Android tablets have long been on the back burner, surviving thanks to the efforts of Samsung and its One UI customization layer. But Xiaomi, after several years without news, returns with the Xiaomi Pad 5, one of the best proposals for its quality-price ratio. How does it compare to the iPad mini 6? We compare their features, differences and prices.
Features iPad mini (2021) and Xiaomi Pad 5
Features |
iPad mini (2021) |
Xiaomi tablet 5 |
---|---|---|
dimensions |
195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm and 293 grams |
254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm and 511 grams |
Filter |
8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with 1488 x 2266 pixel resolution in 3:2 aspect ratio, wide color gamut and True Tone technology |
11-inch 16:10 aspect ratio IPS LCD display with 1600 x 2560 pixel resolution, 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision and a billion colors |
processor | ram | storage |
Apple A15 Bionic | 4 GB | 64 and 256 GB |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 | 6 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB UFS 3.1 |
cameras |
12 MP rear (wide angle) and 12 MP front (ultra wide angle) with Center Framing |
13 MP rear | 8MP front |
battery |
Up to 10 hours of multimedia content consumption |
8720 mAh – fast charge at 33W and PD 3.0 |
operating system |
iPadOS 16 |
Android 12 and the MIUI for Pad customization layer |
connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.1 and DisplayPort |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port |
others |
Touch ID sensor, 5G option, stereo speakers, 2nd generation Apple Pencil support |
Four speakers and compatibility with accessories such as Xiaomi Smart Pen and Xiaomi Pad Keyboard, facial recognition |
price |
From 649 euro |
From $399.99 |
Apple iPad mini 2021 (8.3-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Space Gray (6th generation)
- Filter: although the design of the two tablets is similar, straight lines and thin edges, the screens are different, especially in the format; the iPad mini 6 is 3:2, while the Xiaomi Pad 5 is 16:10. The iPad format is comfortable to read, while that of Xiaomi, which is generally that of most tablets, is the classic one for watching series and films. Additionally, the Pad 5 display has 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision supportwhich are two very interesting additions.
- Processor, RAM and storage: the iPad mini 6 integrates A15 Bionic chip with 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 256 GB of internal storage. The Xiaomi Pad 5 relies on the Snapdragon 860 with 6 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal storage. The data is good on paper, and it is true that we are going to have a good experience with both tablets, but the iPad wins due to the good optimization that Apple makes of the software for the hardware it mounts.
- cameras: Cameras aren’t “as important” on a tablet as they might be on a smartphone, but if they’re going to be used for video calling, it’s important to keep them in mind. And the iPad mini (2021) offers a better experience than the Xiaomi Pad 5 thanks to its sensory sensors. 12 MP and front with center framing for good quality video calls. Those of the Xiaomi comply, but they don’t stand out like those of the iPad.
- Battery: Apple doesn’t offer much detail in this section, more than promising around 10 hours of video playback per charge. For its part, the Xiaomi Pad 5 has a battery of more than 8000 mAh and is supports fast charging at 33W and PD. Of course, if we configure it at 120 Hz, the autonomy will be considerably reduced.
- Operating system: it’s a matter of taste to prefer iPadOS or Android, but Apple’s operating system has a larger catalog of apps suitable for large screens (even if the mini is not so much, it is its strong point). It’s something Google wants to work on and is already changing, first with its own apps and then with its new Pixel tablet. Android, however, lets you install apps that aren’t possible in iPadOS or aren’t as easy as going to the App Store, like Kodi or retro game console emulators.
- connectivity: another of the points on which the iPad mini wins, to have faster Wi-Fi and USB-C.
- Others: The pen and other accessories can be used on both tablets via Bluetooth. Regarding the sound, we found that the Xiaomi Pad 5 has four speakers and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, while the iPad has a stereo pair. However, in security, the Apple tablet with Touch ID prevails, since the facial recognition of the Xiaomi Pad 5 is not very good.
- Price: we are left with what they cost. The iPad mini (2021) worth 250 dollars more (from 649.99 dollars) than the Xiaomi Pad 5 (from 399.99 dollars). It must be taken into account that it is more powerful and has better connectivity, but its price may be excessive for many, since its initial RRP was 549 dollars.
iPad mini (2021) VS Xiaomi Pad 5, which one to buy?
The strong point of the 6th generation iPad mini is its size and therefore its screen and its power. It’s not easy to find an 8-inch tablet as powerful as it ismaking it a very portable device that can run demanding applications and video games.
However, its size is also a double-edged sword, because with smartphones around seven inches, it might not make as much sense as it used to for some people, especially if you want to use it to consume content, where the Xiaomi Pad 5’s 11-inch screen is more comfortable and, in addition, it is compatible with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
Apple iPad mini 2021 (8.3-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Space Gray (6th generation)
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