Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro: A Closer Seem at the Android Tablet Challenging the iPad
Xiaomi is making waves in the tablet market with its new Pad 8 Pro, launched during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona. The device aims to deliver a premium Android tablet experience, drawing clear inspiration from Apple’s iPad Pro whereas leveraging the strengths of the Android ecosystem.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro boasts a sleek design with slim bezels and a metallic unibody frame. It’s available in black, blue, and green finishes, offering more color options than Apple’s iPad Pro lineup. The tablet measures 5.75mm in thickness and weighs 485 grams, making it comparable in size and weight to the 11-inch iPad Pro (5.3mm and 444 grams).1 The build quality is solid, and the metal construction resists fingerprints.
Display and Performance
The Pad 8 Pro features an 11.2-inch 3:2 aspect ratio display with a 3.2K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. Powering the tablet is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, a 4nm chip that provides ample performance for everyday tasks and content consumption. While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the 8s Gen 4 is still a high-end processor capable of handling demanding applications.1
Accessories
Xiaomi offers a range of accessories to enhance the Pad 8 Pro’s functionality, including the Xiaomi Magic Keyboard Pro Focus and the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro. The Magic Keyboard Pro Focus closely resembles Apple’s Magic Keyboard, featuring a trackpad for a laptop-like experience. A more portable Xiaomi Magic Keyboard Pro is likewise available. The Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro is designed to mimic the functionality and perceive of the Apple Pencil.
Audio and Battery Life
The Pad 8 Pro delivers an immersive audio experience with quad speakers, Hi-Res audio support, and Dolby Atmos. A large 9,200mAh battery provides excellent battery life, typically lasting several days with moderate use. The tablet supports 45W charging for quick power-ups.
Cameras
The tablet includes a 50-megapixel main camera on the rear and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.1
Xiaomi Pad 8 Series Launch at MWC 2026
Alongside the Pad 8 Pro, Xiaomi announced the Pad 8 series and the Xiaomi 17 series, including the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, at MWC 2026.23
Availability and Pricing
The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro is expected to launch in Europe with a price around $300.1 Though, it will not be available in the US.
Worth a look