Regarding tablets, Xiaomi has been quietly making waves with its lineup of affordable yet feature-packed devices. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is the latest addition to this growing family, and it’s clear that Xiaomi isn’t just resting on its laurels. Building on the success of the Pad 6, the Pad 7 brings a host of upgrades that aim to make your tablet experience smoother, brighter, and more enjoyable. But here’s the big question: is the Pad 7 really worth the upgrade, or does the Pad 6 still hold its ground as a solid choice?
The truth is, both tablets have their strengths, and choosing between them isn’t as straightforward as you might think. On paper, the Pad 7 looks like the obvious winner—better display, faster performance, quicker charging—but the Pad 6 isn’t exactly slouching either. It’s still a capable device that offers great value for money, especially if you’re not chasing the latest specs. And let’s not forget, some features that made the Pad 6 so appealing are missing on the Pad 7, which could be a dealbreaker depending on how you plan to use your tablet.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Pad 7 and Pad 6 share a lot of similarities when it comes to materials. They both have metal frames and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. This gives them a premium feel without breaking the bank. You won’t be disappointed with either tablet if you like sturdy and well-made gadgets. That said, some subtle differences set them apart.
The Pad 6 has a matte aluminum finish on the back, which looks sleek but can attract fingerprints and smudges if you’re not careful. On the other hand, the Pad 7 opts for a glass-like finish that feels smoother and more polished. It’s one of those small changes that make the Pad 7 feel just a tad more modern and refined.
Now, let’s talk about dimensions because the Pad 7 isn’t just a carbon copy of the Pad 6. The newer model is slightly wider, a bit shorter, and thinner than its predecessor. Specifically, the Pad 7 measures 6.2mm thick, while the Pad 6 is 6.5mm thick. In terms of weight, the difference is minimal—the Pad 7 weighs 500g, compared to the Pad 6’s 490g.
You might be wondering, “Does 10 grams really matter?” Honestly, not much. Both tablets are still lightweight enough to hold comfortably for extended periods. But here’s where the design tweaks start to make a difference: the Pad 7’s wider and shorter form factor gives it a more square-like aspect ratio, closer to something like an iPad. This makes it feel more balanced in your hands, especially if you’re using it in landscape mode for watching videos or gaming.
One area where the Pad 7 pulls ahead is the bezels—or lack thereof. The newer model has thinner bezels compared to the Pad 6, which makes it look more modern and gives you a slightly larger display without increasing the overall size of the tablet. The Pad 7 boasts an 11.2-inch screen, while the Pad 6 sticks with an 11-inch display. Again, it’s not a massive difference, but those extra millimeters add up when you’re scrolling through documents or watching movies.
There’s one notable difference, though: the Pad 7 includes an IR blaster hidden in the camera module. If you love controlling your TV or other devices with your tablet, this could be a handy little feature. Unfortunately, the Pad 6 doesn’t have this luxury, so you’ll need to rely on third-party apps or external remotes.
If you’re looking for big changes in the placement of buttons and ports, you might be disappointed. Both tablets feature the same layout: power button and volume rockers on the side, quad speakers for immersive sound, and a USB-C port for charging and connectivity. Even the camera modules are positioned similarly, though the Pad 7 gets a slight redesign that mimics Xiaomi’s newer smartphone lineup (think Xiaomi 14 series), while the Pad 6 leans more toward the older 13 series aesthetic.
Let’s not beat around the bush—both tablets are built to last. The metal backs and Gorilla Glass 3 front panels ensure they can handle everyday wear and tear without showing too many signs of damage. Sure, the glass-like finish on the Pad 7 might be a magnet for fingerprints, but that’s a small price to pay for the sleeker look. And if you’re worried about durability, rest assured that neither tablet feels flimsy or cheap. They’re solid, well-constructed devices that won’t leave you second-guessing your purchase.
One design element worth mentioning is the flat edges on both tablets. Gone are the days of rounded, slippery designs that feel awkward to hold. The flat edges give both the Pad 7 and Pad 6 a more modern, professional vibe, making them feel like devices you’d want to take to work or use for productivity tasks. Plus, they make it easier to grip, especially if you’re using the optional keyboard accessory.
