I guess you already knew, in addition to the phone, Xiaomi also makes tablets. Creates them with the same principles as the other products they have in the catalog: offer enough for little money, without thinking too much on the Western market, and some criticism, as a fair resemblance to other devices.
This family of tablets is called MIPAD, and is the gadget in question in this analysis, in its second version. To be more specific, we are in the Mi Pad 2, which comes with many more changes than you would expect: a new internal hardware signed by Intel, and metal body , as seems to be the norm in their new creations.
There are a lot of Chinese tablets that tries to look like iPad mini, mi pad 2 provides transported to android format, for half price
The tablet, in two generations, has been accused of being a clone of iPad mini, and somewhere not without reason, as in the case of the appearance and format used.
But there are many more interesting things in it like to stand in such comparisons, if it has become famous not only for being affordable, offers things that may interest many potential buyers Android tablets.
Technical specifications
| Physical dimensions | 200.4 x 132.6 x 7 mm, 322 grams |
| Screen | 7.9 inches IPS |
| Resolution | 1,536 x 2,048 pixels (326ppp) |
| Processor | Intel Atom X5-Z8500 |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Memory | 16 / 64GB (you can enlarge) |
| Software version | MIUI 7 on Android Lollipop |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Cameras | 8 megapixels. 5 megapixel front |
| Battery | 6.190mAh (not removable) |
The new metal body feels very well
Sleeker, thinner and lighter than the first mi pad, its appearance is the section most wins in the renewal
Not only disappears plastic, but is thinner than her older sister: only 6.95 mm thick with a cool finish to be anything metal. You also have to assess its weight of only 322 grams.
There is a pretty good design work on this tablet, which we repeat, is valuable in the quite affordable product. The change in appearance with respect to the first Mi Pad is more pronounced when taking into account that the plastic of the original was ‘glossy’, and is now much more elegant.
The attention to detail also extends to colorful, available in several metallic colors: gold, pink, and gray. We find no point that can begrudge a ‘premium’ tablet like Samsung or more expensive iPads.
Why Intel?
Xiaomi chose well the hardware for the previous model, a Nvidia Tegra K1 looked like a solution for more expensive devices, but there it was and today still works very well. Why switch to Intel? It has to do with the claims of the Chinese brand to play with two operating systems.
The Mi Pad 2 can get on Android and Windows versions , and run the operating system Microsoft had to opt for a hardware X86 . Looking for some the best option before them is to use Intel, which is also eager to participate in a product sold significantly.
A Xiaomi likes Qualcomm, and this mi pad is the first product to use Intel, will be the first of many?
The chosen is an Intel Atom Z8500 X5, with four 64 – bit cores that can operate up to 2.2GHz. Our tablet is the Android version, and there can say that the thing promises, although there is some optimization work ahead.
It is generally more powerful than the Nvidia the previous model, but many tests indicate that chipset is not as powerful in the graphics, is priced at 25% of their inferiority in pure GPU work. Given that the has to do with a screen with 2.048×1.536 pixels, the thing is complicated, but the reality is that behaves quite well.
A tablet to play, it is not the most powerful on the market, but it works well with most major titles. Comfortable by size and weight
Proving demanding games the performance is good enough for a tablet of mid-end. I can complain about the low rate of frames in a FIFA 16 or Mortal Kombat X, which may well, is because of a lower GPU, or less optimization. Others like Asphalt 8 or Real Racing 3 go very well.
In normal use of the tablet is useful to know that there is an operation mode Performance / Balanced, depending on which one is active, it shows the change of screens and transitions.
As for RAM, it has 2GB DDR3 format. I think I had not been bad at double that amount to improve the life of the tablet, and the Windows version works best, but if you wanted to have a low price, it seems that there was no other way. In Benchmarks Intel hardware does a good job:
Autonomy
He would not be free to shake it and turn it into a metal tablet; the first casualty is space for the battery, which is now 6,190 mAh. Remember that last year’s model had a unit 6.700mAh possible balance is achieved thanks to the technology used to create the chip Intel: 14nm.
Apart from achieved real power, people of Intel have in hand the 14nm manufacturing technology, greater autonomy, and fewer warm-ups
It may seem therefore that autonomy is not the most remarkable aspect, but not bad in practice – almost always higher than the 5 hours of extensive use, like playing -. If use is moderate navigation or reading, we can quickly go to ten hours. Speaking of reading, there is a Reader mode, which adapts the screen and extends autonomy.
