Xiaomi Poco Pad: The Ultimate Midrange Tablet With Flagship Features

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Poco Pad boasts a sleek and modern design, with dimensions of 280×181.9×7.5 mm and a weight of 571 g. The build quality is solid, featuring a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and an aluminum back and frame. This sturdy construction ensures durability, making it a reliable companion for daily use. Available in Blue and Dark Gray, the Poco Pad exudes a premium feel that is often missing in its price range. Here are the relevant specs:

When evaluating a tablet, the body and the build quality play a crucial role in its overall user experience. With those dimensions, the Poco Pad offers a sizable screen ideal for multimedia consumption, reading, and productivity tasks. The 12.1-inch display provides ample workspace, which is beneficial for extended use. However, the large screen might be slightly cumbersome for handheld use over long periods without a stand.

At 571 grams, the Poco Pad is relatively lightweight for a tablet of its size, making it comfortable to hold for short to medium durations. For extended sessions, using a stand or placing it on your lap would be more ergonomic.

As for portability, the weight and the dimensions make the Poco Pad manageable to carry around. It fits comfortably in a backpack or a large handbag, making it a convenient companion for commuting or travel. And its slim profile (7.5 mm thickness) ensures it doesn’t take up much space.

Gorilla Glass 3 used for the display protection is known for its robustness and resistance to scratches and minor impacts, making it an excellent choice for a tablet screen that is likely to face daily wear and tear. Its smooth surface ensures a pleasant touch experience, which is essential for a device heavily reliant on touch interactions.

The Poco Pad features an aluminum back and frame, which are common in premium devices. Aluminum provides excellent structural integrity, protecting the internal components from shocks and drops. It gives the device a premium look and feel, often associated with higher-end products. And aluminum effectively dissipates heat, which helps in maintaining optimal performance during intensive tasks.

However, aluminum can feel cold when first picked up, which might be less comfortable in colder climates. And while durable, aluminum can be prone to scratches and dents if not handled carefully.

The Poco Pad is available in two distinct colors, each catering to different personalities:

• Blue: The blue variant is vibrant and modern, appealing to those who prefer a device that stands out. It adds a touch of personality and flair, making it suitable for younger audiences or those who enjoy a bit of color in their gadgets.
• Dark Gray: The dark gray variant exudes professionalism and elegance. It’s a classic choice that appeals to users who prefer a sleek, understated look. It is perfect for professional settings or users who prefer a more muted, sophisticated appearance. It blends well in office environments and complements formal attire.

In summary, the Xiaomi Poco Pad, with its thoughtful design and robust build quality, strikes a balance between comfort, portability, and durability. Its dimensions and weight make it suitable for both lap use and portability, while the Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures the display remains pristine through daily use. The color options allow you to choose a device that fits your personal style, whether you prefer a vibrant or a classic look. Overall, the Poco Pad’s design and build quality make it a versatile and reliable tablet for a wide range of users.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the missing IP rating on the Xiaomi Poco Pad - the James Bond gadget of the tech world. No worries, though; not every hero wears a cape, or in this case, a waterproof suit. Let's address the concern and prep our users for the tech battlefield.

An absent IP rating doesn't necessarily mean your Poco Pad can't handle a splash or two. It's like having a friend who's not officially a lifeguard but can still swim like a fish. This tablet might not flaunt a waterproof badge, but it's not about to panic if it encounters a raindrop or a sneaky coffee spill.

For potential buyers, it's all about understanding your tablet's limits. Don't take it for a swim, but a light rain or accidental spill isn't going to turn it into a high-tech paperweight. Just be mindful, like you would with any other cherished possession.

Now, let's talk defense strategy. Invest in a good-quality case - think of it as the Poco Pad's armor. A rugged case can be the superhero cape that protects against accidental drops, bumps, and, yes, even a surprise encounter with water. It's the knight in shining armor for your digital companion.

Screen protectors are the unsung heroes too. They shield your tablet's display from scratches and potential splashes. It's like giving your tablet a shield - a transparent one that doesn't hide its beauty.

