Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE Review – The BEST Budget Android Tablet Right Now!

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE has recently made its debut in the global market, presenting an enticing entry-level tablet option for consumers. Priced starting at $169, it offers an attractive package of an 11-inch 90Hz display, generous RAM and internal storage options, a sturdy metal build, and up-to-date software.
In this full review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Redmi Pad SE to ascertain whether it lives up to Xiaomi’s claims and if it stands as a strong contender in the budget tablet arena. We will start by unboxing the device and then explore its design, display quality, hardware performance, software experience, multimedia capabilities, battery life, and overall value proposition. Additionally, we will compare it with other tablets in its price range to help you make an informed decision about whether the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is the right tablet for your needs.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE Features

Unboxing the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

We embark on an exciting journey as we unbox the latest offering from Xiaomi – the Redmi Pad SE. Xiaomi has made quite a name for itself with its feature-packed yet budget-friendly devices, and the Redmi Pad SE aims to continue this trend. Join me as we delve into the unboxing experience of this highly anticipated tablet.
Upon unboxing the Redmi Pad SE, you’ll find a carefully curated set of accessories and essential components neatly packed inside the box. The star of the show, the tablet itself, takes center stage in the box. It flaunts a sleek and eye-catching design, setting the tone for the entire unboxing experience. You have all the necessary paperwork, including a warranty guide and a quick start guide, to get you acquainted with your new tablet and its features. While the Pad SE lacks LTE or 5G connectivity, it provides a Micro SD card slot. Also, provides a standard charger to juice up your tablet and a USB Type-A to Type-C Cable.

Note: It’s worth noting that Xiaomi does not include an optional keyboard cover or stylus with the Redmi Pad SE. These accessories can enhance productivity and creativity but need to be purchased separately.

Design and Build Quality

Now that we’ve unveiled the contents of the box let’s focus our attention on the Redmi Pad SE itself. When it comes to budget tablets, this tablet stands out not only for its affordability but also for its impressive design and build quality. Xiaomi, known for its value-driven products, has managed to craft a tablet that doesn’t feel like a compromise, even at its modest price point. While it may not be the most advanced tablet on the market, it still offers a compelling package.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you hold the Redmi Pad SE is its premium feel. Unlike many budget tablets that rely on plastic, Xiaomi has opted for a metal unibody design, which gives the tablet a sleek and solid appearance. The use of metal not only enhances the tablet’s aesthetics but also contributes to its overall durability. The primary rear camera is an 8MP. This camera is positioned on the back, alongside the back cover, following a design similar to many phones and tablets from the same brand. The design is functional, allowing users to capture images easily when holding the tablet in landscape orientation.

The Redmi Pad SE is impressively slim, measuring just 7.36mm in thickness. This slim profile, combined with the metal build, exudes a sense of sophistication. The tablet’s thin profile and weight of 478g make it easy to carry around. While it may not match the ultra-premium feel of high-end tablets like the iPad Pro, it certainly feels more substantial and luxurious than you’d expect in this price range.

The front of the Redmi Pad SE is dominated by its expansive 11-inch display. The tablet’s slim bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience, as there’s minimal distraction around the screen. Xiaomi’s decision to prioritize the display is evident, as the device’s front is all about maximizing the screen real estate. The front camera is discreetly positioned on the top bezel of the tablet, allowing for selfies, video calls, and conferencing.

Xiaomi offers the Redmi Pad SE in a variety of eye-catching colors, including lavender purple, graphic gray, and mint green. These color options add a touch of personality to the tablet, allowing users to choose a hue that aligns with their style. The playful color palette, coupled with the tablet’s slim profile and metal build, makes it look more expensive than it actually is. This is an essential aspect, as budget-conscious consumers often want a device that not only performs well but also looks good while doing so.

The Pad SE features a well-designed layout of ports and buttons, offering user-friendly accessibility. On the right side of the tablet, you’ll find the volume rocker and a Micro SD card slot for expandable storage. The last power button and speaker holes with the Dolby Atmos logo.

At the top, there’s a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, and there is a headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare on modern tablets. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a thoughtful touch for users who prefer wired audio options. This choice also speaks to Xiaomi’s commitment to offering a versatile and user-friendly device.

While the Redmi Pad SE excels in design and build quality, there are a few trade-offs that budget-conscious consumers should keep in mind. For instance, the tablet lacks a fingerprint reader, which has become a common feature even in mid-range devices. Instead, users will have to rely on traditional PIN or pattern unlock methods. Additionally, the transition from the screen to the body, while decent, doesn’t quite match the seamless, edge-to-edge look of premium tablets. There’s a small black plastic border that separates the display from the body. However, this is a minor aesthetic quibble given the tablet’s overall value proposition.

