Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Exceptional Value in a Premium Tablet

The Xiaomi Pad 6 makes a strong case for being the best value tablet available today, blending premium features with an aggressive price point. Starting at just NPR 39,999 for the 6/128GB variant, it undercuts rivals while offering a compelling package of hardware and software.

Design and Build The Pad 6 steps up from its predecessor with a more refined aluminum construction, resulting in a thinner, lighter device that feels more premium than the Pad 5. The matte finish gives it a sophisticated look, and despite the metal body, it remains remarkably slim. Xiaomi has also upgraded to a USB-C port supporting USB 3.2 standards, enabling connections to external 4K 60Hz displays and faster file transfers, though you will need a compatible cable as the one included supports only USB 2.0.

Display The centerpiece is an 11-inch IPS LCD panel boasting a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support. With a sharp 2.8K resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels) and 309 PPI, it delivers crisp visuals ideal for media consumption. The 16:10 aspect ratio is particularly well-suited for video playback, reducing distracting black bars common on squarer displays. While the 144Hz refresh rate works well in select applications like Injustice 2, its implementation can be inconsistent across other apps and games. HDR playback has some quirks, working reliably only on Netflix, with other sources appearing washed out.

Software Running MIUI Pad 14 on Android 13, the Pad 6 avoids many software pitfalls seen in competitors. The persistent dock provides easy access to favorite apps for floating windows or split-screen modes, and keyboard handling is smooth with both Gboard and SwiftKey. A notable new feature is Smartphone Link, enabling wireless display mirroring from a Xiaomi 13 Pro phone, though this exclusivity to flagship models is a drawback.

Performance Equipped with the Snapdragon 870 processor and Adreno 650 GPU, the Pad 6 handles everyday tasks effortlessly and offers solid gaming performance. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings, while Injustice 2 can hit over 120 fps in bursts. The tablet does get warm under heavy gaming loads, and Xiaomi has not committed to a specific number of software update years, though industry sources suggest three years of security updates.

Camera The Pad 6 features an 8MP front camera positioned horizontally, improving video call experiences with features like Focus Frame, compatible with major platforms. The 13MP rear camera is adequate for quick snapshots but not designed for serious photography.

Battery A sizable 8840mAh battery provides roughly eight hours of typical use, despite the brighter display. The included 33W fast charger is a welcome improvement over the Pad 5's 22.5W model.

Accessories The second-generation Xiaomi Smart Pen offers minimal input lag and dedicated shortcut buttons, enhancing productivity. Keyboard and stylus accessories are also priced more competitively than those for rival tablets.

Verdict The Xiaomi Pad 6 hits the mark for users seeking a well-rounded tablet without breaking the bank. It outperforms the OnePlus Pad in value, offering comparable or better features at a significantly lower price. While minor software inconsistencies and speaker limitations exist, the Pad 6 sets a new benchmark for what customers can expect from mid-range Android tablets in 2023.