Xiaomi Pad 7 Review: The Best Budget Tablet in 2025?
When it comes to tablets, one name that always pops up is Apple's iPad series. However, Xiaomi has been making significant strides in the tablet market, offering high-quality devices at a much lower price. With the launch of the Xiaomi Pad 7, many are wondering whether this budget-friendly Android tablet can compete with the iPad.
In this in-depth review, we'll analyze the Xiaomi Pad 7's design, performance, display, gaming capabilities, accessories, and software support to help you decide if it's worth your money.
Unboxing the Xiaomi Pad 7
The Xiaomi Pad 7 comes in a simple but well-packaged box. Inside, you’ll find:
- The tablet itself
- A 45W fast charger
- USB Type-C charging cable
- Documentation
Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not include a stylus or keyboard case in the box, meaning you'll have to purchase them separately.
Xiaomi Pad 7 Price & Variants
Xiaomi has priced the base variant (128GB storage) at ₹28,000 ($340), making it one of the most affordable high-end tablets on the market. The tablet is also available in a 256GB variant for those needing extra storage.
Design & Build Quality
The Xiaomi Pad 7 has a premium metal body that feels sturdy and well-built. It is available in multiple colors, making it visually appealing. However, there is no fingerprint scanner, which means you'll have to rely on face unlock or a PIN/password for security.
Display: A Visual Treat
One of the biggest highlights of the Xiaomi Pad 7 is its 3.2K resolution display. This ensures sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it a fantastic device for watching movies, browsing, and reading.
Compared to the iPad 10th Gen, the Xiaomi Pad 7 has a better display resolution. However, Apple’s True Tone technology still gives the iPad an edge in color accuracy.
Performance & Gaming
Xiaomi has equipped the Pad 7 with a powerful Snapdragon processor, making it a great device for multitasking and gaming. The USB Type-C 3.2 port allows for faster data transfer speeds compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s USB Type-C 2.0.
For gamers, Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI run at 90FPS smoothly. Even Genshin Impact, a demanding game, runs well, although some settings need to be adjusted for the best experience.
In a video editing test, where a 30GB 4K video file was imported, edited, and exported, the Xiaomi Pad 7 performed just 2 minutes slower than an iPad. This shows its capability in handling heavy workloads.
Accessories & Ecosystem
A major downside of the Xiaomi Pad 7 is the limited availability of accessories. Unlike Apple, which has a vast range of third-party accessories, finding a good stylus, keyboard case, or stand for Xiaomi tablets can be challenging.
Additionally, Xiaomi’s official keyboard case is often out of stock, making it difficult for users to turn the Pad 7 into a laptop-like setup.
Software & Updates
One of the biggest concerns with Android tablets is software updates and long-term support. Xiaomi has confirmed that the Pad 7 will get HyperOS updates, but it is unclear how long it will receive major Android version upgrades.
In contrast, Apple provides long-term iPadOS updates, ensuring that iPads remain relevant and secure for years.
Multitasking & Productivity Features
The Xiaomi Pad 7 offers some excellent multitasking features, including:
- Split-screen mode for using two apps side by side
- Drag-and-drop support for moving content between apps
- Cross-device connectivity: If you own a Xiaomi phone, you can wirelessly transfer files by simply tapping the phone on the tablet
However, some bugs and stutters have been reported. In some cases, the refresh rate dropped to 60Hz unexpectedly, and the keyboard didn’t appear in landscape mode until the tablet was rotated.
Camera & Video Calls
Tablets are not known for having great cameras, but the Xiaomi Pad 7 does a decent job. The front camera is optimized for video calls, making it suitable for online meetings and virtual classes.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi Pad 7?
The Xiaomi Pad 7 is one of the best budget tablets in 2025, offering:
✔ A high-resolution 3.2K display
✔ Good performance for gaming and multitasking
✔ Fast charging and USB 3.2 for quick data transfers
✔ Strong build quality and premium design
✔ Great value for money
However, there are some downsides:
❌ No fingerprint scanner
❌ Limited software updates compared to iPads
❌ Accessories are hard to find
❌ Minor software bugs
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
- If you want an affordable Android tablet with high-end specs, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is an excellent choice.
- If you need long-term software support, better accessories, and a more stable experience, an iPad might be a better option.
For those looking for a powerful, feature-rich tablet at a reasonable price, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is a solid contender.
Final Thoughts
The tablet market is getting more competitive, and Xiaomi is proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great device. If software support isn’t a deal-breaker for you, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is easily one of the best tablets in its price range.
Would you buy the Xiaomi Pad 7 or an iPad? Let us know in the comments!
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