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Xiaomi MiPad 2 Tablet Review

iPad Mini clone. The Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi launches a 7.9-inch tablet dubbed MiPad 2 on the market that is a carbon copy of Apple's iPad Mini. Unlike its Cupertino twin, the MiPad 2 is powered by Google's Android operating system and is relatively affordable. It has quite a lot to offer for its price...

For the original German review, see here.

Xiaomi offers a compact Android tablet in its second generation with its MiPad 2. It is lighter, thinner and smaller than its predecessor. Apparently, Xiaomi closely follows Apple's iPad Mini model in terms of design, choice of materials, size and screen resolution.

Intel's Atom X5-Z8500 64-bit quad-core processor enclosed in a metal unibody casing is inside the MiPad 2. The screen has a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, which results in a very good 324 PPI at a size of 7.9-inches. It thus offers the Retina resolution known from Apple. The IPS panel by Sharp is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. A highlight of the MiPad 2: It already integrates the twist and turn safe Type-C port. Data is transferred and the non-removable, 6190 mAh battery is recharged via the new USB 3.1 standard.

The MiPad 2's current availability can only be ensured via import retailers. It is not yet known whether or when it will be officially sold in Germany. Perhaps more information will be provided at the opening of the Mi.com shop in May. Importers demand a price starting at approximately 200 Euros for the colors Champagne Gold or Dark Gray.

Having virtually identical screen specs and comparable dimensions, the MiPad 2 could be a possible alternative for the more expensive Asus ZenPad S 8.0 and Apple iPad Mini 4, and also for the low-priced Archos 97 Titanium HD.

Xiaomi MiPad 2 (Mi Series)
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8500 4 x 1.4 - 2.2 GHz, Cherry Trail
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
7.90 inch 4:3, 2048 x 1536 pixel, capacitive, multi.-touch, 16 m colors, IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
16 GB eMMC Flash, 16 GB 
, 12.93 GB free
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo headphone / microphone jack, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, OTG
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 6.95 x 200.4 x 132.6 ( = 0.27 x 7.89 x 5.22 in)
Battery
6190 mAh Lithium-Polymer, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 12.5 h
Operating System
Android 5.1 Lollipop
Camera
Primary Camera: 8 MPix F2.0
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: on-screen, USB Type-C, Fast Charge, Bluetooth, HD, MIUI 7, 12 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
332 g ( = 11.71 oz / 0.73 pounds), Power Supply: 51 g ( = 1.8 oz / 0.11 pounds)
Price
200 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Unlike its predecessor, Xiaomi uses a metal rather than plastic casing for its MiPad 2. It is made of matte, brushed aluminum, which gives the tablet a superb feel. At a size of 200.4 x 132.6 millimeters, the MiPad 2 is compact and its weight of 322 grams makes it pleasant to hold. The just 6.95 millimeter casing houses the 3.5 millimeter audio jack in addition to volume controls and power button. The tablet's plastic keys are well-built in total. The MiPad 2's front is completely covered by scratch-proof glass. Three touch-sensitive keys for controlling the tablet are below the display.

We have to generally praise the fact that the MiPad 2's casing is just as good as its considerably more expensive rivals in terms of build and stability. The stiffness is also very good. Nothing dents even under high pressure (no cracking noises).

240 mm / 9.45 inch 184 mm / 7.24 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 640 g1.411 lbs203.2 mm / 8 inch 134.5 mm / 5.3 inch 6.6 mm / 0.2598 inch 298 g0.657 lbs203.2 mm / 8 inch 134.8 mm / 5.31 inch 6.1 mm / 0.2402 inch 304 g0.67 lbs200.4 mm / 7.89 inch 132.6 mm / 5.22 inch 6.95 mm / 0.2736 inch 332 g0.732 lbs210 mm / 8.27 inch 148 mm / 5.83 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 2.9 g0.00639 lbs

Connectivity

The 16 GB internal eMMC flash memory is quite tight without storage expansion and makes buying the bigger 64 GB version recommendable. After deducting the operating system and preloaded apps, only 12.93 GB is available for personal use in the 16 GB model.

