Tablet bargain with caveats: Xiaomi Pad 8 can hit its limits in everyday use

Our review of the Xiaomi Pad 8 claims that it makes more expensive tablets practically obsolete. Needless to say, this was phrased somewhat provocatively, because there are certain situations in which the Xiaomi Pad 8 might not be sufficient for everyday use, whether it's for fun or for work. In those cases, you may still need a top-tier tablet from Apple, Samsung or other brands.

What the Xiaomi Pad 8 offers

First, let’s take a look at what the Xiaomi Pad 8 brings to the table. At the moment, it’s only available via import, but it will probably hit the European market in the near future. Until then, prospective buyers can order the Android tablet at TradingShenzhen for under €340.

For that price, you get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which is very fast and also offers many high-end features. A long update promise of 6 years is also included, as are pen support and a very bright, responsive and PWM-free display.

You can find more details on the hardware in our detailed review.

The limitations

Since the Pad 8 is very affordable, Xiaomi cannot perform miracles either. As a result, there is still room for improvement in these areas:

• internal storage maxes out at 256GB
• no fingerprint sensor
• no cellular connectivity or GPS
chassis is not IP-certified, meaning it’s neither dust nor waterproof
• no microSD slot for storage expansion

Good for work, but not always

Users can take advantage of a dedicated desktop mode, which naturally requires some adjustment for users who are used to a Windows or Mac device. The optional keyboard cover is also a great addition, as it allows the tablet to replace a laptop in some situations.

Pen input works smoothly thanks to many pressure levels and modes, while the WiFi connections can be very fast with the corresponding router.

Our verdict

There are definitely situations in which the Xiaomi Pad 8 is entirely sufficient and allows users to save a lot of money, especially for those who are looking to buy multiple tablets for the family or business. However, there are also limitations that should be considered before placing an order.

For everything else, we recommend checking out our detailed Xiaomi Pad 8 tablet review.