A comprehensive guide to market changes, technological innovations, and user experience — why the new „Xiaomi” tablets pose a serious challenge to market leaders and how to choose the right model.
After the successful seventh series, Xiaomi returns with a bang
Debuting in China in the fall of 2025, the „Xiaomi Pad 8” and „Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro” models have finally reached the global market (official international launch – February 28, 2026). This time, the manufacturer decided not to compromise: the base model offers a top-tier mid-range (sub-flagship) experience, while the „Pro” version directly challenges the most expensive devices from „Apple” and „Samsung” by integrating the most powerful „Qualcomm” processor.
In this review, we will thoroughly compare both models, their technical specifications, and determine whether the „Pro” addition is truly worth the extra investment.
Thin profile and visual fluidity
It is nearly impossible to distinguish the „Pad 8” from the „Pad 8 Pro” from the outside. Both devices feature an extremely thin (only 5.75–5.8 mm) and lightweight (~485 g) aluminum unibody chassis.
Display Innovations
Matrix: Both models share an identical 11.2-inch IPS LCD matrix.
Resolution and Speed: The displays boast an impressive 3.2K resolution (3200 x 2136 pixels) and an extremely smooth 144 Hz refresh rate.
Aspect Ratio: A 3:2 aspect ratio is used, which is significantly more comfortable for reading, browsing the internet, and working with documents than the traditional 16:10.
Brightness: The displays reach a standard brightness of 800 nits and support Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
The only significant difference in design lies in the additional options: the „Pad 8 Pro” model offers a variant with a matte glass display, which drastically reduces reflections when working in bright light and provides a more natural feel when writing with a stylus. Additionally, the „Pro” version has an integrated fingerprint reader in the power button, which is absent in the base model.
Hardware distinction between everyday use and professional needs
The hardware section is where „Xiaomi” draws a clear line between these two devices.
Xiaomi Pad 8
The base model is powered by the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip. While it is not the most powerful processor on the market, it is more than sufficient for all everyday tasks, smooth multitasking, and modern gaming at high graphics settings. It is paired with 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and fast UFS 3.1 / 4.0 internal storage.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Here, „Xiaomi” plays its cards. The „Pro” model features the most powerful flagship processor of 2025–2026 – the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This SoC turns the tablet into a true monster, capable of effortlessly handling video exporting, complex photo editing, and the most demanding games (e.g., „Genshin Impact” runs at stable 60 fps even at the highest settings). With the option to choose up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.1 storage, this device ensures longevity (future-proofing).
Long-lasting performance and reverse charging capabilities
Both the „Pad 8” and „Pad 8 Pro” house an identical 9200 mAh battery. Although the processors differ, both devices exhibit excellent energy efficiency, allowing for all-day tablet use.
The Pad 8 supports fast charging up to 45W.
The Pad 8 Pro increases this figure to 67W.
Innovation: Both models support impressive 22.5W reverse wired charging. This means you can use the tablet as a super-fast external battery (power bank) to charge your smartphone or headphones via USB-C.
Video call quality and spatial audio
While tablets are rarely purchased for their cameras, the „Pro” version is clearly superior here:
Pad 8: 13 MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera (sufficient for basic video calls).
Pad 8 Pro: 50 MP main sensor and even a 32 MP front camera, ideal for high-resolution Zoom or Teams conferences and document scanning.
Both devices feature a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos support, providing excellent sound quality for watching movies.
Benefits of the ecosystem and new productivity tools
The tablets run on the latest Android 16 operating system and HyperOS 3 user interface. „Xiaomi” has significantly improved multitasking capabilities, making it even easier to connect the tablet to a phone or even use it as a second screen for a computer.
New accessories were introduced alongside the eighth series (sold separately):
Focus Keyboard: A magnetic keyboard with backlit keys and a large trackpad, turning the tablet into a mini laptop.
Focus Pen Pro: An updated stylus weighing just 17 grams with even lower latency.
Need help with your device?
If your phone, computer, or tablet is not working properly, bring it to Fiksas. We perform fast diagnostics and often complete repairs within 1–3 hours.