So, should you be concerned? Nah, just be savvy. Treat your tablet like the VIP it is, and it'll reciprocate with smooth, uninterrupted performance. Get that case, slap on a screen protector, and let your Poco Pad be the stylish, resilient sidekick in your tech adventures.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Poco Pad is its impressive display. The tablet is equipped with a 12.1-inch IPS LCD that supports 68 billion colors, ensuring vibrant and lifelike visuals. With a 120 Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, you can expect smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience, whether watching movies or playing games.

Xiaomi Poco Pad display. Image credit: Xiaomi Poco

Here are the relevant specs:

The display is one of the most crucial aspects of a tablet, dictating the user experience for everything from media consumption to productivity tasks. The Xiaomi Poco Pad comes equipped with a robust and feature-rich display that promises to deliver excellent performance. The IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology allows for consistent and accurate color reproduction from various angles, making it ideal for group viewing or when the tablet is placed flat on a surface. IPS displays generally provide better color accuracy and more vibrant colors compared to traditional LCDs.

While not as fast as OLED displays, IPS panels offer good response times, suitable for most everyday uses, including gaming and video playback. And they typically offer high brightness and clarity, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

The Poco Pad features a high refresh rate of 120 Hz, which means the display refreshes 120 times per second, providing incredibly smooth motion. This is particularly beneficial for scrolling through content, playing games, and watching videos with fast action sequences. The increased refresh rate reduces motion blur, resulting in clearer visuals during dynamic activities.

With a resolution of 1600×2560 pixels, the Poco Pad's display offers a decent pixel density (about 249 PPI), ensuring sharp and detailed images and text. This makes reading, viewing photos, and watching high-definition videos a pleasure. The 16:10 aspect ratio strikes a balance between media consumption and productivity, providing extra vertical space that’s useful for browsing and document editing.

With a peak brightness of 600 nits in HBM (High Brightness Mode), the display remains visible even in bright outdoor environments, though you may need to adjust the angle of the display or find shade when using it under direct sunlight.

Supporting 68 billion colors (12-bit color depth), the Poco Pad's display can produce a vast range of colors with subtle gradations. This leads to more realistic and vibrant visuals, enhancing the quality of photos, videos, and graphics. Such a wide color gamut is particularly advantageous for creative professionals who require accurate color reproduction for tasks like photo editing and digital art.

Dolby Vision is a high dynamic range (HDR) technology that enhances the display's contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. It adjusts the picture dynamically, scene by scene, or even frame by frame, to deliver the best possible visual experience. With Dolby Vision, the Poco Pad can deliver a cinematic quality to videos, making it a great choice for streaming HDR content from services like Netflix and Disney+.

DC dimming (Direct Current dimming) adjusts the brightness of the display by varying the voltage supplied to the backlight or the pixels. It reduces the current flow to lower the brightness. This is preferred over PWM dimming for reducing eye strain as it minimizes flickering. At very low brightness levels, DC dimming might affect color accuracy or uniformity, especially in OLED displays.

And the support for a magnetic stylus adds a layer of functionality, allowing for precise input that is ideal for note-taking, drawing, and editing. The magnetic attachment ensures that the stylus is always handy and less likely to be lost, making it convenient for those who frequently switch between touch and stylus input.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Poco Pad’s display stands out with its combination of IPS LCD technology and a host of advanced features that enhance the user experience. Together, these features make the Poco Pad’s display a versatile and powerful tool for both casual users and professionals, enhancing everything from entertainment to creative work.

Networks and SIM

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The absence of cellular network and SIM support in the Xiaomi Poco Pad might raise eyebrows, but fear not, for this is not an anomaly in the tablet world. It's common for tablets to omit cellular network support, especially in the midrange segment. Tablets are often seen as devices primarily used in Wi-Fi-rich environments like homes, offices, or cafes. Thus, manufacturers often prioritize other features over cellular connectivity to keep costs down.

The Poco Pad, like many tablets, relies on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. You can seamlessly connect to available Wi-Fi networks, ensuring a robust online experience. Whether you're streaming videos, browsing the web, or engaging in online activities, as long as Wi-Fi is around, the Poco Pad can keep you connected.

