Xiaomi has just launched its latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 8, in India, and it takes on the popular Apple iPad (11th Gen), which launched last year and remains one of the best tablets on the market.
Both devices offer strong performance and capable displays, but Xiaomi focuses more on value while Apple leans on its refined ecosystem. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide which one suits you better.
Display and Design
The Xiaomi Pad 8 features an 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD screen with a resolution of 3200Γx2136 and a 3:2 aspect ratio. It supports a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and TΓV Rheinland-certified low blue light technology.
The device also comes in a Nano Texture Display version, which reduces reflectivity by 70% with AG nano-texture and AR coating. The tablet has a full-metal unibody design and measures only 5.75mm in thickness, giving it a premium and sleek appearance.
The Apple iPad 11th Gen offers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360Γ1640. The display supports True Tone and reaches 500 nits of brightness, but does not include a high refresh rate.
The iPad measures 7mm in thickness, making it slightly bulkier than the Xiaomi Pad 8. The iPad retains Appleβs signature design with slightly thicker bezels and rounded edges, but Xiaomiβs display and form factor make it more suited for productivity and media use.
Performance
The Xiaomi Pad 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5T RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. This combination ensures blazing-fast performance, whether youβre multitasking, gaming, or editing documents.
The tablet also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, making it future-proof in terms of connectivity.
The iPad 11th Gen runs on the A16 Bionic chip, a 5-core CPU with a 4-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. While the A16βs performance is top-tier and optimized for iPadOS, the lack of higher refresh rates limits its gaming potential compared to Xiaomiβs offering.
For everyday tasks, however, the difference may not be noticeable unless youβre into demanding apps or multiplayer gaming.
Software
The Pad 8 runs on HyperOS 3, based on Android 16. The software includes advanced multitasking features such as a 5:5 vertical split view and a 1:9 horizontal split ratio for window management.
It also includes Workstation Mode, which provides a desktop-like experience with an upgraded dock for quick access to apps. Xiaomi has integrated WPS Office into the OS, making it easy to create and edit documents, slides, and spreadsheets.
The iPad (11th Gen) runs on iPadOS 26. Features such as Stage Manager and a PC-level Safari browser make multitasking smooth and intuitive.
Although HyperOS offers better multitasking options on paper, the overall software experience might feel more polished on iPadOS. Ultimately, it comes down to preference, as some users prefer Android while others prefer the Apple ecosystem.
Productivity Features
Xiaomi offers productivity accessories for the Pad 8, including the Focus Pen Pro, a pressure-sensitive stylus with gesture support, and the Focus Keyboard/Focus Keyboard Pro for a laptop-like typing experience.
These accessories are priced competitively and deliver excellent value, making the Pad 8 a great choice for budget-conscious users.
Apple takes productivity to the next level with its Magic Keyboard Folio and the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which is known for its precision and unmatched low latency.
The iPad also includes optional 5G connectivity, making it a highly versatile device. If you are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, nothing beats Appleβs seamless integration across devices.
From iCloud to Handoff, Appleβs ecosystem ensures a frictionless experience that Android is still striving to match.
Battery and Charging
The Xiaomi Pad 8 features a 9200mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging. Xiaomi claims that the tablet can deliver up to 9.3 hours of video playback.
The tablet also supports reverse charging, which adds extra utility for users who need to charge other devices.
The iPad 11th Gen has a 28.6-watt-hour battery that Apple says can last up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi.
While the battery life is comparable to Xiaomiβs offering, the lack of fast charging support makes it less convenient for users who need quick recharges.
Cameras and Audio
The Xiaomi Pad 8 comes with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The rear camera supports 4K video recording, while the front camera is suitable for video calls and selfies.
The tablet includes quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, which provides an immersive audio experience for content consumption and gaming.
The iPad 11th Gen has a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage. Center Stage keeps users in focus during video calls by tracking their movement.
The iPad also includes stereo speakers, which provide good audio quality but fall short of Xiaomiβs quad-speaker setup.
Pricing and Accessories
The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at βΉ33,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, while the top-end 12GB+256GB Nano Texture Display version is priced at βΉ38,999.
The Focus Pen Pro is priced at βΉ5,999, and the Focus Keyboard is available for βΉ8,999. These prices make Xiaomiβs tablet and accessories more affordable compared to Appleβs offerings.
The iPad 11th Gen starts at βΉ34,900 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The Magic Keyboard Folio is priced at βΉ24,900, and the Apple Pencil costs βΉ11,900.
The higher accessory prices make the iPad a more expensive option for users who want to use it as a productivity device.
Which Should You Buy?
If youβre looking for a productivity-focused tablet with cutting-edge display tech, powerful hardware, and affordable accessories, the Xiaomi Pad 8 is the better pick.
Its high refresh rate, fast charging, and productivity features make it a versatile device for work and play.
However, if youβre already into Appleβs ecosystem or prioritize software polish and app support, the iPad 11th Gen remains a solid choice.
While it may not match Xiaomiβs hardware value, its seamless integration with Appleβs ecosystem and refined iPadOS experience are hard to beat.
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The post Is Xiaomi Pad 8 better than Apple iPad 11th Gen? appeared first on Gizmochina.