In addition to recharging the battery, the USB Type-C port also acts as the OTG host via OTG adapter, and it supports accessing external USB flash drives. However, mice and keyboards can also be connected to the tablet. A status LED, Wireless Display and the Fast Charge option are other highlights for a device from this price range.

Software

The MiPad 2 is not quite as up-to-date in terms of the used Android 5.1 Lollipop version. Xiaomi covers that with the seventh iteration of the proprietary MIUI user interface (V7). The user interface, analogous to the casing, visibly leans on Apple's iOS. Both the apps' design and controls look familiar.

MIUI V7 offers multiple additional features and customization options. The desktop can be altered according to personal taste. The screen's portion of blue light can be reduced in read mode and should make reading texts more comfortable. Another feature: Windows 10 can be installed on the MiPad 2 (64 GB model). The user officially has to decide which operating system, Android or Windows, is to be used. The MiPad 2 firmware is only available in Chinese or English.

Communication & GPS

The Wi-Fi module in the MiPad 2 supports the 802.11 ac standard, enabling theoretical data speeds of up to 1.3 GBit/s. Beyond that, it supports dual-band and thus using the 5 GHz band via the 802.11 ac is possible. The reception quality was very good in real-world use, and the Wi-Fi signal was stable. The tablet does not have a SIM-card slot for mobile Internet access. Xiaomi does not install a GPS module in the MiPad 2, either. The latest Bluetooth 4.1 standard can be used for wireless communication between the tablet and other end devices.

Video test calls via Skype functioned without problems using the installed front-facing camera. Both the call quality and volume of the incorporated speakers are very satisfactory and do not give reason for complaint.

Front-facing camera photo

Cameras & Multimedia

The rear-facing primary camera in the MiPad 2 has a resolution of 8 megapixels. It features a CMOS pixel sensor and achieves an aperture of f2.0. The pictures taken with the MiPad 2 in our sharpness test (test chart photo in defined artificial light) are throughout high-detail but look a bit hazy toward the edges. The color accuracy, determined by photographing ColorChecker Passport in controlled light conditions, is very good; only black and white exhibit a very visible grayish tint.

The image quality was not really convincing in our practical test. The pictures shot with the MiPad 2 are sometimes too dark in different light conditions (loss of details: ambient photo) or looked faded (ambient photo). The pictures exhibited a visible blurriness in low-light conditions (indoor photo). However, the 5-megapixel front-facing camera can record videos, for Skype calls among other things, in 1080p, which is more relevant for a tablet. The image quality is good.

Sharpness test chart
Sharpness test chart
Test chart
ColorChecker colors: original (below), photographed (above)

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3

Accessories

In addition to the modular charger (EU connector), only the required data cable for connecting the tablet is included for the MiPad 2.

Warranty

The Xiaomi MiPad 2 is shipped with a one-year warranty from purchase date. Our review sample, provided by Trading Shenzhen, came with the option of sending the device to a German mailing address in case of warranty claim. Thus, time-consuming shipping to China would not be necessary.

Input Devices & Handling

The device is controlled via three illuminated, capacitive buttons below the screen. The capacitive multi-touch screen made a good impression in the test. Inputs were implemented accurately and without delays. The double-tap-to-wake feature for activating the tablet from standby was also detected without fail.

It becomes evident that the MiPad 2 was not made for the German market when looking at the preloaded virtual keyboard. The user can only select between a Chinese or English layout. The latter functioned satisfactorily in the test. Users who have problems with the preloaded QWERTY keyboard can find an alternative in the Play Store.

On-screen keyboard (landscape mode)
On-screen keyboard

Display

Subpixel grid

The resolution of the LCD panel in the MiPad 2 is on par with rivals like the iPad Mini 4 or Asus ZenPad S 8. Content looks pleasantly sharp with a pixel density of 324 PPI on the 7.9-inch IPS screen.

