Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Powerful Performance Boosts Tablet Experience Amidst Minor Upgrades
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 8, which builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Xiaomi Pad 7. This new model is positioned as the most powerful tablet from Xiaomi to date, featuring significant performance enhancements. However, the question remains: does it offer meaningful upgrades over the previous model, or is it merely a faster iteration of an existing device?
Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Display, Design, and Audio
The design of the Xiaomi Pad 8 closely resembles that of the Pad 7, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at first glance. Nevertheless, the Pad 8 is notably thinner and lighter, measuring just 5.8mm in thickness and weighing 485 grams. Despite its lightweight design, it houses an 11.2-inch display and a substantial battery. The metal unibody construction conveys a premium feel, reminiscent of higher-end devices.
Available in two colors—Titanium Blue and Graphite Grey—the Pad 8 opts for a minimalist aesthetic without unnecessary embellishments.
The display specifications are largely consistent with those of the Pad 7. The Pad 8 features an 11.2-inch IPS LCD panel with a 3.2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness has been improved to 900 nits during regular use and 800 nits in HDR mode.
The display quality is commendable for various activities, including streaming and gaming. The default color profile, named Original Colour Pro, performs well, although users have the option to switch to a Vivid mode or adjust color temperature settings.
While engaging in activities such as watching videos or sketching with the Focus Pen Pro, the experience remains fluid. The inclusion of Dolby Vision enhances brightness, making outdoor visibility satisfactory.
However, there are notable drawbacks. The bezels are relatively thick, which may stand out as tablets increasingly trend towards edge-to-edge designs. Additionally, users opting for the standard display may encounter reflections and glare. It is advisable to consider a matte screen protector or select the higher variant featuring a Nano Texture display.
The Pad 8 is equipped with quad speakers that support Dolby Atmos. The audio quality is adequate, with a wide soundstage and clear vocals. However, the overall audio lacks depth and bass, making it suitable for casual consumption but not comparable to higher-end tablets.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Performance
The performance of the Xiaomi Pad 8 represents a significant upgrade compared to the Pad 7. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a robust processor for a tablet. The testing unit features 12GB of LPDDR5T RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The base model, however, comes with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Benchmark tests, including Geekbench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, confirm that the Pad 8 can handle a wide range of applications and tasks efficiently.
In practical testing, the tablet managed demanding tasks such as gaming, multitasking, document editing, and photo editing without any performance issues.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Software and AI
The Xiaomi Pad 8 operates on HyperOS 3, based on Android 16. While the software functions effectively, some inconsistencies were noted. For instance, applications like VN, Photoshop, and Lightroom do not fully optimize the horizontal layout, which can hinder productivity.
The integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem enhances the user experience for those already using Xiaomi or Poco devices. Features such as call relaying, clipboard sharing, and app mirroring work seamlessly across devices.
Additionally, the tablet allows users to extend their Mac’s display wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables or third-party applications.
AI features are integrated throughout the system, including tools for writing, art generation, and photo editing. While some features may appear gimmicky, tools like the photo eraser and writing assistant can be genuinely useful.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Accessories
Xiaomi aims to position the Pad 8 as a viable laptop replacement through its accessories. The Focus Keyboard, priced at Rs 8,999 in India, remains unchanged from previous models but continues to function effectively. It features a backlit keyboard and a trackpad, with a hinge design reminiscent of Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The Focus Pen Pro, available for Rs 5,999, offers haptic feedback and intuitive controls for drawing and note-taking. These enhancements make it a practical choice for users engaged in productivity tasks.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Review: Battery
The Xiaomi Pad 8 is equipped with a 9,200mAh battery, a notable increase from the Pad 7’s 8,850mAh capacity. This upgrade generally results in satisfactory performance, lasting a full day under typical usage conditions, including browsing, streaming, and note-taking.
However, intensive gaming can lead to quicker battery depletion. The device supports 45W wired charging, which is adequate but not particularly rapid given the battery size.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Pad 8 is priced starting at Rs 33,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, while the 12GB + 256GB model with Nano Texture is available for Rs 38,999. It boasts a sharp display, impressive performance, and strong ecosystem features, along with accessories that enhance its usability.
For current users of the Xiaomi Pad 7, the upgrade may not feel substantial, with the primary difference being the processor. While the performance improvements are evident, the Pad 7 remains capable for most tasks.
For those upgrading from an older tablet or purchasing their first Android tablet, the Pad 8 is a strong recommendation. However, existing Pad 7 users may find the enhancements insufficient to warrant a new purchase.
As reported by www.timesnownews.com.
Follow the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-03-11 11:10:00 • By Editorial Desk
