I own a foldable phone. The idea behind foldables is to integrate the functions of a phone and a tablet in a single form factor. For the most part, it works for me but I still crave for a bigger screen especially when watching videos or reading books.
This is where my appreciation for the Xiaomi Pad Mini comes in. Here’s my full review.
Build and Design
The Xiaomi Pad Mini is a small tablet that feels just right in your hands. It’s about the same size as an iPad Mini, so you get that ultra-portable vibe that’s great for travel or quick couch use. The build feels premium and sturdy, with quality materials all around. Xiaomi didn’t cut corners here. It fits nicely in the hand and isn’t slippery or too thick.
This size is perfect for people who love reading or want a tablet that fits easily in a pouch. I found it super comfortable for long reading sessions, especially for books or comic issues. Holding and using the Pad Mini for hours never gets tiring, thanks to its weight and balance.
My only complaint is I would often find myself stashing the Xiaomi Focus Pen elsewhere when I feel like holding the tablet with my right hand.
Display
The screen on the Xiaomi Pad Mini is sharp and bright. Colors pop, and watching shows or playing games looks great. It’s easy on the eyes, too. The bezels are slim, so the screen feels even bigger than it is. I could comfortably read comics or binge-watch a series without straining my eyes or wishing for a bigger display.
One thing Xiaomi got right is the tuning – the display is vivid, and outdoor visibility is okay for a small tablet. It’s not the best out there, but it gets the job done and feels just as competitive as the iPad Mini for most daily scenarios.
Hardware
Here’s where Xiaomi really impressed me: the hardware packs a flagship chipset (MediaTek Dimensity 9400+), and the device’s pricing is super competitive. Most tablets at this size are expensive or go mid-tier with their chipsets. Xiaomi brought in a flagship-level processor, which makes the Pad Mini super responsive.
What’s special is that this chipset isn’t dated. Even with the Dimensity 9500 recently announced, this chip is still fresh and relevant. Multitasking feels effortless; you can open up to four apps simultaneously—two side-by-side, and two more floating on top. I tested this a lot, and everything remained smooth.
There’s plenty of storage for a small tablet, enough RAM to keep several apps alive in the background, and it handles almost anything you throw at it.
Benchmark
If you care about numbers, the Xiaomi Pad Mini scores high, as expected for a device with new flagship silicon. But honestly, benchmarks only tell half the story. Real-world use is flawless. There’s no stutter jumping between apps, and games run without issues.
I spent time pushing this tablet by installing Gamehub and trying out some Steam games for PC emulation. Titles like Eastward, Fields of Mistria, Megabonk, and Silksong ran perfectly. No lag, good frame rates, and reliable controls. This isn’t something I expect from a tablet this size, so this was a pleasant surprise. Gamers will really appreciate this level of performance in such a compact device.
Software and Other Software Features
Xiaomi’s UI on the Pad Mini is clean and easy to navigate. There’s a lot of flexibility for users who want to multitask. Ofour apps at once is something you don’t get on most small tablets. The software is stable, and Xiaomi Pad Mini keeps things smooth by optimizing memory and background processes.
Productivity and reading-centric features shine here. The tablet offers good note-taking and reading tools. The one bit of feedback: while I liked using the new Focus Pen (more later), the Mi Canvas drawing app felt limited. For basic notes, it’s fine, but artists might want more features or a third-party option.
Camera
The cameras on the Xiaomi Pad Mini are alright, but don’t expect smartphone-level detail or low-light magic. They’re mostly here for video calls or quick snaps when you don’t have your phone at hand. For scanning documents or hopping on a Zoom call, the quality is enough. But if you want to take good photos, stick to your phone or a dedicated camera.
Audio
Sound quality is surprisingly good for a tablet this size. It gets loud enough to fill a room, and the clarity is impressive. I noticed less distortion at higher volumes as well, and the sound remains punchy and pleasant. If you like watching movies, listening to songs, or gaming, you’ll be happy with what the Xiaomi Pad Mini delivers. Given its size, the audio output is one of its best features.
Battery
Battery life is on another level. The Pad Mini easily lasts a couple of days with regular use, and if you’re not gaming or watching videos nonstop, it might just be one of the best-performing batteries in the small tablet scene. You won’t worry about running out of juice midway through the day. Long reading sessions, gaming, or video binging. The best part here is that you get a lot of screen time before you need to charge.
Accessories and Extras
I appreciate that Xiaomi is thoughtful with what’s in the box. The new Focus Pen works well, and it’s responsive and comfortable to use. It can handle basic sketching, writing notes, and navigation. That said, the Mi Canvas app felt a bit basic. I hope Xiaomi adds more features or allows easier integration with pro-level apps.
Also, while the included accessories are useful, a keyboard case would be even better. A mini keyboard would turn the Pad Mini into a tiny productivity powerhouse, especially for those who type a lot on the go.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad Mini nails the small tablet formula. It stands tall against the iPad Mini, offering fast, reliable performance, a brilliant display, excellent battery life, and features that make it perfect for reading, gaming, and multitasking. There are a few areas to improve: better creative software and a dedicated keyboard case would be nice. But for its price of PhP25,999 and what you get, it’s tough to beat.
If you want a small, powerful tablet for reading, gaming, or everyday use, the Xiaomi Pad Mini should be at the top of your list. It’s rare to find this much power, flexibility, and battery life in such a compact package. The few minor drawbacks don’t take away from what’s a fantastic tablet experience.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
