thanks to the 120-Hz refresh rate. A major advantage is the absence of Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) flickering, making it a safe choice for users sensitive to screen flicker. Color accuracy in the standard sRGB mode is within acceptable limits, though the peak brightness of 436 cd/m² is merely average for its class.
The audio experience is more mixed. While it features stereo speakers, our testing revealed distortions, preventing it from being a standout multimedia device. Additionally, the device lacks a fingerprint sensor, relying instead on 2D facial recognition, which is less secure for biometric authentication.
Software and Longevity
A compelling argument for this tablet is its long-term support. Xiaomi has listed this model for updates through April 2033 (including security patches and potential upgrades up to Android 21), though the LTE version is slated for support until 2029. This longevity helps mitigate the impact of the modest hardware as the years pass.
The device ships with Android 16 and HyperOS 3. It supports HyperOS Interconnectivity, allowing seamless interaction with other Xiaomi devices and even facilitating data transfer with Apple devices, such as an iPad.
Verdict: Who is this tablet for?
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is a capable entry-level device masquerading as a mid-range one. It is an ideal choice for students or users seeking a compact, lightweight (406 g), and well-built device for reading, video consumption, and light productivity. If you are looking for a mobile gaming machine or a professional creative tool, the performance will disappoint. However, for its price, it offers a build quality and display smoothness that are hard to beat in the budget segment.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: 120-Hz PWM-free panel; premium aluminum build; stylus support via Redmi Stylus For Pad; long-term software support.
- Cons: Sluggish SoC; slow charging; distorted speakers; no fingerprint sensor.
Зануда
