Xiaomi's tablet range is being expanded once more, except this time by the launch of Redmi Pad 2. The previous Redmi Pad last year will actually be followed directly by this new model.
Now, don't expect that there is going to be some kind of massive paradigm shift here; what I see is more refined improvements, especially about the screen and battery life.
So let's dive directly into the display; it's the one with some good changes. The new Redmi Pad 2 has an 11-inch IPS LCD display. Among the coolest things is the higher resolution: 2560 by 1600 pixels, which should make things look sharper. You will enjoy, of course, scrolling and animations that feel really smooth at a higher refresh rate of 90Hz. It also gets a brightness boost, hitting up to 600 nits, which is handy for brighter environments. And for those who like to jot down notes or sketch, it now supports the Redmi Smart Pen.
When it comes to the engine that drives this tablet, things are interesting. The Redmi Pad 2 boasts of what could be a brand-new Helio G100 Ultra chipset. But actually, this is a refreshed version of what its predecessor has in terms of chip, which is the Helio G99. So what does this mean to you It means that you can expect almost similar performance, that is capable for normal tasks, media consumption, and some light gaming.
You'll have a couple of options as per your needs. The Redmi Pad 2 comes in Wi-Fi only and cellular versions when you want on-the-go connectivity. On the memory side, you can go for a 4GB or 8GB version, having paired with an internal storage capacity of either 128GB or 256GB. What's more is that it has a microSD card slot that can support cards up to a whopping 2TB in case you want more space for your apps, photos, and videos.
For taking quick snaps or video calls, a 5-megapixel camera will be on the front and an 8-megapixel one on the back.
As for software, the Redmi Pad 2 introduces HyperOS 2 based on the latest Android 15. One of the bigger upgrades you can do to the device would be its battery. Now it has a new 9,000mAh battery, which is 1,000mAh more than the initial Redmi Pad. This should translate into longer usage times between charges. When you do need to power up, it supports 18W charging via a USB-C port.
Are you interested in aesthetics The Redmi Pad 2 will be available in three colors: Graphite Gray, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple. And to do it by cost, here is how much it would set that back for the market in the UK:
- Wi-Fi only, 4GB RAM / 128GB storage: Starts at £169
- Wi-Fi only, 8GB RAM / 256GB storage: Goes up to £219
- 4G connectivity, 4GB RAM / 128GB storage: Starts at £219
- 4G connectivity, 8GB RAM / 256GB storage: Goes up to £259
This means that the Redmi Pad 2 has certain welcome upgrades particularly to the display and battery making it potentially a good option for those looking for a well-priced and efficient Android tablet.