Both tablets come with magnetic strips for attaching the stylus and Pogo pins for connecting accessories like keyboards. This is where things get a bit tricky. While the Pad 6 works seamlessly with the Xiaomi Pen 2 and Pro Keyboard, the Pad 7 requires the newer Focus Pen and Focus Keyboard. If you already own accessories for the Pad 6, this could be a downside since they aren’t cross-compatible. On the flip side, the newer accessories for the Pad 7 are designed to match its updated aesthetic, so you’re getting a more cohesive experience if you’re starting fresh.
Display Comparison
First, you’ll notice that the Pad 7 has a slightly larger screen at 11.2 inches, compared to the Pad 6’s 11-inch display. While the difference might not seem huge at first glance, those extra millimeters actually make a noticeable impact when you’re using the tablet for extended periods. The Pad 7 also boasts a higher resolution: 2136 x 3200 pixels versus the Pad 6’s 1800 x 2880 pixels.
What does this mean for you? Well, the Pad 7 delivers sharper images, crisper text, and more detailed visuals overall. Whether you’re reading documents, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching your favorite shows, everything just looks cleaner and more refined on the newer model. It’s like upgrading from HD to 4K on your TV—the difference isn’t always glaring, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
One area where the Pad 7 really pulls ahead is brightness. The newer tablet peaks at 800 nits, while the Pad 6 maxes out at 550 nits. This might not sound like a big deal if you mostly use your tablet indoors, but trust me—it makes a world of difference when you’re outside or in well-lit environments.
Imagine trying to watch a video on your tablet while sitting by the pool or working on a document near a sunny window. On the Pad 6, you’d probably have to crank up the brightness to the max and still squint a bit. With the Pad 7, the brighter display cuts through glare much better, making it easier to see what’s on the screen without straining your eyes. If you frequently use your tablet outdoors or in bright rooms, this alone could be a reason to go for the Pad 7.
Both tablets feature an IPS LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. However, the aspect ratios differ slightly due to the size of the displays. The Pad 6 has a 16:10 aspect ratio, while the Pad 7 leans closer to a square-like aspect ratio (closer to an iPad).
Both tablets support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which means you’re getting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels. Watching HDR content on either device is a treat, but the Pad 7’s higher brightness makes HDR videos pop even more. Scenes with bright highlights—like sunlight reflecting off water or fireworks lighting up the night sky—look stunning on the Pad 7.
In terms of color accuracy, both displays are pretty similar. They don’t use AMOLED technology, so you won’t get the same level of inky blacks as you would on something like a Samsung Galaxy Tab S series. But for the price point, the IPS LCD panels on both tablets deliver solid performance. Colors are rich, and viewing angles are wide enough that you won’t lose quality when sharing the screen with someone else.
Both tablets offer a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which ensures ultra-responsive interactions. Whether you’re drawing with a stylus, playing fast-paced games, or navigating apps, the screen feels snappy and precise.
Performance and Software
The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 6 both offer solid performance for their price points, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, while the Pad 6 uses the older Snapdragon 870. At first glance, the Snapdragon 870 might sound impressive—it was a flagship processor back in 2021—but the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a significant upgrade in almost every way.
- CPU Performance: The Pad 7 crushes the Pad 6 in terms of raw processing power. Geekbench scores show that the Pad 7 delivers around 50% better single-core performance and 30% better multi-core performance compared to the Pad 6. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better handling of demanding tasks like photo editing or gaming.
- GPU Performance: The difference in graphics performance is even more striking. The Adreno 732 GPU in the Pad 7 is about three times faster than the Adreno 650 GPU in the Pad 6. If you’re into gaming—especially graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile—the Pad 7 will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. You’ll notice fewer frame drops, faster load times, and better visuals overall.
In real-world usage, the Pad 6 still holds up well for everyday tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, or taking notes. But if you want a tablet that can handle heavier workloads or keep up with the latest apps and games for years to come, the Pad 7 is the clear winner.
RAM and Storage
Another area where the Pad 7 pulls ahead is memory. While the Pad 6 maxes out at 8GB of RAM, the Pad 7 offers configurations with up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM. This extra RAM makes a noticeable difference when you’re multitasking—switching between apps feels snappier, and you’re less likely to encounter slowdowns or lag.