But what about the dead zones? While the Poco Pad might face limitations in areas without Wi-Fi, there are practical workarounds. If you have a smartphone with a data plan, you can use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot to provide internet connectivity to your tablet. It's like having a pocket-sized Wi-Fi router wherever you go. Many apps and services offer offline modes, allowing you to download content when you have Wi-Fi and consume it later without an internet connection.

For users primarily using their tablets in Wi-Fi-rich environments, the absence of cellular connectivity might not be a deal-breaker. However, for those who heavily rely on being connected on the go, this limitation might pose challenges in areas without Wi-Fi access.

In a world where Wi-Fi is increasingly pervasive, the Xiaomi Poco Pad's lack of cellular connectivity aligns with the usage patterns of many tablet users. While it may face challenges in areas without Wi-Fi, practical solutions like hotspot tethering and offline functionality can bridge the gap. So, potential buyers, assess your connectivity needs, and if the Wi-Fi warrior suits your digital lifestyle, this tablet might just be the device you've been searching for.

Chipset: Performance - Power-Packed with Snapdragon

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Poco Pad is powered by the Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4-nm process. This octa-core processor, consisting of two types of cores, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Paired with the Adreno 710 GPU, the tablet handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease. Here are the relevant specs:

The performance of the Xiaomi Poco Pad is driven by its advanced hardware, specifically the chipset, CPU, and GPU. The Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a midrange chipset, providing a balance between performance and efficiency. The 4-nm process enhances power efficiency and performance, ensuring the tablet can handle intensive tasks while maintaining battery life. And the chipset includes advanced AI features that enhance the user experience through improved camera functionalities, better voice recognition, and more efficient app management.

The CPU within the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is an octa-core processor that consists of two types of cores:

• Cortex-A78 Cores (Performance Cores): These four cores are clocked at 2.40 GHz and are designed for performance-intensive tasks. They handle demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. These cores ensure smooth performance when running complex processes, providing a seamless user experience without lag.
• Cortex-A55 Cores (Efficiency Cores): The remaining four Cortex-A55 cores operate at 1.95 GHz and are optimized for energy efficiency. They manage background tasks and less demanding applications, conserving battery life. These cores handle routine tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and streaming media efficiently, ensuring that the tablet remains responsive while extending battery longevity.

By combining these two types of cores, the octa-core architecture balances performance and power efficiency, allowing the Poco Pad to switch between high performance and energy-saving modes as needed.

The Adreno 710 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset is responsible for rendering graphics and visuals. It plays a crucial role in gaming, video playback, and graphic-intensive applications. It delivers smooth and detailed graphics, making it suitable for modern games and high-definition video playback. And it is designed to balance performance with power consumption, providing extended battery life even during graphic-intensive tasks.

In summary, the Xiaomi Poco Pad’s performance is anchored by the Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and the Adreno 710 GPU. This hardware configuration offers a balanced performance, catering to users who need a reliable and efficient tablet for a wide range of applications, from productivity to entertainment.

Memory and Storage: Ample Space for Your Needs

Here are the relevant specs:

The Xiaomi Poco Pad comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, utilizing UFS 2.2 technology for faster data access and app loading times. For users needing additional storage, the Poco Pad includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for expandable storage.

Cameras: Basic Yet Functional

The camera setup on the Poco Pad is modest but functional. The main camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, LED flash, and the ability to record 1080p video at 30 fps. While it may not compete with high-end smartphone cameras, it suffices for casual photography.

The 8 MP front-facing camera, with an f/2.3 aperture, also supports 1080p video recording, making it suitable for selfies and virtual meetings.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Xiaomi Poco

While tablets are not typically known for their camera prowess, the Xiaomi Poco Pad aims to offer a decent photography and videography experience for its users. Let's take a closer look at the main camera setup and its features, as well as what types of use cases it is suited for. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Xiaomi Poco Pad
Number of Cameras	1 (Single)
Resolution (Megapixels)	8 MP (wide)
Aperture	f/2.0
Sensor Size	1/4.0″
Pixel Size	1.12 μm
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash

The 8 MP resolution is decent for a tablet, providing adequate detail for everyday photography tasks. While it won't compete with high-end smartphone cameras, it is sufficient for casual snapshots, scanning documents, and video calls. The f/2.0 aperture allows for reasonable low-light performance, although it’s not as wide as some smartphone lenses, meaning it may struggle more in dim lighting conditions.