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE sets a high standard for design and build quality in the budget tablet segment. With its slim metal unibody, playful color options, and thoughtful control placement, it successfully combines style and functionality. While there are some minor trade-offs, such as the absence of a fingerprint reader, they are easily outweighed by the tablet’s impressive overall package. Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering quality at an affordable price is evident in the Redmi Pad SE, making it a compelling choice for users seeking an affordable yet well-designed tablet.

Display and Visual Experience

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE boasts a captivating visual experience that immediately catches the eye. With its 11-inch Full HD IPS display, and boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels with 207 PPI, this tablet offers an immersive canvas for all your content consumption needs. The slim bezels around the screen provide an 84% screen-to-body ratio, enhancing your viewing pleasure whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing the web, the display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance your viewing pleasure. While it may not match the pixel density of premium smartphones, it is more than sufficient for a tablet in this price range, ensuring that text and images appear crisp and clear.

What sets this tablet apart in its price range is its impressive 90Hz refresh rate. Most budget-friendly tablets are stuck at the standard 60Hz, but the Redmi Pad SE steps up the game. The 90Hz display ensures that animations are smoother, transitions are more fluid, and scrolling through content feels remarkably responsive.

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE doesn’t just stop at offering a 90Hz refresh rate; it complements this feature with a peak brightness of 400 nits. This level of brightness makes the tablet usable even in well-lit environments, such as outdoors or in a brightly lit room. The display’s ability to reach this level of brightness ensures that you can comfortably use it in various lighting conditions.

Reading Mode & Color Modes

For those who love reading digital books or articles on their tablets, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE comes equipped with a Reading Mode. This mode optimizes the display for extended reading sessions, reducing blue light emission to minimize eye strain. Moreover, the display supports various color modes, including Vivid, Saturated, and Standard. This flexibility allows users to customize the color profile to their preferences. Whether you prefer punchy and vibrant colors for entertainment or a more accurate representation for reading or work, the Redmi Pad SE gives you the choice.

Playing Content & Audio

In the market of budget tablets, Xiaomi has made quite a name for itself, consistently delivering affordable yet feature-packed devices. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is the latest addition to their tablet lineup, and while it comes with a wallet-friendly price tag, it surprisingly excels in the realm of streaming quality.

Playing the content on YouTube, was very smooth. You can play videos at a maximum of 1080p at 30FPS without any problems or lag, and up to 2K at best with some slight stutter. One of the main points of the Pad SE tablet has Google Widevine DRM L1, so with paid services like Netflix and Amazon Prime you can view 1080p High-quality cinema-level video and film, and this level may not be found on all budget Chinese tablets except for some models.

Equipped with four speakers, two on each side when held in landscape mode, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE offers a surprisingly immersive audio experience. The Dolby Atmos support enhances the sound quality, making it one of the strong suits of this budget-friendly tablet. The audio quality is well-balanced, providing crisp highs and decent bass for its size. Whether you’re catching up on the latest Netflix series or listening to music, the Redmi Pad SE ensures that your audio experience is thoroughly enjoyable. It’s not going to replace a dedicated sound system, but it’s more than sufficient for casual use and entertainment on the go.

Performance & Benchmark

At the heart of the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (SM6225) chipset, a relatively recent mid-range processor. It was released in Q4 2021 and is made on an efficient TSMC 6nm node. Its performance is equivalent to the MediaTek Dimensity 800U, and its Antutu score is weaker than the MediaTek Helio G99 Antutu score. The 680’s score is around 270k to 300k. It is built on a 6nm process and the Kryo 265 CPU architecture, and features an octa-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 2.4GHz.

This tablet is supported by options of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, also Redmi allows users to expand their RAM virtually by 3GB. This is paired with a generous 128GB or 256GB of internal storage expandable with a microSD card up to 1TB. This hardware configuration, especially the abundance of RAM, is quite impressive for a tablet in its price range.

The CPU performance of the tablet is commendable. In the Geekbench 5 multi-core test, the Redmi Pad SE stands out, almost reaching the same league as some mid-range tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. It delivers responsive performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, multitasking, and media consumption. The Redmi Pad SE delivered a multi-core score of 1,371 and 403 in the signal core, which is a considerable distance behind other budget tablets that aren’t that much more expensive.

Graphics Performance

However, when it comes to graphics performance, the Redmi Pad SE falls slightly short of expectations. The tablet’s GPU performance is notably weaker than some of its competitors, including its predecessor, the standard Xiaomi Redmi Pad. In benchmark tests, the Pad SE scores lower on graphics-related tasks, such as the 3D Mark Wildlife Test, compared to tablets in the same price bracket. This indicates that it may not be the ideal choice for those looking to use the tablet for demanding gaming or graphics-intensive applications.

