Why the biggest rival is neither Apple nor Samsung - Xiaomi Pad 9 review verdict
With the Pad 9, Xiaomi is pursuing a decidedly controversial strategy. While new tablet generations are usually associated with more performance, better displays, and additional features, Xiaomi's new mid-range tablet feels like a minimal refresh.
Our review, which includes extensive measurements of the Pad 9, reveals that the new Xiaomi tablet is more of a “Pad 8S” - if that. However, this is not necessarily bad news for anyone interested in Xiaomi's 2026 generation, as even the Pad 8 is among the strongest tablets in its price bracket.
The question raised by our review is: Why not opt for the cheaper model from last year (prices for the Pad 9 start at $525)?
Our Xiaomi Pad 9 test measurements also reveal weaknesses
Based on our test data, Xiaomi still offers one of the most well-rounded packages for around $500. Xiaomi continues to make a very strong impression in 2026, especially compared with the current entry-level iPad. In particular, the 11.2-inch LCD, with a brightness of up to 802 cd/m², high color accuracy, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and no PWM, together with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 , which still handles everyday tasks with ease, provides an excellent basis in the mid-range segment. What's more, the Xiaomi tablet also offers much better battery life in a direct comparison with the iPad Air 11 or iPad Air 11.
However, our Pad 9 measurements also reveal weaknesses that really should not occur in a successor, given what its predecessor offered. Despite a larger 9,720 mAh battery, Xiaomi has not improved battery life. Speaker sound quality has also taken a step backward. In a direct comparison with the Pad 8, the successor currently offers no real advantages that would justify buying it - despite its higher prices and currently limited availability.
At the same time, the Honor MagicPad 4 shows that Xiaomi now faces serious competition in the mid-range segment. Those with a slightly larger budget can get a significantly brighter OLED screen from Honor and more processing power thanks to a fast Qualcomm SoC.
Source(s)
Review of the Xiaomi Pad 9
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