The inclusion of an LED flash provides additional lighting in dark environments, making it possible to capture clearer images in low-light situations. This is particularly useful for indoor photography or when natural light is insufficient. The LED flash can also be used as a flashlight, adding a practical utility feature to the tablet.

The Poco Pad's main camera is well-suited for casual photography needs, such as capturing everyday moments, taking pictures of notes, and documenting events. It's more than capable of handling social media photography and sharing images with friends and family. With its decent resolution, the camera is useful for scanning documents, whiteboards, and other text-heavy materials. The LED flash can help in ensuring clear, well-lit captures even in poorly lit environments.

The camera supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, which is sufficient for most casual video recording needs. This includes making video calls, recording personal vlogs, and capturing family events. The video quality is adequate for online classes, meetings, and conferences, providing clear visuals for these purposes.

However, while the f/2.0 aperture and LED flash help, the 8 MP camera may still struggle in very low-light conditions. Night photography or indoor shooting with minimal lighting will not produce the same quality as higher-end cameras. The Poco Pad's camera is not designed for professional-grade photography or videography. It lacks advanced features such as optical image stabilization (OIS), high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities, and higher resolution sensors that are essential for professional use.

The fixed focus and lack of advanced zoom or macro capabilities limit its use in specialized photography, such as macro or telephoto shots. For those interested in these types of photography, a device with multiple lenses (wide, ultra-wide, macro, and telephoto) and enhanced software features would be necessary.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Poco Pad’s main camera setup, featuring an 8 MP sensor and LED flash, is designed for general-purpose use. It is competent for its intended use cases, offering sufficient quality for most tablet photography and videography needs, but it isn’t geared towards high-end or professional-level photography.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the most significant advantages of the Poco Pad is its massive 10000 mAh battery. This high-capacity battery ensures extended usage without the need for frequent charging, making it ideal for long trips and extended work sessions. The tablet supports 33 W wired charging with PD 3.0 and QC 3+, enabling quick top-ups when needed.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The Poco Pad features a robust audio system with four stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos, delivering a rich and immersive sound experience. The inclusion of a 3.5 mm jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

Four speakers strategically placed in the Xiaomi Poco Pad for surround sound - it's like having a portable theater in your hands! They are not just audio components; they're your ticket to a truly immersive audio experience.

The presence of four speakers allows for true stereo sound. In simpler terms, it creates a sense of spatial audio, making it feel like the sound is coming from different directions. This immersive audio setup is fantastic for movies, games, and music, as it envelops you in the sound, enhancing your overall experience. Imagine feeling the rumble of an approaching storm or the subtle footsteps of a character sneaking up in a game - it's like being in the heart of the action!

Dolby Atmos is the secret sauce that turns your Poco Pad into a portable audio wonderland! It isn't just about left and right - it's about creating a three-dimensional audio experience. It's like being surrounded by sound from every direction, including above and below. This immersive quality makes your audio feel more like an experience than a mere playback. Traditional audio systems have limitations, but Dolby Atmos transcends those boundaries. Imagine hearing raindrops falling above you or feeling the rumble of thunder as if it's happening around you. Dolby Atmos adds layers of depth and realism to your audio, creating a truly captivating experience.

Connectivity

With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, the Xiaomi Poco Pad ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

The Poco Pad boasts Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, aptX HD for superior audio quality, and aptX Adaptive for dynamically and efficiently adjusting the audio bit-rate based on the complexity of audio and the quality of connection, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Xiaomi Poco Pad lacks support for positioning systems like GPS.

The absence of NFC might disappoint users looking for seamless contactless interactions.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The Xiaomi Poco Pad comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor (Accessories Only): Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared) without physically contacting it. "Accessories only" means that its functionality is specifically designed to work with certain accessories, like specific add-ons created by Xiaomi or certain third-party manufacturers.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Xiaomi Poco Pad release date?

  The Xiaomi Poco Pad has been announced and released on the 23rd May, 2024.

• What is Xiaomi Poco Pad price?

  The Xiaomi Poco Pad is priced at USD 329. However, at the time of writing, an early-bird discount of USD 30 is available, enabling you to grab the tablet for USD 299.