Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Review: Mini Tablet With a Mini Price

Because the title suggests Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a compact pill, with an 8.7-inch display and 12.5cm in complete widget. This was as soon as a standard format for a pill, however as with telephones, the scale has grown over time and tablets this small are actually a uncommon sight.

That in itself may be tempting, and the beginning value of simply £119 within the UK makes it a really interesting possibility. How does it fare in real-world utilization? Learn on to search out out.

Design & Construct

Sadly, with this low-cost pill, you additionally get a number of funds {hardware}. For one, it’s a tool constructed fully out of plastic, and it reveals in all the things from the look to the grip really feel. A gray-blue, ribbed again transitions to flat sides after which to (the one factor that isn’t plastic) a Gorilla Glass 3 floor in entrance of the display.

Nevertheless, it rapidly accumulates a lot mud and grime that it nonetheless will get an inexpensive vibe. On the plus facet, the pill is IP53-rated, which suggests it could stand up to water splashes with out injury. This may be reassuring when you’re outdoors with it and it begins to rain. No must panic.

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Display & Audio system

The show is an easy IPS LCD panel with 800 x 1340 pixel decision, weak colors and slim viewing angles. Nevertheless, the display can attain brightness ranges of as much as 600 nits, which suggests I can use it in daylight, so long as it’s not direct daylight.

It has a refresh charge of as much as 90Hz. It provides a bit of nicer scrolling in paperwork, and generally on net pages, if the processor and graphics can generate them quick sufficient.

So is it a superb pill to stream movies on? Sure and no. Its Wi-Fi 5 connection is quick sufficient, which is what most 4K TVs nonetheless run on, so that ought to do the trick. However the display isn’t essentially the most engaging, and even the audio system aren’t the very best quality, regardless of good stereo unfold and Dolby Atmos help.

Specs & Efficiency

Sadly, they solely do a few of the time. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is powered by the 2020 MediaTek Helio G85 chipset.

At some factors, its age is palpable, similar to older DDR4 RAM reminiscence, restricted digicam help and simply 4G moderately than 5G too. Elsewhere, the cameras within the pill are very primary and the one connectivity you get is Wi-Fi 5, which isn’t a significant challenge, however the efficiency simply isn’t good.

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With eight cores, together with two “high-performance” ones that weren’t at their peak even when the chipset first got here out, it’s not quick. Average RAM reminiscence and sluggish eMMC storage contribute to sluggish app launches and a number of micro-pauses on the interface, like after I change display orientation or kind on the on-screen keyboard. This isn’t disqualifyingly dangerous, however it may be annoying.

The Mali-G52 MC2 graphics aren’t sufficient to noticeably play video games with 3D graphics, however the pill can deal with some less complicated titles. For some cause, GFXBench and 3DMark don’t appear to need to obtain and set up their benchmarks on the Redmi Pad SE, so I don’t have any figures on how sluggish it’s, nevertheless it’s something however quick. Additionally, anticipate lengthy loading instances and the identical danger of random bugs as there as within the browser.

Battery Life & Charging

Nevertheless, you do get a battery that’ll final you from morning to nighttime, if not effectively into the following day. It’s 6,650mAh in measurement, and with roughly the identical energy consumption when you’re watching movies or searching and operating workplace apps, it could final a full working day.

Simply be sure you keep away from power-hungry apps similar to Instagram and TikTok, in any other case battery life will likely be considerably diminished.

By way of charging, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is proscribed to simply 18W. There’s additionally solely a 10W adapter included within the field, which means going from empty to full will take a very long time.

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Cameras

If you wish to run video conferences on the pill, the selfie digicam is practical, however the microphone sound is poor, so that you’ll need to join a headset for that.

The selfie digicam is definitely extra dependable than the rear digicam, which has vital issues focusing and by no means will get pixel-level element in both video or images.

Software program & Apps

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s personal HyperOS pores and skin excessive.

Which means a complete bunch of additional apps, from climate to its personal safety and system optimisation app and a music participant. You additionally get Netflix pre-installed.

It’s simple to navigate on the entire, when you get used to a few of the quirks of the interface. However it’s noticeable that it places a number of load on the graphics card in comparison with an Android pill with much less bloatware.

It’s not clear if Xiaomi has any Android updates deliberate for this pill, however don’t rely on it. Assume it hangs on and will get safety patches for possibly two or three years. Then it may be time to get a brand new one. Or get a greater pill now. It’s as much as you and your funds.

Worth & Availability

Within the UK, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 begins at £119 for 64GB of storage or £139 for 128GB.

It’s out there immediately from Xiaomi or through Amazon, the place there are sometimes reductions out there.

Like all Xiaomi merchandise, it’s not out there within the US, although you could possibly import one.

At this value, it’s one of many least expensive funds tablets you should buy.

Do you have to purchase the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7?

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is comparatively inexpensive, however there are too many compromises for most individuals to noticeably take into account shopping for it.

As an alternative, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a greater all-rounder that’s typically out there for the same value.