Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review: Budget-Friendly Tablet with a Few Trade-offs

Redmi has recently launched two new tablets in India: the Redmi Pad SE 4G and the Redmi Pad Pro 5G. The 5G variant is designed to provide users with a wide range of features, starting at a price of ₹21,999. It is equipped with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, along with a robust 10,000mAh battery, a sleek design, an LCD display, and HyperOS, among other features. Will the Redmi Pad Pro 5G be able to establish itself in the competitive tablet market? Let’s explore.

Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review – Design & Build (Pad & Accessories)

Redmi has crafted its budget tablet with an aluminum unibody construction, providing a robust and sleek feel in hand. The Redmi Pad Pro is available in Mist Blue and Graphite Grey colors, and we received the Graphite Grey variant for our review. The rear panel presents a sophisticated appearance with a dual-tone finish featuring two distinct shades of graphite. The darker shade showcases the Redmi branding and camera sensor, while the lighter shade covers the remainder of the panel.

The tablet features plastic edges that accommodate various connectivity options and additional functionalities, while the main body is constructed from metal. With a slim profile of just 7.52mm, the device appears sleek. However, when paired with the bundled keyboard cover, it takes on a thicker and bulkier feel. Weighing 571 grams on its own, the added weight of the Keyboard and cover contributes to a heavier overall experience.

Regarding functionality in landscape mode, the top edge features the volume controls and SIM tray, while the bottom edge remains empty. On the right edge are two speakers, the Dolby Atmos logo, and the power button, whereas the left edge includes an additional pair of speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. The front showcases a flat display safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a dot-style selfie camera positioned at the top. Additionally, Redmi includes the Redmi Smart Pen and Keyboard with the Pad, creating a well-rounded package. Now, let’s discuss the design of the Keyboard and pen.

The Keyboard is a straightforward model that connects through Bluetooth. It lacks support for POGO connectors and does not include a trackpad for cursor control, resulting in limited functionality. Additionally, it can be charged with a USB Type-C adapter. The keys provide a reasonable travel distance and deliver tactile feedback during use. However, it does not feature backlighting, which could have enhanced its usability.

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The Redmi Smart Pen is available in a sleek white finish and features two buttons along with an LED indicator. It includes a USB-C port for charging purposes. The first button facilitates Bluetooth connectivity with the pad, while the second button is designated for capturing screenshots. The battery status is conveniently displayed on the pad within the Bluetooth menu. Weighing almost nothing, the pen is designed for a comfortable grip. With 4096 pressure sensitivity levels, it enables note-taking even when the screen is off. It provides a more user-friendly experience compared to a keyboard, although it cannot be magnetically attached to the pad. When paired with a keyboard and housed in a protective case, the Redmi Pad Pro becomes an ideal companion for those on the move.

Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review – Display

The Redmi Pad Pro 5G features an expansive 12.1-inch LCD display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and Dolby Vision support. While it utilizes LCD technology, the screen effectively meets user expectations. The color calibration is satisfactory, and the large size enhances the overall content consumption experience. Although the device has noticeable bezels, the visuals appear vibrant. It is compatible with Widevine L1, allowing for HD streaming on Netflix, which enhances binge-watching experiences. However, the absence of HDR10 support is a drawback.

I viewed the Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ on this device, and the color accuracy was decent. Although the screen can sometimes be somewhat reflective, this is a minor issue. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate provides a remarkably smooth scrolling experience, and I did not encounter any lag while reading, typing, scrolling, or gaming. The 600 nits brightness is sufficient for indoor use, but reading the screen in direct sunlight can be challenging. To enhance the content consumption experience, the Redmi Pad Pro has quad speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. The audio output is well-balanced, delivering an adequate loudness and depth.

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Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review - Software

Redmi has made significant advancements in its operating system by introducing the Pad Pro. This marks the brand’s first tablet to feature HyperOS, which, while similar to MIUI, operates on Android 14 right from the start. Users will experience seamless app and task transitions without any noticeable lag, complemented by a range of appealing connectivity features. Data transfer from a Xiaomi smartphone to the Pad Pro is remarkably quick, achieved simply by dragging and dropping files. The device offers numerous customization options to enhance the user experience, including support for split-screen and floating windows, which streamline multitasking. Additionally, the tablet comes with minimal pre-installed bloatware, featuring only a few applications such as Netflix. Redmi has committed to providing two years of operating system updates and three years of security patches for this tablet.

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Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review – Performance (Pad & Accessories)

The Redmi Pad Pro 5G is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, offering configurations of up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This tablet efficiently manages a variety of tasks, including social media browsing, video streaming, music playback, utilizing Mi Canvas, typing, gaming, and more. While switching between applications is smooth, performance may lag when multiple apps run simultaneously in the background.

In terms of gaming performance, the controller effectively supports the majority of titles. BGMI operated smoothly at high graphics and frame rate settings for approximately 20 minutes, after which some lag was experienced. The thermal performance is average; it becomes warm during gaming or benchmarking but never reaches a concerning temperature.

When evaluating the performance of the accessories included with the Pad Pro, the Keyboard features a key travel of 1.3mm, which can feel somewhat restricted during typing. While the keys provide a tactile response, they lack backlighting and a trackpad. The accompanying stand functions as a protective case but does not allow for adjustable tilting angles. Additionally, the Keyboard does not support POGO pins, necessitating separate charging. Overall, the Keyboard’s performance leaves much to be desired.

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The Redmi Pen proved to be quite useful for me. It functioned effectively for note-taking. Utilizing Mi Canvas for drawing or doodling with the Redmi Pen was an enjoyable experience that enabled me to tap into my creativity. However, it is important to note that the smart pen does not attach magnetically to the pad, so be cautious not to misplace it. Aside from that, its performance is commendable.

Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review – Cameras

Budget tablets typically do not prioritize camera quality, and the Redmi Pad Pro 5G follows this trend. It features an 8MP mono camera on the rear and an 8MP front-facing camera. Both cameras perform adequately for basic image capture. The front camera is satisfactory for video calls and group selfies, and it includes a range of filters for those looking to share their photos on social media.

The 8MP rear camera performs adequately in daylight but tends to generate images with significant noise in low-light situations. It is fairly effective for capturing important documents or scanning purposes. Below are some camera samples taken from both 8MP sensors.

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Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review – Battery Life and Charging

The Redmi Pad Pro 5G features an impressive 10,000mAh battery, complementing its design. Even with its slim profile, the device houses a substantial battery that provides over a day’s worth of usage on a full charge.

Redmi includes a 33W fast charging adapter in the box, paired with a substantial battery. The adapter can recharge the battery to 50% in approximately one hour, and it takes just over two hours to reach a full charge of 0%. While the charging duration may seem lengthy, the impressive battery life compensates for it, providing a full day of use even under heavy usage conditions. With moderate usage, I experienced over two days of battery life.

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Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Redmi Pad Pro 5G?

Smartprix Rating: 7.2/10

Design and Build: 8/10

Display and Speakers: 7/10

Software and Haptics: 8/10

Performance: 7/10

Camera: 7/10

Battery Life and Charging: 7/10

The Redmi Pad Pro 5G is a decent option priced below Rs 25,000. It boasts a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, a spacious display, a robust 10,000mAh battery, an elegant design, and accessories such as a Pen and Keyboard. Additionally, it supports 5G connectivity and comes with a pre-installed HyperOS. However, it does have notable downsides, including a slow charging rate, moderate performance, and a subpar camera. Therefore, consider the Redmi Pad Pro 5G if you are seeking a practical and budget-friendly tablet for everyday use.

First reviewed in August 2024.

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