Xiaomi’s Poco brand has made a name for itself with budget-friendly smartphones, but now it’s making a bold move into the tablet market. In a sea of mid-range and budget tablets like Xiaomi Pad 6, Lenovo Tab M11, Samsung Galaxy A9, and Google Pixel Tablet, the Poco Pad stands out with its promise of affordability without compromising on key features.

Design & Build

The Poco Pad boasts a squared design with a sleek aluminum frame, offering a sturdy yet stylish build. While it lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, its Gorilla Glass 3 screen ensures durability. Available in Grey or Blue, its minimalist design exudes a premium feel despite being relatively heavy at 571g.

Screen & Speakers

Featuring a large 12.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Poco Pad delivers smooth visuals ideal for browsing and productivity. The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support ensure immersive audio, though the IPS LCD panel might not match the vividness of OLED displays.

Specs & Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Poco Pad handles everyday tasks with ease. While it may struggle with high-end gaming, its generous 256GB storage (expandable up to 1.5TB via microSDXC) offers ample space for media and apps.

Cameras

Equipped with an 8MP rear and front camera, the Poco Pad delivers decent photo quality in well-lit conditions. It supports 1080p video recording but doesn’t excel in low-light photography.

Battery Life & Charging

A standout feature is its massive 10,000mAh battery, supporting up to 16 hours of video playback. It charges quickly with a 33W adapter, though it lacks wireless charging.

Software & Apps

Running on Android 14 with HyperOS, the Poco Pad offers a user-friendly interface with minimal bloatware. Stylus support adds versatility, making it suitable for note-taking and sketching.

Price & Availability

Priced at approximately £239.79 (₱16,600 in Philippine Peso), the Poco Pad offers great value for its features, making it a competitive choice in the budget tablet market.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco Pad is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable Android tablet. With its large display, robust performance, and long battery life, it caters well to entertainment and productivity needs alike. While not without its flaws in performance and camera quality, it presents a solid package at an affordable price point.