Redmi Pad Pro 5G Review: A Mid-Range Masterpiece with Some Minor Criticisms
Redmi has recently unveiled its latest mid-range tablet offering in India, known as the Redmi Pad Pro, priced starting at Rs 21,999. This tablet is highlighted for its impressive performance, expansive display, and immersive audio features, positioning it as a compelling choice for entertainment within this price range. However, the question remains – does the Redmi Pad Pro truly stand out as a worthwhile investment, or is it merely another addition to the saturated tablet market that may fade into obscurity? In this review, we delve into the features and functionality of the Redmi Pad Pro to determine its true value proposition.
Design and display
The Redmi Pad Pro features a sleek “metal unibody” design, with a vertical stripe around the camera crafted from polycarbonate while the rest of the body is metal. The Graphite Grey color variant exudes a premium finish, giving it a neat and subtle appearance. Despite its lightweight nature at 568 grams, the tablet can feel slightly slippery in hand, prompting the need for a cover or the Redmi Pad Pro Keyboard for enhanced grip, safety, and portability. The device also boasts quad speakers, two located on each edge, delivering a commendable audio experience along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Priced starting at Rs 21,999 in India, the Redmi Pad Pro’s 12.1-inch LCD display offers a 120Hz refresh rate and 600 nits of peak brightness, surpassing competitors like the OnePlus Pad 2 and Xiaomi Pad 6. While the display falls short of smartphone standards, it provides ample brightness for outdoor usage without straining the eyes. Although the color accuracy may not match that of an AMOLED display, it remains satisfactory at this price point.
The tablet also includes the Redmi Smart Pen, enhancing functionality with its smooth operation and premium feel. Unlike Apple’s stylus, the Smart Pen requires separate charging via a type-C charger, a minor inconvenience considering its Rs 3,999 value. In my usage, the Smart Pen’s battery longevity proved sufficient, requiring charging only once a week. While Apple offers magnetic charging for its pen, such high-end features are not expected on a mid-range tablet like the Redmi Pad Pro.
Performance & Camera
In terms of performance, the Redmi Pad Pro is not specifically designed for heavy gaming enthusiasts. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, offering configurations of up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which can be expanded up to 1.5 TB using a microSD card. Running on HyperOS based on Android 14 straight out of the box, the Redmi Pad Pro excels in handling everyday tasks seamlessly. One standout feature is its robust multitasking capabilities, including a split-screen mode that enables users to efficiently juggle two tasks simultaneously, whether it’s note-taking, content creation, or research activities, all without encountering any performance lags.
In terms of the camera setup, the Redmi Pad Pro sports an 8MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera. With the added advantage of 5G connectivity, users can conveniently make phone calls even while on the go. While the primary focus of a tablet isn’t typically its camera quality, a slight enhancement in this aspect would have been a welcomed addition. Nonetheless, users can still engage in Zoom calls or attend live online classes without any compromises in functionality.
Battery
The Redmi Pad Pro is equipped with a robust 10,000 mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging, allowing the tablet to reach full charge in approximately 2 hours. Despite the seemingly extended charging time, the tablet’s substantial battery capacity ensures that users only need to recharge it once every 3-4 days, depending on their usage patterns.
Should you buy it?
In terms of value proposition, the Redmi Pad Pro presents an attractive offering. Priced at Rs 26,999 for the 5G variant, it delivers seamless multitasking capabilities without experiencing lag or overheating, coupled with commendable battery life and a satisfactory cinematic viewing experience. However, prospective buyers should take note of the additional costs associated with the Redmi Pad Pro accessories, namely the Redmi Pad Pro keyboard and Redmi Smart Pen, priced at Rs 3,999 each, which may be considered slightly steep. Ideal for students seeking a device for educational purposes or entertainment consumption, the Redmi Pad Pro emerges as a viable choice. For individuals prioritizing enhanced display quality or intensive gaming experiences, exploring higher-end alternatives such as the OnePlus Pad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, or Apple iPad 10th generation may be more suitable.