Redmi Pad 2 first impressions: Familiar formula, focused upgrades

Time of India

4 hours ago

Xiaomi
has launched the
Redmi Pad 2
in India, expanding its tablet portfolio with a focus on entertainment, learning and everyday productivity. The new tablet starts at Rs 13,999, and brings improvements like a larger battery, sharper display, and updated software with
Xiaomi HyperOS 2
as compared to its predecessor. Built to meet everyday usage needs, the Redmi Pad 2 combines reliable specs with accessories that add versatility. While our full review is underway, here are our early observations from using the device.
Design and display
The Redmi Pad 2 brings a slim and minimal design. The tablet has a full-metal build and comes in two variants: Wi-Fi only and a 4G+Wi-Fi model. With a 7.36mm thickness and over 500 grams in weight, the device is designed to be portable and simple to use in hand or on a desk. The device also comes with an IP52 rating for basic dust and splash protection.
It features an 11-inch IPS display that supports 2.5K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. During our limited time with the tablet, we found that the display offers a balanced viewing experience across streaming, reading and browsing. The 10-bit panel reaches up to 600 nits brightness in outdoor mode. TÜV Rheinland certifications for Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free viewing suggest it's intended for long-duration use, especially for students or remote workers.
Audio is handled by a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, which sounds good enough to fill a small room during video playback or calls.
Performance and software
The
MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra
chipset powers the Redmi Pad 2. The tablet comes with up to 8GB of RAM, with an option of expanding up to 8GB of virtual memory, and up to 256GB of storage, expandable via microSD. The onboard Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is capable enough to handle graphics for light creative apps and casual gaming.
The software experience is powered by Android 15-based Xiaomi HyperOS 2, designed to unify the experience across Xiaomi devices. The skin comes with features like call sync, shared clipboard, and multi-device file sharing, making it easy to move content between a phone and this tablet. The UI is minimal, and our initial use didn't show many bloatware or ad-heavy elements.
Battery and charging
A major focus of the Redmi Pad 2 is its 9000mAh battery, one of the largest in this price segment. The tablet supports 18W fast charging and comes with a 15W charger in the box. Xiaomi seems to be targeting all-day use across streaming, video calls, and productivity with this battery setup.
Camera and accessories
The rear features an 8MP camera, while the front has a 5MP sensor suited for video calls and basic selfies. Camera performance will matter more for work-from-home or student users, and we'll evaluate its image quality further in the full review.
The tablet also supports the Redmi Smart Pen, which offers low-latency stylus input, and the Redmi Pad 2 Cover, which includes a 360° foldable stand and sleep/wake support. Both are sold separately but work seamlessly with the device. However, there is no keyboard support for this model.
What we think
The Redmi Pad 2 aims to offer reliable performance, a decent display, and a big battery at a budget price. With options for connectivity, Xiaomi's updated HyperOS, and stylus compatibility, it's positioned as a useful everyday tablet for a wide audience, from students and remote workers to casual streamers. We'll be evaluating its multitasking abilities, camera clarity, and software refinement in our full review.