In recent years, we've seen the emergence of several noteworthy tablets in the affordable and mid-range categories from brands such as Realme, OPPO, and OnePlus, among others. The brand-new Xiaomi Pad 6 sits comfortably with these brands mentioned.
With a bright and vivid 11-inch IPS display with quad speakers, support for Xiaomi’s second-generation Smart Pen and keyboard case, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870 SoC, and other flagship features, will Xiaomi Pad 6 be your new go-to Android tablet? Let's find out.
Specifications
| Display | 11-inch IPS LCD 16:10 aspect ratio 2,880 x 1800 resolution 144Hz refresh rate 309ppi 550 nits brightness, Dolby Vision HDR support |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 6GB LPDDR5 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1 256GB UFS 3.1 No expandable storage |
| Power | 8,840mAh battery 33W wired No wireless charging |
| Cameras | Rear: - 13MPSelfie: - 8MP, wide |
| Audio | Four stereo speakers Dolby Atmos support No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Video | 4K video at 30fps 1080p video at 30fps 720p video at 30fps |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Biometrics | Face unlock (software) |
| Ports and switches | USB 3.2 via USB-C with support for 4K display-out |
| Software | MIUI for Pad 14 based on Android 13 |
| Dimensions and weight | 254 x 165 x 6.5mm 490 grams |
| Colors | Gravity Gray, Gold, Mist Blue |
| In the box | Xiaomi Pad 6 33W power adapter USB-C cable Quick start guide |
Design and built
Boasting a sleek metal unibody chassis, the Xiaomi Pad 6 exudes a premium look and feel. Convenient magnetic connectors are located at the rear, facilitating easy attachment of the keyboard. Adjacent to the magnets, you'll notice the Xiaomi branding. We appreciate the subtle logo - nothing too loud.
A notably substantial camera bump adds to the tablet's overall design too. While there is only a single camera and flash within this housing, the additional cutout serves purely as a design element. It seems that Xiaomi incorporated this bump to lend a more premium appearance to the tablet, reminiscent of the iPad Pro.
On the right-side long bezel, you'll find the volume buttons and the Xiaomi Pen connector. The power button is located at the top, while the bottom houses a USB 3.2 Type-C port.
The tablet features four speakers, with two positioned at the top and two at the bottom bezel. These speakers are powered by Dolby Atmos and deliver impressive audio quality.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 proves to be a tablet that's easy to bring around, both with and without the keyboard attached. Weighing just 490 grams and measuring a mere 6.51mm in thickness, it is remarkably lightweight and easy to hold.
Display and speakers
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts an impressive display both on paper and in practical use. With its 2.8k resolution and 550 nits of brightness, the screen delivers a satisfying visual experience. The 11-inch size offers ample screen real estate for work and content consumption.
Users have the option to select between three different refresh rates: 60, 90, and 144Hz, allowing for customization based on preferences for battery life or smoothness.
The display's brightness is sufficient for outdoor use under shaded conditions, although it may not be suitable for direct sunlight.
In terms of its speakers, the Xiaomi Pad 6 features the coveted Atmos badge - these speakers surpass expectations. They offer excellent detail, ample bass, and sufficient volume to function as a Bluetooth speaker during a house party. With four speakers, the tablet provides an immersive stereo sound experience when watching videos.
Software and performance
The Xiaomi Pad 6 runs on Android 13 with MIUI for PAD, offering a clean user experience without bloatware or ads. Xiaomi has made efforts to ensure a clean interface for this tablet, reminiscent of iPadOS in several aspects.
We love that there wasn't much apps to delete on the main page and that everything was grouped neatly in manners that actually made sense.
The absence of bloatware and the optimized OS for the large screen contribute to a pleasing user experience. The default absence of an app drawer provides a fresh and inspired feel. You can, of course, opt for an app drawer layout as well. Additionally, gestures like swiping three fingers to take a screenshot add a nice and familiar touch.
When it comes to performance, the Xiaomi Pad 6 excels in multitasking, work, and play. The tablet smoothly handles office workflows with multiple Chrome tabs open, making it easy to work efficiently. Playing games is a breeze and there are no heating or throttling issues.
Thanks to Xiaomi's software optimizations, the tablet's performance is noticeably enhanced. The Game Turbo/Game Space app allows you to control the tablet's performance for different games. Within this app, you have two settings to adjust, but the possibilities are impressive. You can tweak GPU settings to strike a balance between frame rate, picture quality, and overall performance. Furthermore, on the Additional Settings page, you can fine-tune swipe response, sensitivity to continuous touch, aiming accuracy, and tap stability.
The tablet's camera's were also pretty good, with vibrant true-to-life colors. Just look at Quaxly!
Accompanying accessories
Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd Generation)
The Xiaomi Smart Pen can be used with Xiaomi's pre-installed Notes app or any other compatible app such as Evernote. In the Xiaomi Notes app, you have access to three pen options, a highlighter tool, a selector, and a ruler, all of which aid in drawing and note-taking with improved precision.
The Pen generally works well with most apps, although there are some minor software limitations. For example, you cannot use the Smart Pen to write in search fields, and there is no handwriting-to-typing conversion feature.
The Xiaomi Smart Pen performs pretty well and conveniently charges via a secure magnetic connector located on the side of the Pad. It's also super easy to connect, just snap it onto the tablet and it will connect automatically.
Additionally, the Xiaomi Smart Pen features two convenient buttons that are always easily accessible with your thumb, allowing for seamless switching between pens and brushes.
Keyboard
With 64 keys offering 1.3mm travel, the accompanying keyboard provides a satisfactory typing experience. Notably, there's a multitasking key for quick app switching, and a long press reveals a list of useful shortcuts.
The keyboard follows a Folio-style design, connecting to the Xiaomi Pad 6 through pogo pins and magnets at the back. The connector placement is convenient, as it allows you to use the keyboard without needing to keep the tablet continuously docked. Everything just snaps into place perfectly - you don't have to fiddle with anything for too long.
Like most tablet keyboards, this one doesn't come with a trackpad.
Battery life
During our testing, the Xiaomi Pad 6 impressively delivered nearly two days of battery life with moderate use.
The 8840 mAh battery performs admirably. Engaging in gaming and extended binge-watching sessions may deplete the battery more quickly, but it still manages to last for a full day and then some. Thanks to the 33-watt fast charging support, you can replenish the battery from zero to full in less than two hours.
The tablet includes built-in battery optimizations that help conserve power, and you also have the option to limit the screen refresh rate to 60Hz for additional battery savings.
Pricing and availability
From 22 July 2023 onwards, those keen can purchase the new tablet at Authorized Xiaomi Stores across the nation, as well as exclusively on Lazada.
There will be two variant options – the 8GB+128GB storage option which is available exclusively online can be purchased at SGD459, whereas the 8GB+256GB variant at SGD529.
As part of the launch promotions, the 8GB+128GB storage option will be available at an early bird online price of SGD 449 from 22 - 29 July online. Customers who buy the 8GB+256GB variant can get a free Xiaomi Pad 6 Cover (RRP SGD49) and enjoy SGD 30 off the Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard at SGD99 (RRP SGD 129) for each purchase at Authorized Xiaomi Stores nationwide.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard and Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd Generation) originally retail at SGD 129 and SGD 99 respectively, whereas the Xiaomi Pad 6 Cover can be purchased for SGD 49.
Verdict
With an attractive display, excellent battery life, good audio quality and a clean MIUI experience, the Xiaomi Pad 6 was truly a joy to use. The tablet's accompanying accessories also add to the overall user experience.