Gaming Experience

Although the graphics performance may not be its strong suit, the Redmi Pad SE can still handle gaming to a certain extent. Games like Asphalt 9, Call of Duty, and PUBG Mobile can be played relatively smoothly, thanks in part to the ample RAM. However, it’s important to note that most games will likely need to be played at lower graphic settings to maintain a smooth gaming experience. For casual gamers or those who enjoy less graphically demanding titles, the Redmi Pad SE is still a viable option. It may not be the best gaming tablet, but it can handle light gaming sessions without significant issues.

What I think about Performance

In everyday use, the Redmi Pad SE offers a satisfactory experience. Browsing the web, watching videos, answering emails, and running productivity apps work seamlessly. The tablet’s generous RAM ensures that multitasking is relatively smooth, allowing users to switch between applications without significant lag. The general performance of the Redmi Pad SE makes it suitable for media consumption, reading, and light productivity tasks. Its performance is aligned with its budget-friendly price tag, offering good value for users seeking a tablet for essential functions.

Camera Capabilities

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is an affordable yet feature-rich tablet designed to cater to various entertainment and productivity needs. While tablets are not primarily known for their photography prowess, the Pad SE comes equipped with a camera system that serves its purpose well within its price range. It sports a modest camera setup. On the front, it features a 5MP camera, while the rear boasts an 8MP primary camera. While these specifications may not stand out in today’s era of smartphones with multi-lens configurations and high megapixel counts, they do serve their intended purposes.

Daylight Photography

In well-lit conditions, the Redmi Pad SE’s 8MP rear camera performs adequately. It captures reasonably sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. The autofocus feature helps ensure that your subjects are in focus, resulting in well-composed shots. This tablet’s camera can be handy for quickly capturing documents, notes, or snapshots of your surroundings.

While the rear camera handles daylight photography relatively well, the front-facing 5MP camera is more suited for video calls and basic selfies. It’s serviceable for virtual meetings and casual video chats but falls short of producing high-quality selfies compared to dedicated smartphones.

Low-Light Performance

As with many budget tablets, low-light photography is not the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE’s forte. The rear camera struggles to capture clear and noise-free shots in dimly lit environments. The lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) and low-light enhancements means that you’ll likely face challenges in obtaining usable photos in low-light conditions. For the best results, ample lighting or external light sources are recommended.

Video Recording

The Redmi Pad SE is capable of recording Full HD (1080p) videos, which is more than adequate for casual video recording. However, the absence of features like optical image stabilization can result in shaky footage, especially when shooting while moving. For recording stationary subjects or capturing moments during the day, the tablet’s video capabilities should suffice.

Front-Facing Camera for Video Calls

The 5MP front-facing camera serves its primary purpose effectively, which is video calling. It provides clear video quality for virtual meetings and online conversations. While it may not excel in capturing high-quality selfies, it fulfills the requirements of video conferencing and casual video calls.

What I think about Camera Capabilities

So, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE’s camera performance is best described as functional but not exceptional. It excels in well-lit conditions, where it can capture decent photos and videos suitable for daily documentation and casual photography. However, its limitations become evident in low-light scenarios, where image quality deteriorates due to the absence of advanced camera technologies commonly found in smartphones.

While the Redmi Pad SE’s cameras may not be a standout feature, it’s essential to remember that this tablet is primarily designed for media consumption, productivity, and entertainment. If you’re seeking a tablet with excellent camera capabilities, you may need to explore higher-priced options or consider using a dedicated smartphone or camera for your photography needs. Nevertheless, for its price range, the Redmi Pad SE offers a serviceable camera setup that complements its overall value as an affordable and versatile tablet.

Software and User Interface

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE Powered by Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top, offers a unique blend of customization, features, and user-friendly interactions. MIUI 14, known for its sleek design and intuitive user interface, offers a smooth and visually appealing experience. It introduces several enhancements and optimizations to the standard Android UI, making the Redmi Pad SE stand out from other tablets in its price range.

App Management

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Redmi Pad SE’s software is the way it manages apps. By default, all apps are placed on the home screen, eschewing the traditional app drawer. This organizational style may remind some users of iOS, making it easier to find apps directly on the home screen.

MIUI 14 offers various methods for organizing and managing apps. You can create folders, move icons around, or use Xiaomi’s built-in app categories to keep everything neatly arranged. While it may take a little adjustment if you’re used to an app drawer, many users appreciate this straightforward approach.

