Xiaomi expands storage options for its latest iPad mini rival with 165Hz display

Xiaomi released the Redmi K Pad 2 as a compact flagship tablet that's powered by a performance-focused MediaTek SoC. It may not be as compact as the iPad mini A15, with the 8.8-inch display, it's smaller than most of the top-end tablets that are available in the market.

The minimalist design even makes it look identical to the iPad mini from the back. At launch, Xiaomi offered this compact flagship tablet in three configurations: 8/256GB, 12/256GB, and 16/512GB. Ahead of the global debut, the company has introduced a fourth configuration, and it comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

As for the other specs, they remain the same. That includes the Dimensity 9500 SoC, which was able to hold a strong position in AnTuTu benchmark charts after its release. The display also remains the same, and for those who missed it, it's an 8.8-inch IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1,100 nits peak brightness rating.

A 9,100mAh battery powers the internals of the tablet, which is a relatively large capacity for a tablet of this size. For reference, the recently launched RedMagic Astra 2 has a 9.06-inch screen, but it features a smaller 8,300mAh battery.

Other than that, the tablet has an all-metal build, dual USB-C ports, a stereo speaker setup with Bose tuning, and stylus support (Lenovo Digital Pen 2  curr. $29.99 on Amazon). The newly added 16/256GB configuration will be available to purchase in China from July 20, 2026. There are no global launch details yet, but it's expected to launch internationally as the Xiaomi Pad Mini 2. Check out our launch coverage to learn more about the tablet.