The brightness measured at nine points shows a minor brightness loss toward the screen's edges. We measured a maximum brightness of 425 cd/m² in the center. An excellent rate that not even the iPad Mini 4 achieves. The IPS panel in the MiPad 2 also has an edge on its rivals in terms of black level and contrast. The brightness with enabled brightness sensor (max. 412 cd/m²) and evenly distributed dark and light areas (APL 50, 408 cd/m²) on the screen barely changed.

413
cd/m²
404
cd/m²
393
cd/m²
393
cd/m²
425
cd/m²
390
cd/m²
390
cd/m²
421
cd/m²
388
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 425 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 401.9 cd/m² Minimum: 2.66 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 425 cd/m²
Contrast: 1063:1 (Black: 0.4 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.98 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 5.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.65
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Apple iPad Mini 4
PowerVR GX6450, A8, 64 GB SSD
Archos 97 Titanium HD
Mali-400 MP4, RK3066, 8 GB SSD
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
PowerVR G6430, Z3580, 64 GB SSD
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Screen
4%
-23%
-5%
20%
Brightness middle
425
411
-3%
183
-57%
369
-13%
347
-18%
Brightness
402
421
5%
180
-55%
346
-14%
348
-13%
Brightness Distribution
91
91
0%
88
-3%
86
-5%
88
-3%
Black Level *
0.4
0.58
-45%
0.26
35%
0.37
7%
Contrast
1063
709
-33%
704
-34%
997
-6%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.98
2.15
57%
5.58
-12%
1.67
66%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.61
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.2
2.72
48%
4.67
10%
1.75
66%
Gamma
2.65 83%
2.29 96%
2.25 98%
2.27 97%
CCT
7249 90%
7012 93%
7927 82%
6361 102%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
70
95.4
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
86

* ... smaller is better

The screen's quality is subjectively convincing in real-world use. Content is high in contrast and colors look vivid but not oversaturated. Objectively, the measurements with the Colorimeter (CalMAN software) resulted in a somewhat too cool color reproduction (7249 K). Both grayscale levels as well as the primary and mixed colors displayed clear shifts compared with the sRGB reference in their average DeltaE aberrations (target range: <3). In view of the price that Xiaomi demands for the MiPad 2, it is a satisfactory rate.

sRGB ColorChecker (non-calibrated)
sRGB Saturation Sweeps (non-calibrated)
sRGB Grayscale (non-calibrated)
sRGB Colorspace (non-calibrated)

The IPS screen's viewing-angle stability is on a high level as typical for this panel type. Inverting colors or dimming is not visible even in extreme viewing angles. The outdoor legibility is well-possible thanks to the screen's high brightness.

Outdoor legibility
Viewing angles
Viewing angles
 

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
37 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 32 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 94 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 15 ms rise
↘ 23 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 49 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Performance

Intel's Atom x5-Z8500 quad-core SoC from 2015 and 2 GB of LPDDR3 RAM are responsible for smooth performance inside the MiPad 2. We only experienced noteworthy system lapses or stuttering during excessive multitasking. A somewhat larger working memory would have very likely improved multitasking capabilities, but it is certainly dispensable in view of the price. The Internet and storage performances (sequential read and write, 4K block random access) are also convincing.

The relevant benchmarks confirm the subjective performance impressions. The MiPad 2 largely ranges on par with some more expensive Android opponents. However, it cannot compete with the performance of an iPad Mini 4 particularly in graphics-driven benchmarks.

Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
2885 Points
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
931 Points
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
3170 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
3097 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
4195 Points +32%
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
990 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
1714 Points +73%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
1233 Points +25%
AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
73083 Points
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
13 fps
Apple iPad Mini 4
37 fps +185%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
19 fps +46%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
29 fps +123%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
32 fps
Apple iPad Mini 4
47.8 fps +49%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
28 fps -12%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
24 fps -25%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1572 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
1559 Points -1%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1261 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
612 Points -51%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1319 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
707 Points -46%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1580 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
1586 Points 0%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1300 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
830 Points -36%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1353 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
929 Points -31%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
20142 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
9844 Points -51%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
9031 Points -55%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
17240 Points -14%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
27537 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
25254 Points -8%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
14670 Points -47%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
20006 Points -27%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
25460 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
18737 Points -26%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
20201 Points -21%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
19317 Points -24%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
6.3 fps
Apple iPad Mini 4
15.3 fps +143%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
9.9 fps +57%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
11 fps +75%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
8.4 fps
Apple iPad Mini 4
21.5 fps +156%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
12 fps +43%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
10.4 fps +24%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
6.3 fps
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
4.7 fps -25%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
13 fps
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
6.9 fps -47%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
5.7 fps
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
8.4 fps
PCMark for Android - Work performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
5279 Points
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
6419 Points +22%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
5564 Points +5%
BaseMark OS II
Web (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
952 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
1059 Points +11%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
952 Points 0%
Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1609 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
2668 Points +66%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
1321 Points -18%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
876 Points -46%
Memory (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1379 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
902 Points -35%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
632 Points -54%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
593 Points -57%
System (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1921 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
3132 Points +63%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
1630 Points -15%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
2764 Points +44%
Overall (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
1419 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
1681 Points +18%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
0 Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
1044 Points -26%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
43.04 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
40.3 Points -6%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
7994 Points
Apple iPad Mini 4
9962 Points +25%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
8431 Points +5%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
7097 Points -11%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
4420 ms *
Apple iPad Mini 4
2557 ms * +42%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
4910 ms * -11%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
6512 ms * -47%
AndroBench 3-5
Random Write 4KB (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
13.96 MB/s
Archos 97 Titanium HD
0.29 MB/s -98%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
9.8 MB/s -30%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
9.68 MB/s -31%
Random Read 4KB (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
24.42 MB/s
Archos 97 Titanium HD
12.24 MB/s -50%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
27.5 MB/s +13%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
25.53 MB/s +5%
Sequential Write 256KB (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
56.4 MB/s
Archos 97 Titanium HD
57.7 MB/s +2%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
75.6 MB/s +34%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
47.45 MB/s -16%
Sequential Read 256KB (sort by value)
Xiaomi MiPad 2
147.9 MB/s
Archos 97 Titanium HD
14.54 MB/s -90%
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
143 MB/s -3%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
248.3 MB/s +68%

Legend

 
Xiaomi MiPad 2 Intel Atom x5-Z8500, Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 16 GB eMMC Flash
 
Apple iPad Mini 4 Apple A8, PowerVR GX6450, 64 GB SSD
 
Archos 97 Titanium HD Rockchip RK3066 1.5 GHz, ARM Mali-400 MP4, 8 GB SSD
 
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA Intel Atom Z3580, PowerVR G6430, 64 GB SSD
 
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE Samsung Exynos 5433 Octa, ARM Mali-T760 MP6, 32 GB eMMC Flash

* ... smaller is better

Games

Even if the DirectX 11.2 enabled graphics unit in the MiPad 2 does not come close to the performance of the Apple iPad Air 2, the HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) based on Intel's Gen8 architecture has enough power for smooth gaming performance. Demanding games like Real Racing 3 or Modern Combat 5 could be played without issues in the test.

Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3
Modern Combat 5
Modern Combat 5

Emissions

Temperature

The MiPad 2's surface temperatures were within an uncritical range for tablets in the test. Even during permanent full load, the device's surface never got unpleasantly warm not to say hot. The MiPad 2 averagely reached a maximum of 34.7 °C; it was just 31.6 °C in idle.

Max. Load
 38.1 °C
101 F
33.8 °C
93 F
32.5 °C
91 F
 
 38.6 °C
101 F
34.1 °C
93 F
32.8 °C
91 F
 
 36 °C
97 F
33.4 °C
92 F
31.8 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 38.6 °C = 101 F
Average: 34.6 °C = 94 F
33.3 °C
92 F
35.9 °C
97 F
36.4 °C
98 F
32.5 °C
91 F
36.3 °C
97 F
36.9 °C
98 F
32 °C
90 F
34.1 °C
93 F
34.8 °C
95 F
Maximum: 36.9 °C = 98 F
Average: 34.7 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  39.9 °C = 104 F | Room Temperature 21.9 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.6 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.6 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 36.9 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 33.3 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30.6 °C / 87 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.

