In the realm of tablets, the majority of Indian consumers seek a mid-range device that excels in performance for both entertainment and productivity. Recent research from IDC indicates a 20% increase in consumer tablet shipments in 2025, driven by the rising demand for high-performance, mid-tier devices.
Xiaomi stands out as a key player in this arena, offering a diverse range of tablets spanning the mid-range to mid-premium segments. These tablets cater to users seeking a blend of performance, display quality, and value.
Last year, Xiaomi’s flagship tablet in India was the Xiaomi Pad 7, impressing with its lightweight design, capabilities, and competitive pricing, making it a recommended choice for those seeking an Android tablet under Rs 35,000. This year, Xiaomi has launched its successor, the Xiaomi Pad 8, which builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing enhancements in crucial areas.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 features an 11.2-inch LCD display with a crisp 3.2K resolution, up to a 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support for an enhanced entertainment experience. Powered by the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the tablet ensures smooth performance. With a 9,200mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging, the device promises extended usability for work and entertainment sessions.
Overall, the Xiaomi Pad 8 presents itself as a comprehensive and pragmatic upgrade, offering a balance of features and practicality. However, real-world performance remains to be tested beyond paper specifications.
Upon initial usage of the Pad 8, the noticeable hardware upgrades and price increase raised expectations. The tablet was launched at Rs 33,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, marking a price hike from its predecessor, the Pad 7.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 boasts a slim profile, weighing around 485 grams and measuring just 5.75mm in thickness, making it slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. The design, though not extravagant, emphasizes a lightweight and balanced body, reminiscent of premium devices such as the iPad Pro.
The tablet’s quad-speaker setup, placed strategically along the sides alongside the power button and volume controls, enhances the overall user experience. Its compact size allows for easy portability, fitting seamlessly into small bags and proving to be a convenient on-the-go companion for work or entertainment purposes.
In terms of display, the Pad 8 sports an 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering improved brightness levels compared to its predecessor. While glare may be noticeable under strong light sources, the tablet delivers a smooth viewing experience with vibrant colors and thin bezels for an immersive content consumption experience.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, the Pad 8 exhibits enhanced performance over its predecessor, the Pad 7. While the difference may not be drastic in everyday tasks, the tablet handles multitasking, gaming, content creation, and casual activities efficiently without lag or stuttering. The HyperOS 3, based on Android 16, provides a clean interface, complemented by features like Workstation Mode for a laptop-like experience when paired with a keyboard.
The Pad 8 excels in everyday tasks, offering smooth performance for emails, document handling, entertainment, and light gaming. However, it may not be suitable for intensive professional workloads like complex video editing. The tablet’s audio output, supported by Dolby Atmos, delivers clear and immersive sound, eliminating the need for external speakers or headphones during media consumption.
Battery life on the Pad 8, featuring a 9,200mAh battery, offers moderate usage lasting approximately a day and a half. However, heavy media consumption can lead to faster battery drain, necessitating daily charging. Despite the decent battery capacity, the bundled 67W charger may feel slightly limited compared to competitors offering faster charging speeds.
Supplementary accessories like the Focus Keyboard and Focus Pen Pro enhance the Pad 8’s functionality, providing a versatile user experience. The keyboard offers improved key travel, comfortable layout, and automatic backlighting, while the pen supports over 16,000 pressure levels for precise sketching and note-taking.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Pad 8 emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a premium Android tablet under Rs 40,000. With its sharp display, reliable performance, lightweight design, and immersive audio experience, the Pad 8 caters to users looking for a well-rounded device. Despite some drawbacks like average battery life and slower charging speeds, the tablet presents a strong case for its performance, display quality, and usability.
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