We have also passed specialized tests like PCMark, we go above 8 hours (not to test to reach 20%, with half brightness and WiFi connected).
I have not found significant problems in warm-ups; it seems that Intel has worked pretty well this hardware. I do not know if things will change with Windows 10, much more demanding on resources.
Remarkable display, square format
The Mi Pad is especially like tablets Apple for its format and is passed from widescreen considering that the 4: 3 was the best option to consume content on tablets, also creating the best form factor to catch her hands.
Same size and pixel density a mini tablet apple knew who had to look
Until the screen size is traced with 7.9 inches, and the same screen resolution: 2.048×1.536 pixels. Total retina display for Xiaomi product, and a perfect setting for sailing watch videos, or play.
Many definitions, super touches drive, and good quality parameters in the IPS LCD panel, except the brightness levels that could be better, something that is noticeable outdoors.
We must appreciate that the screen is built in what is known as “fully laminated”, or what is the same, all components – LCD, touch sensor, and protection – are embedded in the same element. They get better thickness thus also better performance and are not the norm among Chinese tablets.
The basic option gives us 16GB, 64GB choose
If you can choose, the price difference between the two sizes of Mi Pad 2 is great, but if you opt for 64GB you put away some problems in the future. None of the models can be expanded since there is no microSD card slot.
In addition, it is not at all clear can install Windows on existing models because today they are two tablets sold as different models, but what is certain is that the 16GB system Microsoft does not fit. If in the future we are taught how to put Windows on the Android version, changing the ROM, better if you have 64GB. The version I have is the 16GB and can say that factory 12GB leaves us free to us.
Cameras
We cannot ask the impossible, an affordable tablet that also have amazing cameras, it sounds impossible. The truth is that they are more than decent, both the 8 and the 5 megapixels. Both recorded in 720p, and the front looks great on video.
The lens used is the best spent on close shots like macros, that photos of landscapes or many chiaroscuri. On the negative side, we can take missing an LED to the back, which is always useful in other things as becoming flashlight.
Connectivity and audio
Most striking of a tablet with few connections is its port USB Type-C reversible, which is centered on the bottom of the Mi Pad 2. Through this standard can send data, load, and even video, there is only to have appropriate adapters and software.
It also has its downside, is that there is still a little supply of cables and adapters, or at least not what we have at home. Comment that despite modern connector, no quick charge (about three hours to charge to full).
The rear speakers are pretty good, we offer a decent volume for videos and games, and are heard clearly. Say that in the back there are a couple of microphones, so even no noise cancellation and use it as a method of communication, such as video calls.
Good sound system at an affordable tablet, highlights your speakers
The sound output exiting the jack is also very profitable, with good headphones is better than usual, clear and without interference listening.
The tablet can only be purchased in WiFi format, no 4G or GPS, and there is no NFC if we find FM radio, something not very common in tablets.
MIUI 7
With a very attractive, identical to the one we have known in the phone, MIUI image presented in this tablet in version 7. There is also its weakness, is that there is nothing to throw party larger screen, again we find a telephone interface enlarged or widgets I find interesting.
Mini 7 is simple, customizable, and is updated frequently, does not take advantage of tablet size
Soft in most cases, is mounted on Android 5.1. Depending on the version that comes standard, we can find more or fewer bugs; always try to have a stable ROM.
There is much irrelevant Chinese application that we put aside, and some main not going well, as the browser, easy solution: Chrome load. Meter Google services is a job that we have to do the same if the ROM does not come with them. There are different forms, from an installer found in Google Play, to get us the APK.
I like the interface at all times, have an oblong version, and the other vertical. Many gestures, customization possibilities, a way for use by smaller, another reading, FM radio, or an LED that changes color with notifications.
Yet in order the Mi Pad 2 is very comfortable to use for weight and dimensions also like to check when you have in your hands is very well done. Some will hate me for making comparisons, but I would say that is the closest thing there is to a mini iPad, Android.
We are witnessing a remarkable gadget for those who have no problem tinker; somewhat less interesting for those who want everything to go right from the package is opened. Of course, the price is outstanding.
Once known for its Android version, I remain eager to know how Windows 10 on this device, I hope to have the opportunity to test the system Microsoft on a Mi Pad 2.