Speakers

The stereo speakers in the MiPad 2 are very loud for a compact tablet, with over 95 dB. The sound is clear, and mid and high frequency tones are well-differentiated. Basses are hardly audible. The Pink Noise evaluation illustrates that a very low volume is primarily achieved in the bass range, as expected.

Speaker evaluation: Pink Noise
Speaker evaluation: Pink Noise

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The MiPad 2's idle power consumption is very high using minimum brightness and enabled flight mode. The high base consumption becomes evident when comparing the device's 3.33 watts with the measurements of the iPad Mini 4 (0.8 watts). The rate of 5.2 watts is clearly higher than that of the rivals also with maximum brightness and enabled communication modules. The power consumption even climbs to 9.3 watts in load conditions (Stability Test CPU + GPU). Only Archos' 97 Titanium HD surpasses that in the comparison field.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.03 / 0.19 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.33 / 5.01 / 5.19 Watt
Load midlight 8.32 / 9.33 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Gossen Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

Despite the relatively high power consumption, the 6190 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery achieved a runtime of 7 hours and 1 minute in the real-world battery test (brightness: 150 cd/m²). That is a good outcome compared with other Android tablets. However, it does not achieve the long runtime of the Apple iPad Mini 4 in the Wi-Fi test despite a much bigger battery.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
7h 01min
Xiaomi MiPad 2
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8500, 16 GB eMMC Flash
Apple iPad Mini 4
PowerVR GX6450, A8, 64 GB SSD
Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA
PowerVR G6430, Z3580, 64 GB SSD
Archos 97 Titanium HD
Mali-400 MP4, RK3066, 8 GB SSD
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE
Mali-T760 MP6, Exynos 5433, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Battery Runtime
28%
-19%
5%
WiFi v1.3
421
539
28%
340
-19%
442
5%
WiFi
366

Pros

+ decent, bright screen
+ thin and lightweight casing
+ USB Type-C
+ price:performance

Cons

- storage not expandable
- screen's color reproduction
- 2 GB of RAM only
- no GPS module
- no NFC

Verdict

In review: Xiaomi MiPad 2. Review sample courtesy of Trading Shenzhen Shop.

Xiaomi shows the possibilities for a tablet from the entry-level price range with its 2nd generation MiPad. The aluminum casing adds a certain degree of quality and stability. It is pleasant to hold with its compact dimensions and a weight of 322 grams. The connectivity is also generous for this price range: USB OTG, status LED, Fast Charge and USB 3.1 Type-C are present. Furthermore, the cameras are useful and the speakers are exceptionally loud for a device of this size. Only the installed 2 GB of working memory (RAM) and non-expandable storage of 16 GB (ROM) seem a bit undersized - particularly for a tablet. Xiaomi does not incorporate either a GPS module or NFC.

On the other hand, the screen is absolutely convincing. Good black level, high contrast and very good viewing angles characterize the IPS panel in the MiPad 2. Content also looks pleasantly sharp with 324 PPI.

Despite, or perhaps just for, the multiple similarities with Apple's iPad Mini, Xiaomi has done many things right in the MiPad 2. A successful total package.

Due to the lack of availability on the German market, Xiaomi's MiPad 2 is, and will likely remain to be, a rare tablet here. The affordable tablet from the Far East could be a real alternative for the more expensive Android rivals like the ZenPad S 8.0 or even for Apple's iPad Mini 4 for buyers who venture ordering via import companies.

Xiaomi MiPad 2 - 03/14/2016 v5(old)
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
80%
Keyboard
73 / 80 → 91%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
32 / 65 → 49%
Weight
86 / 40-88 → 96%
Battery
89%
Display
86%
Games Performance
47 / 68 → 68%
Application Performance
54 / 76 → 72%
Temperature
91%
Noise
100%
Audio
70 / 91 → 77%
Camera
56 / 85 → 66%
Average
73%
86%
Tablet - Weighted Average

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Marcus Herbrich, 2016-03-20 (Update: 2018-05-15)