Xiaomi Pad 6 vs Pad 5: Is it Worth Upgrading?

xiaomi pad 6

Looking to upgrade your tablet without spending a lot on an iPad? Then you should consider Xiaomi’s mid-range tablets. Recently, in April 2023, Mi launched the Xiaomi Pad 6 which has become the go-to option for most tablet lovers. 

When compared to its predecessor, they both offer excellent features and top performance. However, there are still differences between these two models. So if you’re confused about whether to upgrade to the Pad 6 or simply stick with the Pad 5, you’re not alone. 

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In this article, we’ll review both tablets by highlighting their similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision.

Xiaomi Pad 6 vs Xiaomi Pad 5 Comparison

Asides from their major differences in model names, these models have their differences and similarities. For example, while the Pad 5 works with Android 11 and above, the Pad 6 is only compatible with Android 13, MIUI 14 and above. 

Here are a few other ways these models compare with each other;

Design

The overall design of the Xiaomi Pad 6 is lighter and smaller than its predecessor. For starters, it weighs 490g compared to the 511g weight of the Pad 5. It’s also less thicker and wider. Unfortunately, the Pad 6 isn’t also waterproof and we didn’t get any stylus pen to make the pad experience better in this model either.

Display

Now this is where the bulk of the upgrades lie. While the screen size is pretty much the same on both models, the differences are highlighted in their refresh rate, display type, pixel density and resolution. So we’ll use a table to illustrate the differences below

Xiaomi Pad 6Xiaomi Pad 5
11-inch screen11-inch screen
2880 x 1800px1600 x 2560 px
309 ppi274 ppi
144Hz refresh rate120 Hz refresh rate
LCD, IPS display typeIPS, LCD type
Damage resistant glassNo damage-resistant glass

Camera Comparison

The cameras haven’t changed in the Mi Pad 6. So if you plan on using your Mi Pad for solely video conferencing and pictures, they might not be worth the upgrade.

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Both models have 13 megapixels for the rear camera and 8MP for the front camera. The video recording resolution is still the same as 2160 x 30 fps. Perhaps the only major difference between these two models is that the Xiaomi pad 6 doesn’t record slow-motion videos.

Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity type, the Pad 5 offers Bluetooth 5.0 and USB Host 3.0. In the Xiaomi Pad 6, you get Bluetooth 5.2, USB Host 3.0 and WiFi 6 connectivity.

Battery 

If there’s one thing to expect when purchasing a Pad 6, is the longer battery life. While the Xiaomi Pad 5 has an 8720mAh battery, the Pad 6 slightly surpasses this with its 8840mAh battery. 

Both pads support fast charging and they both have the battery level indicator. However, we still don’t have the wireless charging functionality with the Pad 6.

Storage

The RAM of the Xiaomi Pad 6 comes with a 2GB increase when compared with the Pad 5. So if you need more storage, you can switch to the Pad 6 to enjoy 8GB of RAM. As for internal storage, it pretty much remains the same at 256GB for both models.

CPU speed is, however, slightly higher in the Pad 6. While the Pad 5 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 860, the Pad 6 opts for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 which makes it process more units within a specific period.

Pricing

Perhaps the most important factor is pricing. The Xiaomi Pad 5 varies between $263 to $355 depending on the exact specifications while the Pad 6 will is priced at $420.

Is Upgrading to the Xiaomi Pad 6 Worth the Price?

Overall, the Pad 6 comes with a higher resolution, 2GB more RAM, a higher pixel density, WiFi connectivity, a fingerprint scanner, and damage-resistant glass. It’s also lighter and thinner than the Pad 5. So if these are important features to you, we recommend going ahead with the upgrade.

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However, if you have attachments to the Dolby Vision of the Pad 5, manual shutter speed and the slow-motion videos you record, perhaps you might want to hold off on that upgrade.

We hope this guide has helped you reach an informed decision on which Xiaomi pad is right for your specific needs. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends who might need this too. 

Disclaimer: We might get a commission for some of the products we recommend here, but this doesn’t affect our editorial policy

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