iPad (2021) VS Xiaomi Pad 5: Features, Differences and Price

There is no doubt that the Apple iPad is the undisputed queen of tablets, especially because of the large number of applications available that make the most of it. But do not forget that there are also tablets with Android, and that they are resurfacing because Google has paid attention to them again with Android 12L. But, above all, because manufacturers are launching very interesting models, see the Xiaomi Pad 5. We have put two of the most important exponents in this sector face to face to see their characteristics, differences and prices.

iPad and Xiaomi Pad 5 Features

• Design: The entry iPad to the Apple catalog, which is the one with which the Xiaomi Pad 5 is compared to be similar in price, retains the design of previous generations. You could say that almost identical to the first iPad. For its part, Xiaomi is betting on a more modern design, with smaller edges; an appearance that we also see in the rest of Apple’s tablets, except for this one.

• Filter: The screen of the iPad is 10.2 inches and that of the Xiaomi Pad 5 is 11 inches. This is not a very significant difference, but what must be taken into account are other factors. On the one hand, the format: 4:3 against 16:10. The iPad is one of the few tablets that sticks to this more square format and not as rectangular as Xiaomi, which is the most common. What is certain is that the format of the Pad 5 is more suitable for the consumption of multimedia content, and that of the iPad perhaps more for reading and productivity. Apart from that, the Xiaomi Pad 5 has a (fixed) 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, much more comprehensive than that of the entry iPad, which lacks these technologies.

• Processor, RAM and Storage: neither tablet mounts the most powerful chip in each house, but they’re solid enough to comfortably use with pretty much any app and game you throw at them (although you may need to adjust the graphics quality). The Xiaomi Pad 5 starts with more base storage than the iPad, 128 GB versus 64 GB. And it also has more RAM, but that’s not a problem because each operating system handles it differently.

• cameras: using a tablet as a camera is not the best option (although there are models with very good cameras). And in this type of device, you have to pay more attention to the front than to the back, which is the one used mainly for video calls. The iPad stands out in this section with its 12 MP ultra wide angle and Center Framing for high quality video calls.

• Drums: Battery capacity is very similar, but since Apple controls software and hardware, iPadOS is more efficient than Android with MIUI. The good thing about the Xiaomi Pad 5 is that it recharges at 33W to reach 100% in less time.

• Operating system: as is the case with smartphones of each brand, iPadOS and MIUI for Pad (Xiaomi’s personalization layer) are quite similar. So much so that a user could switch between them and feel comfortable. There’s no doubt that Xiaomi took inspiration from Apple’s operating system to create its own, but MIUI for Pad isn’t quite there and needs a bit more work. Of course, Android offers more options and possibilities than iPadOS due to its philosophy and not being so restrictive, but there are more tablet-friendly apps in Apple’s offering.

• Security: The iPad keeps the physical home button, and on it, Touch ID fingerprint reader, which is very safe. Xiaomi waives this option, although it offers facial recognition. However, it is through software and its performance is not very good. It is best to set a lock code.

• Accessories: Apple offers the possibility of using the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard case with the iPad (2021) (but there are many other alternatives from third-party manufacturers), and Xiaomi also has these two accessories in the catalog, but only the stylus has officially arrived in Europe; the keyboard cover must be imported and it is not in Spanish QWERTY. A pain.

• Price: The official retail prices are very similar, with the Xiaomi Pad 5 being 20 dollars more expensive (from 399.99 dollars). However, these are two devices that are often found on sale, in particular Pad 5, which occasionally drops below 300 dollars and it becomes one of the best price-adjusted Android options out there. The iPad starts at 379 dollars.

iPad (2021) VS Xiaomi Pad 5, which one to buy?

On paper, the Xiaomi Pad 5 is a very interesting tablet. Especially if we compare it with the iPad (2021), with which it shares a price range. And it’s that his 120Hz display and HDR10 Dolby Vision support It is very succulent for those who want a device of this type to consume mainly multimedia content.

While the Xiaomi Pad 5 has its own stylus (sold separately, just like the Apple Pencil), if you intend to use the tablet for productivity, the iPad (2021) It also has its own official keyboard, alternatives from other manufacturers, and a wide range of applications that are very useful for students.

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