The Xiaomi Pad 7: A Captivating Leap into a Bold New Era

The pricing strategy for the Pad 7 reflects a certain level of assertiveness, which I will demonstrate by positioning it against the rivals. The entry-level 8GB+128GB variant of the Pad 7 is tagged at ₹26,999 currently, while the 12GB+256GB version requires you to part with ₹29,999. Between these two, we’d suggest opting for the latter for the additional memory. There’s also an edition with a nano-texture display (which is available for ₹31,999), employing a distinct glass composition to eliminate reflections or glare (should enhance performance with the Focus Pen accessory too). Apple has applied this approach across various product lines, including the Studio Display, the iPad Pro, and the MacBook Pro with M4.

Regrettably, I cannot provide an opinion on the effectiveness of this nano-texture display in real-world usage, since the review unit for the Pad 7 that Xiaomi provided features the standard display. However, having this option available at such price points is commendable. Currently, Xiaomi states that the nano-texture variant will be an online-exclusive offer, but I would believe it would be marketed more successfully if consumers could experience the difference in a retail environment.

The competitive landscape for the Xiaomi Pad 7 comprises the OnePlus Pad 2 and indeed the original OnePlus Pad, which is still very relevant, alongside the Honor Pad 9, and for a touch of variety, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (though we cannot endorse the 6GB RAM variant). In terms of value, the Pad 7 significantly underprices the OnePlus Pad 2 (which starts at ₹39,999) and the OnePlus Pad (₹35,999 as a starting point). The Honor Pad 9 competes on pricing (starting at ₹24,999) but you’d be dealing with a less powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen1 chip on an otherwise admirable tablet.

Of course, if Xiaomi is still offering the Pad 6 (with prices currently beginning at around ₹17,999), why wouldn’t you consider that as well? Spoiler alert, there are features in the Xiaomi Pad 7 which football enthusiasts might classify as a scenario of two contrasting halves.

The tablet has seen a slight increase in size. The display measures at 11.2 inches, an increment from the 11 inches of its predecessor. The aspect ratio has altered perceptibly (now 3:2 instead of 16:9) with greater native brightness (though reflections may still be observable), which has influenced a reduction in height but a modest increase in width (if you’re holding the device in portrait orientation). The finer detail here is that the Gorilla Glass layer is missing. This is a superb display to engage with, whether for reading, enjoying films and live sports, or photo editing. DC Dimming and ambient colour temperature sensing contribute positively, more than you might think.

Design-wise, the tablet showcases a sleek combination of aluminium and glass. One could argue that the Pad 7, given its comparatively more premium standing in the hierarchy, still resembles the contours and design language of the Redmi Pad Pro 5G (which is also an impressive tablet, as we previously highlighted). Perhaps a bit of design differentiation could have been beneficial, though the mirage purple and sage green colour options deliver that to some degree.

Generationally, the shift of the chip from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 to a Snapdragon 7+ Gen3 might appear worrisome, at least on paper. Transitioning from a higher spec 8-series chip to a slightly lower-spec 7-series chip is certainly noteworthy. I wouldn’t be overly concerned about this, as the Xiaomi Pad 7 demonstrated during my testing period that it shows no signs of underperformance in multitasking or heating that would indicate it’s under pressure. Keep in mind, the 12GB RAM provides it ample capacity to handle multiple applications open during a busy workday. Enhancements in HyperOS 2 have contributed to minimizing overall system resource usage.

As a tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers few complaints. This encompasses the extended longevity 8850mAh battery, which endures several days on a single charge. Moreover, the HomeScreen+ 2.0 feature (compatible with recent Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones; more support will arrive over time) brings your phone’s applications to the tablet. An ecosystem integration at its finest.

Xiaomi hopes you’ll invest in the Focus Keyboard (tagged at ₹8,999) and the Focus Pen (priced at ₹5,999) to complete the Pad 7 proposition as a versatile computing device. All fair and well based on my previous experiences with the HyperOS Workstation Mode and the newly designed keyboard featuring a touchpad. What could possibly go awry?

It turns out, the touchpad lacks adequate height, leading fingers to frequently strike the borders during swipe gestures. Additionally, the touchpad lacks consistency in touch response — often, the lightest tap registers a selection on the screen, while at other times, a second attempt at tapping produces the desired outcome. The size and arrangement of the keys are nearly ideal, except that the top row (number keys, backspace, function) sits excessively close to the tablet, resulting in fingers frequently grazing them when executed. These small details detract from some of the allure, at least in terms of the potential they hold. Quite surprising too, considering the enhanced keyboard experience was evident in the Pad 6, although the keyboard on that device does not include a touchpad.

There is a rationale behind my statement that the Xiaomi Pad 7 is a case of two distinct halves. The tablet, when utilized as a tablet, is nearly flawless. Even if one examines the chip hierarchy and claims it isn’t comparable. Aiding in this endeavor is HyperOS 2, with further refinements expected in the coming months. Certain AI features are also set to launch with software updates, including Xiaomi Creation and AI Writing. Robust battery endurance (chargers in the box as well) and a chip that remains cool even under strain are indicators of Xiaomi’s efforts to refine the Android tablet experience. However, regarding the keyboard inconsistencies with the touchpad, I cannot ascertain if these are hardware issues or if they can be resolved through software updates. I will defer my judgment on the keyboard for now, yet as a tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 7 (especially when paired with the sleek Focus Pen for writing, drawing, and sketching) is unquestionably worthy of your attention and investment.