The Xiaomi Pad 7 presents a compelling proposition in the mid-range tablet market, challenging the dominance of the base iPad while offering features comparable to the iPad Air and even incorporating a technology usually reserved for the iPad Pro. Its competitive pricing, combined with well-designed accessories, positions it as a potential benchmark setter in its category. Extensive testing over a two-week period, involving media consumption, light photo editing, and document creation, revealed a comprehensive tablet experience seldom found in this price bracket, especially when considering the added functionality of the keyboard accessory.
From a multimedia perspective, the Xiaomi Pad 7 exhibits a refined design and robust build quality compared to its predecessor. The all-glass and aluminum construction, coupled with a clean rear panel featuring a 13MP camera and pogo pins for the keyboard, exudes a premium feel. While the single rear camera borrows the aesthetic of a triple-camera setup from the Xiaomi 14, this design choice, despite being potentially misleading, contributes to the device’s overall sophisticated appearance. The front of the device boasts an impressive 11.2-inch LCD screen with a sharp 3.2K resolution and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. With a peak brightness of 800 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent, and the color reproduction and clarity surpass that of the base iPad. While the 3:2 aspect ratio might not be optimal for widescreen content, it benefits productivity and gaming. The quad-speaker setup delivers immersive audio, complementing the high-quality display for an enjoyable media consumption experience. Furthermore, a nano-texture display variant, a feature typically found on much more expensive devices, reduces reflections and enhances visibility in bright environments, adding another layer of premium feel to this mid-range offering.
Powering the Xiaomi Pad 7 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. Real-world testing with demanding games and photo editing software like Lightroom demonstrated smooth operation even under sustained workloads. The 256GB variant, with its faster UFS 4.0 storage, is particularly recommended for photo editing due to the enhanced handling of high-resolution images compared to the UFS 3.1 storage in the 128GB model. Both variants support the P3 color gamut, ensuring consistent on-screen editing experiences. The optional Focus Pen, while not as seamless as the Apple Pencil, adds precision to editing and features additional buttons for use as a pointer or to activate sketching applications. The device’s 8,850mAh battery, coupled with 45W fast charging, provides ample power for extended use, allowing for hours of movie watching or productivity tasks.
While no tablet can entirely replace a laptop, the Xiaomi Pad 7, with the addition of the Focus Keyboard, transforms into a highly capable 2-in-1 device suitable for on-the-go productivity. The Focus Keyboard, inspired by Apple’s Magic Keyboard, finally introduces a trackpad to Xiaomi’s tablet accessory lineup, significantly enhancing the work experience. Although the keyboard adds considerable weight to the tablet, making the combined unit relatively heavy for its size, the typing experience is comfortable thanks to good key travel and a gesture-supported trackpad. Backlit keys further enhance usability in low-light conditions. However, the limited tilt range of the keyboard case and the instability on soft surfaces are minor drawbacks.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 introduces a new Workstation mode, designed to facilitate multitasking by allowing multiple app windows to remain open simultaneously, similar to a laptop. While this feature holds promise, its current implementation requires refinement. The taskbar lacks functionality, displaying only the default tab, an app menu icon, and a home button. Window management within Workstation mode also needs improvement, with wide borders appearing when resizing and inconsistent behavior when minimizing apps. Despite these shortcomings, the Focus Keyboard offers excellent value, adding significant functionality to the tablet. Furthermore, seamless integration with flagship Xiaomi phones allows for features like call handling, hotspot connection, and app access directly from the tablet, enhancing ecosystem synergy. The front-facing 8MP camera, positioned in landscape orientation, is adequate for video conferencing, though not exceptional in terms of image quality.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out as an exceptional value proposition, arguably the best tablet in its price range. It surpasses the similarly priced iPad in several key areas, offering a brighter and more vibrant display, smoother performance, and a more comprehensive user experience. The inclusion of a trackpad-equipped keyboard further elevates its productivity potential, while the optional Focus Pen caters to creative tasks. While the Workstation mode exhibits some teething issues and the combined weight of the tablet and keyboard is noticeable, these shortcomings are minor in comparison to the overall value and performance offered by the Xiaomi Pad 7. Its blend of premium features, robust performance, and affordable price point makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a versatile and capable tablet. The accessible pricing of the accessories further strengthens its appeal, creating a cohesive and cost-effective ecosystem that challenges the established players in the tablet market.