Storage options are similar on both tablets—you can choose between 128GB and 256GB models. However, the Pad 7 uses UFS 4.0 storage, which is significantly faster than the UFS 3.1 found in the Pad 6. What does this mean for you? Files transfer quicker, apps install faster, and everything just feels more responsive. It’s one of those under-the-hood improvements that might not seem important at first, but once you experience it, you won’t want to go back.
Software
Software plays a huge role in how enjoyable and secure your tablet experience is. The Pad 7 ships with Android 15 and HyperOS 2, while the Pad 6 runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14 (though it may eventually get updated to HyperOS). Here’s why this matters:
- New Features: The Pad 7 benefits from all the latest features and optimizations in Android 15 and HyperOS 2. These include improved multitasking tools, better app scaling for larger displays, and enhanced privacy controls. The Pad 6 isn’t far behind, but it lacks some of the refinements introduced in newer versions of the OS.
- Software Updates: Both tablets promise two years of major software updates and three years of security updates, which is great news for long-term usability. That said, starting with a newer version of Android gives the Pad2 a slight edge because it’ll stay current longer before reaching the end of its update cycle.
One small downside of the Pad 7 is that it doesn’t support video output via USB-C, unlike the Pad 6. If you frequently connect your tablet to external monitors or TVs, this could be a dealbreaker. Otherwise, the Pad 7’s software experience feels more polished and modern.
Cameras and Multimedia Features
When it comes to tablets, cameras aren’t usually the first thing people think about—after all, most of us aren’t running around snapping photos with our tablets. However, having decent cameras can make a big difference for video calls, Zoom meetings, or even scanning documents. So, how do the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 6 stack up in terms of camera quality and multimedia features?
Rear Camera
Both the Pad 7 and Pad 6 come equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera, which is pretty standard for tablets in this price range. On paper, they’re identical—both shoot 4K video at 30fps and handle basic photography tasks like scanning documents or capturing quick snapshots.
However, the Pad 7 does have a slight edge when it comes to low-light performance. While neither tablet will replace your smartphone for nighttime photography, the Pad 7’s brighter display and improved processing power help reduce noise and improve clarity in dimly lit environments. This means that if you’re taking photos indoors or in low-light conditions, the Pad 7 will produce slightly better results.
That said, let’s be real here—tablets aren’t designed to be your primary camera device. If you’re expecting DSLR-quality photos, you’ll be disappointed. But for casual use, both tablets get the job done without much fuss.
Front Camera
The front-facing cameras on both tablets are also identical, featuring an 8-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 1080p video at 30fps. These cameras are more than adequate for video conferencing, online classes, or virtual meetings.
One thing worth noting is that both tablets have wide-angle lenses on the front camera, which is great for group calls or showing off your surroundings. You won’t feel cramped or boxed into a tiny frame during Zoom calls, and the wide field of view ensures that everyone in the room can be seen clearly.
In terms of video quality, both tablets deliver crisp, clear footage with good audio thanks to their quad speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
Audio Experience
Let’s talk about audio because, honestly, this is where tablets shine as multimedia devices. Both the Pad 7 and Pad 6 feature quad speaker setups with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive sound that fills the room. Movies, games, and music sound fantastic on either tablet, but the Pad 7 has a slight advantage here.
- Pad 7: The speakers on the Pad 7 are louder and have a bit more bass compared to the Pad 6. This makes a noticeable difference when you’re watching action-packed movies or playing games with intense sound effects. The audio feels richer and more dynamic, enhancing your overall entertainment experience.
- Pad 6: Don’t get me wrong—the Pad 6 still sounds great. Its quad speakers provide clear, balanced audio that’s perfect for everyday use. But when you compare it side by side with the Pad 7, the newer model just edges out in terms of volume and depth.
Both tablets also support high-res audio playback (up to 192kHz/24-bit) through their speakers or compatible headphones.
Microphone Quality
Another important factor for video calls and voice recordings is microphone quality. Both tablets feature internal microphones that capture clear, crisp audio. During video calls, your voice comes through loud and clear, even in moderately noisy environments.
Battery Life and Charging
The Xiaomi Pad 7 packs a slightly larger battery at 8,850mAh, compared to the Pad 6’s 8,840mAh. While the difference is negligible—just 10mAh—it’s worth noting that the Pad 7 has a brighter display and a more power-hungry processor. This means that even though the battery is slightly bigger, the Pad 7 might drain a bit faster during heavy use.
