The Xiaomi Pad Mini is Xiaomi’s latest entry in the compact tablet space, designed to bridge the gap between portability, comfort, and performance. With an 8.8-inch screen and flagship-class hardware, this mini tablet takes aim at Apple’s iPad Mini, offering higher RAM in its top configuration, a higher-resolution display, and a larger battery. Though not perfect, it is nonetheless a compelling option for anyone seeking a premium Android experience in a compact form factor.

Design and Build

The tablet comes in Purple or Gray, and we got hold of a grey unit. Holding the Xiaomi Pad Mini feels natural thanks to its light and thin profile, although users with smaller hands may find one-handed operation slightly awkward. Its thick bezels may initially appear dated, but they provide a secure grip, which becomes comfortable after extended use. The power button, placed on the top right edge, is not ideally positioned for one-handed usage unless the device’s wake-up feature is activated, while the volume buttons, located at the top right, feel thin and fragile, making adjustments less intuitive. The device includes two USB-C ports: one along the left side and another at the bottom edge, offering versatility for charging and peripheral connections. 

Display

The 8.8-inch IPS LCD display of the Xiaomi Pad Mini is one of its strongest features. With a resolution of 1880 by 3008 pixels, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, the screen is smooth and responsive, whether scrolling through apps or playing games. Touch sampling rates are up to 372Hz, with instant sampling at 1080Hz, while pen input reaches 240Hz, making the device suitable for casual note-taking or drawing.

Although it uses an LCD panel rather than AMOLED, colors remain vibrant and text is crisp, making reading books, articles, or captions an enjoyable experience. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 700 nits, ensuring visibility even in well-lit environments. Compared to the current iPad Mini, the Xiaomi Pad Mini offers sharper visuals, higher refresh rates, and excellent performance for gaming and media consumption, making the 16:10 aspect ratio ideal for watching videos without letterboxing.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, built on a 3nm process, the Xiaomi Pad Mini offers flagship-level performance in a compact tablet. It comes in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, and 12GB RAM with 512GB storage, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast app loading.

In practical terms, the Xiaomi Pad Mini feels snappy and responsive for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and social media. Gaming performance is also strong: titles like PUBG Mobile run smoothly at 1080p with both graphics and frames set to Extreme, while Wuthering Waves pushes the tablet to its limits at native resolution with every setting on Highest, averaging 20-30 FPS. While the device heats up during demanding sessions, lowering graphics settings provides a comfortable and consistent experience. An action title like Zenless Zone Zero was running at a consistent 50 FPS, even when running on Highest settings. Overall, the Dimensity 9400+ delivers performance on par with larger, more expensive tablets, making the Xiaomi Pad Mini versatile for work and play.

Software and Features

Running Xiaomi HyperOS 2, a customized version of Android 15, the Xiaomi Pad Mini provides a user-friendly and highly customizable experience. Users can choose between the classic home screen layout or an app drawer mode, while pre-installed Google and Xiaomi apps offer utility without taking up significant storage. HyperOS 2 also supports floating windows, reminiscent of iPadOS multitasking, as well as external monitor support via DisplayPort over the long-edge USB-C port. 

One unique feature is haptic feedback, which enhances interactions and makes the tablet feel more phone-like, a welcome addition in a device of this size. Combined with dual USB-C ports, the software features elevate the Xiaomi Pad Mini beyond a typical Android tablet, providing a fluid experience for both productivity and casual use.

Audio and Media Experience

The Xiaomi Pad Mini’s stereo speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, provide a wide and clear soundstage for a compact device. Audio quality is sufficient for watching videos, playing games, or listening to music, though the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users must rely on Type-C or Bluetooth headphones. Despite this limitation, the speakers are capable of delivering an immersive audio experience, especially in media-heavy scenarios, and complement the tablet’s high-resolution display for content consumption.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong point for the Xiaomi Pad Mini, thanks to its 7500 mAh cell. During testing, one hour of 4K video playback at maximum brightness only consumed 8% of battery, suggesting exceptional longevity for daily use. Both USB-C ports support 67W HyperCharge, allowing a full charge from near-empty in just under an hour. The tablet also offers 18W wired reverse charging, letting users recharge other devices when necessary. Charging speed is consistent across both ports, and the included 67W charger ensures users can quickly top up the device without inconvenience.

Camera

The rear camera is a 13MP unit with PDAF, capable of shooting 4K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 60fps. While the image quality is not remarkable, it performs adequately for casual photography and video recording, and various modes such as Portrait, Document, Teleprompter, Dynamic Shot, HDR, and Professional Mode provide a range of creative options. The front-facing camera is 8MP and slightly wide-angled, making it suitable for video calls but less ideal for selfies. Overall, the cameras serve their purpose without standing out as a highlight of the device.

Value and Competition

Retailing at RM 1999, the Xiaomi Pad Mini positions itself as a premium yet accessible mini tablet. Although it lacks a fingerprint scanner and expandable storage, it compensates with dual USB-C ports, a high refresh rate display, flagship-level processing power, and long-lasting battery life. It does not excel exclusively in any single category like gaming, creative work, or media consumption, but it performs above average across all of them. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for first-time tablet buyers or anyone seeking a reliable, multi-purpose compact device.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Pad Mini is a compact, capable, and enjoyable tablet. Its 8.8-inch form factor achieves a balance between portability and usability, while the Dimensity 9400+ chipset ensures strong performance even in demanding apps and games. Although it lacks certain premium features such as a fingerprint scanner or AMOLED display, it more than makes up for this with battery life, display quality, software versatility, and thoughtful extras like haptic feedback.

For its price, the Xiaomi Pad Mini is arguably the best Android mini tablet available in its markets, offering a powerful, portable, and versatile device that caters to browsing, gaming, media consumption, and productivity without compromise. While some missing features may be a deal-breaker for others, the Xiaomi Pad Mini is a solid contender for anyone seeking a high-quality compact tablet experience.