Vivo releases new budget iQOO tablet with fast display and high-end features

Vivo has released another affordable tablet, albeit under its iQOO subdivision this time around. For reference, the company launched the iQOO Pad almost a year ago, which it bases on a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset and a 12.1-inch display. Surprisingly, Vivo has now sought to offer a cheaper alternative with the Pad Air, despite the long gap since the release of the iQOO Pad.

As such, the Pad Air relies on a weaker chipset than the Pad, which Vivo complements with a smaller display. Specifically, the Pad Air utilises the Snapdragon 870, a Snapdragon 865 derivative. While the Snapdragon 870 is getting a little old in the tooth as smartphone chipsets go, it outperforms much newer options in our benchmarks, including the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. For reference, Vivo supports the Snapdragon 870 with at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, as well as an 8,500 mAh battery that supports 44 W wired charging.

Additionally, the Pad Air possesses an 11.5-inch IPS display, making the tablet marginally smaller than the Pad as a result. Nonetheless, the display outputs at 2.8K with a 144 Hz rate and 500 nits peak brightness, which all mirror the larger Pad. Moreover, the Pad Air has quad speakers for a peak 6 W output and can be paired with optional official stylus and keyboard accessories. The iQOO Pad Air starts at CNY 1,749 (~$243) in China with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Alternatively, the tablet can be ordered with up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for CNY 2,599 (~$361). Vivo has not confirmed availability for other markets yet though, making the iQOO Pad Air a Chinese exclusive for now.

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