In real-world testing, both tablets deliver similar battery life:
- Pad 7: Around 6-7 hours of continuous screen-on time.
- Pad 6: Approximately 5-6 hours of continuous screen-on time.
For most users, this translates to a full day or more of mixed usage (browsing, streaming, gaming, etc.) before needing to recharge. If you use your tablet sparingly throughout the day—checking emails, watching a few videos, or taking notes—you’ll likely get two days or more out of either device.
One area where the Pad 7 pulls ahead significantly is charging speed. The newer tablet supports 45W fast charging, while the Pad 6 maxes out at 33W. Here’s what that means for you:
- Pad 7: Charges from 0% to 100% in just 80 minutes. This is incredibly fast for a tablet, allowing you to quickly top up your device during short breaks.
- Pad 6: Takes closer to 2 hours to fully charge, which is still decent but noticeably slower than the Pad 7.
Connectivity
Both tablets offer solid connectivity options, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision depending on your needs.
- Bluetooth:
- Pad 7: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, which offers better range, stability, and lower power consumption compared to the Pad 6’s Bluetooth 5.2.
- Pad 6: While Bluetooth 5.2 is still plenty capable, it doesn’t match the newer version in terms of efficiency and performance.
- Wi-Fi:
- Pad 7: Supports Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6 GHz band in addition to the standard 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This means faster speeds, lower latency, and less congestion on crowded networks.
- Pad 6: Sticks with Wi-Fi 6, which is still fast and reliable but doesn’t have the cutting-edge capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E. If you live in an area with lots of Wi-Fi networks (like an apartment building), the Pad 7’s Wi-Fi 6E will give you a smoother online experience, especially during video calls or gaming sessions.
- Video Output:
- Pad 7: Unfortunately, the Pad 7 does not support video output via USB-C, which is a downside if you like connecting your tablet to external monitors or TVs.
- Pad 6: On the other hand, the Pad 6 supports video output through USB-C, making it a better choice if you frequently use HDMI adapters to project content onto larger screens.
Accessories
Accessories can transform your tablet into a productivity powerhouse, but there’s a catch when it comes to compatibility between the Pad 7 and Pad 6.
- Stylus:
- Pad 7: Requires the new Focus Pen, which is specifically designed for the Pad 7. It offers low latency and a natural writing/drawing experience, but it’s not compatible with older models.
- Pad 6: Works with the Xiaomi Pen 2, which is a great option for note-taking and sketching. However, it’s not cross-compatible with the Pad 7.
If you already own accessories for the Pad 6, this could be a downside of upgrading to the Pad 7. You’ll need to invest in new accessories, which can add to the overall cost.
- Keyboard:
- Pad 7: Compatible with the Focus Keyboard, which turns the tablet into a mini-laptop for productivity tasks like typing documents or managing spreadsheets.
- Pad 6: Works with the Pro Keyboard, which offers similar functionality.
Magnetic Strips and Pogo Pins
Both tablets come with magnetic strips for attaching the stylus and Pogo pins for connecting accessories like keyboards. These features make it easy to attach and detach accessories without fumbling around with cables or clunky setups.
- Pad 7: The magnetic strip and Pogo pins are designed to match the newer Focus Pen and Focus Keyboard, ensuring a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
- Pad 6: Similarly, the Pad 6’s magnetic strip and Pogo pins work seamlessly with the Xiaomi Pen 2 and Pro Keyboard.
While the functionality is the same, the Pad 7’s updated design gives it a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and compatibility with newer accessories.
Xiaomi Pad 7 vs Xiaomi Pad 6: Detailed Comparison Table
Below is a comprehensive comparison table summarizing the key differences and similarities between the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Xiaomi Pad 6. This table will help you quickly identify which tablet suits your needs better.
