Redmi Pad 2: Stylish Display Upgrade, But Still Held Back by Old Hardware
Xiaomi’s new Redmi Pad 2 arrives as the follow-up to the 2022 Redmi Pad, offering some notable improvements but also raising a few eyebrows. Designed as an affordable media consumption tablet, the Pad 2 targets casual users, families, and students. However, enthusiasts may find themselves wishing for more under the hood.
The 11-inch IPS LCD display now boasts a sharp 2560 x 1600 resolution with a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. It’s also noticeably brighter, reaching up to 600 nits, and now supports stylus input via the Redmi Smart Pen – a clear nod to the creative and educational market.
But the improvements stop short when it comes to the processor. The so-called Helio G100 Ultra is essentially a rebadged Helio G99, which itself is a minor refresh of aging silicon. As some users have pointed out, this chipset lineage has been recycled one too many times – offering just enough power for video streaming and basic apps, but not much else. If you’re hoping to game or multitask heavily, expect limitations.
Still, Xiaomi has packed in a large 9,000mAh battery, offering decent longevity. Unfortunately, 18W charging means you’ll be staring at the charger for a good while – a full charge could take up to 4 hours. With no real fast-charging tech onboard, some might feel it’s a step backward in 2025.
Available in both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE variants, the Pad 2 offers flexible configurations – 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB storage, with support for microSD cards up to 2TB. The cameras are minimal (5MP front and 8MP rear), keeping the focus on utility rather than creativity. It ships with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15, which should offer smoother UI experiences compared to older MIUI versions, but isn’t free from criticism either.
Color choices include Graphite Gray, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple. Pricing starts at £169 for the base Wi-Fi model (4/128GB), with the 4G LTE variant starting at £219. While not the cheapest, it does undercut many competitors in the mid-range tablet space.
For overworked parents looking to keep their kids entertained, students needing a reading companion, or anyone just browsing YouTube on the couch, the Redmi Pad 2 delivers decent value. But for tech-savvy users expecting a performance bump worthy of 2025 – especially at this resolution – the chipset choice may feel like a missed opportunity. A better SoC like the Dimensity 6300 or 7300 would have elevated the experience meaningfully without breaking the budget.
In short: Great screen, big battery, outdated brain.