The Xiaomi Pad 6 came out last year (2023) with the aim to add to the compelling Xiaomi Pad 5, but can it truly offer more? The Pad 6 only has a one-year gap between the two, which makes you wonder; does it make a big step upward or just a small step forward? It is a great tablet for new buyers, and this article covers everything about performance, design, and also how to compare it to an iPad 9th generation or so. At the end of the day, you will find out whether the Xiaomi Pad 6 is the value king it claims to be. Well buckle up, this review is going to go into every corner of the Pad 6.
Why the Short Launch Gap Matters
The Xiaomi Pad 5 marked a watershed moment, not just as a great gadget that could double up as an entertainment machine as well as a productivity machine, but also as an affordable alternative to bigger and more expensive offerings. Fast forward a year and the Pad 6 hopes to attain the same success but with minor adjustments. This rapid release cycle uncannily mirrors Xiaomi’s desire to be relevant, and perhaps hints at Pad 6 being more of a refinement than a game-changer.
Let us compare the specifications and see what changed—and more importantly—what did not:
| Feature | Xiaomi Pad 6 | Xiaomi Pad 5 |
| Launch Price | From $459 | From $449 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 860 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 6GB LPDDR4X |
| Display | 11-inch WQHD+, 144Hz | 11-inch WQHD+, 120Hz |
| Battery | 8840mAh | 8720mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0 |
| OS | MIUI (Android 13) | MIUI (Android 11) |
| Camera | 13MP rear, 8MP front | 13MP rear, 8MP front |
How Does Xiaomi Pad 6 Feel in Real Use?
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is a much more polished effort than the last generation’s offering. Xiaomi boasts aesthetics and practicality from its metallic rear, which resists fingerprints, and from its 11-inch WQHD+ display. Included among them is the higher resolution (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) and 144Hz refresh rate providing smooth visuals (perfect for gamers and streamers alike).
What stands out, however, is the processor upgrade. With its subtle improvements in speed and efficiency, the Snapdragon 870 is not a long way removed from the Snapdragon 860. But those who are fond of wired accessories may be annoyed with Xiaomi’s decision to constrain storage expansion and not include a headphone jack.
Where Does the Pad 6 Excel?
Entertainment Hub:
The Pad 6 comes with four Dolby Atmos speakers which give the sound an immersive feel. An HDR10-certified display means marathon Netflix sessions are as cinematic as they can be, with 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
Note-Taking and Productivity:
The Pad 6 is Wi-Fi 6 connected without a SIM card slot. Xiaomi’s Smart Pen Gen 2 also pairs well, with two side buttons on hand to perform quick actions such as screenshots and notes. This is a good reason for students and professionals to use it.
Lightweight Design with a Catch:
Although the Pad 6 weighs just 490 grams, which is lighter than its predecessor, the tablet can seem quite heavy for extended periods of use. If you come from a small tablet such as the iPad Mini, this might be something to keep in mind.
Is the Camera Bump a Dealbreaker?
Though the Pad 6 seems sleek and surprisingly narrow, the large camera bump interrupts its smooth look. However, because the tablet does not lay flat, even with a protective cover, it is something that was noticed and worth mentioning. On the positive side the centered front camera makes video calling more engaging. Like Apple’s Center Stage feature focusing overhead preventing you from remaining in focus, Xiaomi’s FocusFrame feature can keep you in the center of the frame.
Xiaomi Pad 6 vs. iPad 9th Gen: Which Should You Choose?
Compared to iPads 9th Generation, the Xiaomi Pad 6 are nearly identical for regular students and casual users. Both are priced in the 300 – 400 USD range. The iPad has Apple’s polished software and generally dependable stylus performance but, the Xiaomi Pad 6 delivers better internal storage, higher refresh rates, and USB C convenience. The 64GB storage on the iPad feels restrictive, but the Pad 6’s 128GB or 256GB options offer more breathing room.
The storage on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is 128GB or 256GB and the iPad 9th Gen is 64GB of storage. With its 11-inch WQHD+ display that comes with a 144Hz refresh rate, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is better than the iPad 9th Gen with its 10.2-inch Retina Display. The Xiaomi Pad 6 gets Wi-Fi 6, while the iPad 9th Gen has Wi-Fi 5 and comes with a Lightning connector. The Xiaomi Pad 6 has the Smart Pen Gen 2 working for stylus support, while the iPad 9th Gen takes the Apple Pencil 1st Gen.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is on the more valuable end for students focused on note-taking and media consumption. If software optimization is important, then the iPad 9th Gen is a more safe choice.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Xiaomi Pad 6?
Pros:
- 144Hz Display with HDR10 for stunning visuals
- Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Snapdragon 870 processor for smooth multitasking
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 for fast data transfer
- Fingerprint-resistant metallic rear
Cons:
- No SIM card slot or expandable storage
- Lacks headphone jack
- Bulky camera bump disrupts flat placement
Why the Xiaomi Pad 6 Is More Than an Incremental Upgrade
On paper, the Xiaomi Pad 6 would seem like a minor update, but a combination of better performance, a better display, and some improved connectivity make for an appealing proposition. It is a product for users looking for a little bit of everything but not their bank account. If you’re doing note-taking, light productivity, and media, you won’t feel like you have to lug the power of a laptop with the tablet.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6?
If you are searching for a versatile Android tab having a smooth user experience, then the Xiaomi Pad 6 is a good option choice. It will not outperform Apple’s tablets in software finesse, but it is certainly in value for money. It packs a strong audio setup, ample storage, and a high-resolution screen. But the iPad might still offer simplicity of wire integration or app optimization if you need more of both. If you are looking for a stable and compact tablet that would not break the bank, the Xiaomi Pad 6 shows that incremental upgrades do not have to be a letdown.