| Feature | Xiaomi Pad 7 | Xiaomi Pad 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | ~€260 | ~€400 |
| Display Size | 11.2 inches | 11 inches |
| Resolution | 2136 x 3200 pixels | 1800 x 2880 pixels |
| Brightness | Up to 800 nits (Peak), 600 nits typical | Up to 550 nits |
| Aspect Ratio | Closer to square (iPad-like) | 16:10 |
| Bezel Size | Thinner bezels | Slightly thicker bezels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Snapdragon 870 |
| GPU | Adreno 732 | Adreno 650 |
| RAM Options | 8GB / 12GB (LPDDR5x) | 6GB / 8GB (LPDDR5) |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Battery Capacity | 8,850mAh | 8,840mAh |
| Charging Speed | 45W fast charging (0-100% in ~80 minutes) | 33W fast charging (~2 hours for full charge) |
| Software | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 13, MIUI 14 (upgradable to HyperOS 2) |
| Software Updates | 2 years of major updates, 3 years of security updates | Same as Pad 7 |
| Rear Camera | 13MP, 4K video recording @ 30fps | 13MP, 4K video recording @ 30fps |
| Front Camera | 8MP, 1080p video recording @ 30fps | 8MP, 1080p video recording @ 30fps |
| Speakers | Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, louder and richer sound | Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6E, IR Blaster | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Audio Support | Wired and wireless high-res audio (192kHz/24-bit) | Wired high-res audio only |
| Stylus Compatibility | Focus Pen (not compatible with Pad 6 accessories) | Xiaomi Pen 2 |
| Keyboard Compatibility | Focus Keyboard | Pro Keyboard |
| Weight | 500g | 490g |
| Thickness | 6.2mm | 6.5mm |
| Build Material | Metal frame, glass-like finish on back | Metal frame, matte aluminum finish on back |
| Video Output via USB-C | Not supported | Supported |
| MicroSD Slot | No | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Final Thoughts & Prices
Both the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 6 are excellent tablets. The Pad 7 represents a step forward in almost every aspect—display, performance, charging speed, and connectivity—making it the better long-term investment. However, the Pad 6 still holds its ground as a reliable and affordable option, especially for those who prioritize budget-friendly pricing and accessory compatibility.
First off, the good news—pricing hasn’t really changed much between the two generations. The Xiaomi Pad 7 starts at around €260, while the Pad 6 originally launched at about €400 for the base model. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, the Pad 7 is actually cheaper?” Well, kind of. Pricing can vary depending on your location and whether you’re looking at older stock or newer releases, but overall, Xiaomi has managed to keep the price tag pretty reasonable. That’s a win in my book.
But here’s the kicker—the Pad 7 offers better specs for less money compared to the Pad 6 at launch. For example, you’re getting a brighter display, faster charging, and a more powerful processor without paying a premium. So, if you like to stretch their dollar (or euro, or rupee), the Pad 7 is already starting to look like the smarter choice.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Now, let’s talk about whether upgrading from the Pad 6 to the Pad 7 makes sense. If you already own the Pad 6, I’ll be honest—it’s not a must-buy situation. Sure, the Pad 7 brings improvements, but if your current tablet is still ticking along nicely, you might not notice enough of a difference to justify the expense. On the flip side, if you’re buying a new tablet and trying to decide between the two, the Pad 7 is absolutely worth the slightly higher price tag. Why? Because you’re essentially future-proofing your purchase.
Think about it: the Pad 7 has a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, which is leaps and bounds ahead of the Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 6. It handles heavy tasks like gaming, photo editing, and multitasking with ease, whereas the Pad 6 might start to struggle a bit under pressure. Plus, the Pad 7 supports up to 12GB of RAM, while the Pad6 maxes out at 8GB. Again, these aren’t massive differences for casual users, but if you want a tablet that’ll keep up with your demands over the next few years, the Pad 7 is the way to go.
Value for Money
Let’s zoom out for a second and think about what each tablet offers for the price. The Pad 6 is still an excellent option if you’re on a tight budget. It has a solid build, decent performance, and a great display for its class. If you’re mainly using it for watching videos, browsing the web, or taking notes, it’ll do the job just fine. Plus, it’s compatible with accessories like the Xiaomi Pen 2 and the Pro Keyboard, which add a lot of versatility if you’re into productivity.
But—and this is a big but—the Pad 7 takes everything the Pad 6 does well and cranks it up a notch. You’re getting a brighter screen (800 nits vs. 550 nits), faster charging (45W vs. 33W), and better software support (Android 15 vs. Android 13). These upgrades might sound minor on paper, but trust me, they make a noticeable difference in day-to-day use. For instance, the brighter screen is a game-changer if you often use your tablet outdoors or in well-lit rooms. And the faster charging? That’s clutch when you’re in a hurry and need a quick top-up.
