Xiaomi Pad 8 Series Balances Work and Leisure in a Slim Package

Thursday, 25 September 2025 at 22:47

Xiaomi has expanded its tablet lineup with the arrival of the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro, unveiled in China alongside the Xiaomi 17 smartphones. Instead of chasing only low-cost buyers, the company is pitching these models at users who want a device for both productivity and entertainment — and it shows in the design choices.

Displays Built for More Than Streaming

Each tablet carries an 11.2-inch screen with 3.2K resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio, making them more comfortable for reading and editing documents than typical wide tablets. The panels support a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and TÜV Rheinland certification to cut eye strain.

There’s also a Soft Light Edition that reduces reflections by around 70 percent, thanks to nano-textured glass. That small touch makes the display usable on a patio or near a bright window, not just indoors. Both models stay impressively thin at 5.75mm and weigh under half a kilo, wrapped in a solid metal frame.

Two Chips, Two Audiences

Performance is where the models split. The Pad 8 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a chip that handles everyday multitasking and gaming smoothly. The Pad 8 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has enough muscle for heavier work like large spreadsheets or video editing. It’s not just spec sheet bragging — it positions the Pro as a lightweight option for people who might otherwise carry a laptop.

Battery and Charging

A 9,200mAh battery powers both tablets, but charging speeds differ. The Pad 8 tops out at 45W, while the Pro reaches 67W, cutting downtime noticeably. In practice, the regular model manages just over nine hours of video playback, with the Pro stretching closer to ten and a half.

Cameras and Audio

Cameras aren’t usually highlights on tablets, but Xiaomi made an effort here. The Pad 8 carries a 13MP rear and 8MP front camera, while the Pro steps up to 50MP and 32MP. Combined with a four-microphone array, both models support AI-driven tools like transcription, translation in nearly thirty languages, and voiceprint recognition.

Audio is another strong point. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos are standard, while the Pro benefits from Harman AudioEFX tuning, making dialogue and music sound fuller.

HyperOS 3 and Software Features

Both devices launch with HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s platform designed to blur the line between phone and PC. The system includes a new browser with tabbed windows, a nine-grid workstation for multitasking, AI wallpapers, and cross-platform file transfers. You can even extend a laptop screen wirelessly.

For accessories, Xiaomi introduced the Focus Touch Pen Pro, which offers haptic feedback, gesture controls, and low-latency drawing, plus a floating keyboard with magnetic attachment and adjustable tilt.

Pricing and Colors

The tablets come in Pine Green, Ice Crystal Blue, and Black. The Pad 8 starts at 2,199 yuan (about $308), while the Pad 8 Pro begins at 2,799 yuan (around $392), scaling up depending on RAM and storage.

Quick Specs: Xiaomi Pad 8 & Pad 8 Pro

Processor: Pad 8 – Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, Octa-Core 3.21GHz, Adreno GPU; Pad 8 Pro – Snapdragon 8 Elite, Octa-Core 4.32GHz, Adreno GPU
Display: 11.2″ LCD, 3200×2136, 3:2, 144Hz, 360Hz touch, 240Hz stylus, HDR10, Dolby Vision, TÜV low blue light, DCI-P3, wet-hand touch
Dimensions & Weight: 251.22×173.42×5.75mm / 485g (Pad 8), 5.8mm / 494g Soft Light Edition (Pad 8 Pro)
RAM & Storage: Pad 8 – 8/12GB + 128/256GB; Pad 8 Pro – 8/12/16GB + 128/256/512GB, UFS3.1/4.1
Cameras: Pad 8 – 13MP rear, 8MP front; Pad 8 Pro – 50MP rear, 32MP front; 4K/1080p/720p video; multiple photo/video modes
Battery & Charging: 9200mAh, Pad 8 – 45W fast charging, Pad 8 Pro – 67W fast charging, both support reverse charging
Audio: 4 speakers, 4 mics, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, noise reduction
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.2 Gen1, Miracast, IPv6
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, proximity, hall, geomagnetic, IR
OS & Features: Xiaomi HyperOS 3, PC-level apps (WPS, CAD), secondary screen support, cross-platform file transfer, AI assistant, tabbed multi-window browser
Accessories: Focus Touch Pen Pro, Floating Keyboard (0°–124° adjust, mechanical keys)
Box & Warranty: Tablet, adapter, USB-C cable, manual; Soft Light edition includes cleaning cloth; 1-year warranty