Split-Screen Multitasking

One standout feature of MIUI 14 is its robust split-screen multitasking capabilities. With this functionality, you can run two apps side by side, improving productivity and multitasking. It’s an excellent feature for a tablet, especially if you want to browse the web while watching a video or chat while working on a document.

Xiaomi’s customization allows you to quickly access split-screen mode, making it a breeze to use. Simply swipe down with three fingers on the screen to activate it, and you’re ready to go. This feature adds significant value to the Redmi Pad SE as a productivity tool.

Google Integration

While MIUI brings its own suite of apps and services, Xiaomi recognizes the importance of Google apps for many users. The Redmi Pad SE comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed, ensuring you have access to a vast library of apps, games, and services.

Furthermore, essential Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Chrome are readily available. This combination of MIUI’s customizations and Google’s ecosystem provides a balanced user experience that caters to both Xiaomi enthusiasts and those who rely on Google’s offerings.

Updates and Longevity

Xiaomi has been steadily improving its reputation when it comes to software updates and support. Many of their previous tablets, including the Redmi Pad series, have received consistent updates, both in terms of security patches and Android version upgrades.

While it’s essential to note that update experiences can vary depending on your region and the tablet’s specific model, Xiaomi’s commitment to keeping their devices up-to-date is a significant selling point. This bodes well for the Redmi Pad SE’s long-term usability, ensuring you can enjoy the latest Android features and improvements.

Battery Life & Charging

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is making waves in the tablet market for its affordability and solid features. Among its noteworthy attributes is its impressive battery life, a crucial factor for those seeking a dependable device for work, entertainment, and on-the-go usage. The Redmi Pad SE is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery, a generous capacity that promises extended usage without constantly hunting for a power outlet. While battery capacity is just one piece of the puzzle, it’s a promising start for a budget-friendly tablet like this.

One of the most significant selling points of the Redmi Pad SE is its impressive battery life. In real usage scenarios, this tablet lives up to its expectations, providing long-lasting endurance for various tasks. In a video playback battery test, streaming high-definition content continuously, this tablet managed to last well beyond 12 hours. With moderate usage that includes web surfing, email, and document editing, users can expect to squeeze out around 10-11 hours of battery life. This means you can comfortably use the tablet for a full day of work or study without needing to charge.

While the Redmi Pad SE isn’t a gaming powerhouse due to its budget-friendly hardware, it can still handle casual gaming quite well. In more demanding games like PUBG Mobile, the tablet offers around 6-7 hours of gameplay before needing a recharge. While this might not satisfy hardcore gamers, it’s a decent result for the tablet’s price range.

In addition to its impressive battery life, the Redmi Pad SE offers reasonable charging speeds. It includes a 10W charger in the box, which is somewhat modest compared to the fast chargers found on premium devices. However, the tablet’s efficient battery management helps balance this out. When charging the Pad SE from completely empty to full, it takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. While not blazingly fast, it’s quite acceptable, especially considering the substantial 8,000mAh battery.

Overall Verdict and Value Proposition

In a market dominated by high-end tablets from big players, Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad SE is a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious consumers. Priced starting at just $169, this tablet offers a compelling value proposition that’s hard to ignore. Let’s delve into the overall verdict and value proposition of the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE.

The Redmi Pad SE, priced aggressively for budget-conscious consumers, offers a mixed bag of features. Its strengths lie in its sleek design, an impressive 90Hz display, abundant RAM, and a relatively clean software experience. It’s a fantastic choice for multimedia consumption, web browsing, and everyday productivity tasks, and caters to the needs of casual users, students, and anyone seeking an entertainment device without breaking the bank. However, it falls short in graphics performance, making it less suitable for gamers or demanding professional use. Additionally, while the build quality is good, it lacks some premium touches found in higher-end tablets.

The value becomes even more apparent when compared to its sibling, the standard Xiaomi Redmi Pad, which was initially priced significantly higher. The SE version offers similar capabilities at a lower cost, making it a cost-effective choice for those who don’t require top-tier performance. While it may not be the most powerful tablet on the market, it strikes a balance between performance and affordability that’s hard to beat. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly tablet that covers the basics well, the Redmi Pad SE deserves a closer look.

We aren’t finished yet, Are you ready for an exciting shopping event? Aliexpress is about to shine a spotlight on an incredible deal. Get your wallets ready because the Redmi Pad SE is here, and it’s bringing along some fantastic offers you won’t want to miss!
During the SPOTLIGHT event on Aliexpress, you can unlock substantial savings on the Redmi Pad SE by using the “XMIO” discount code. With this exclusive code, you can enjoy extra price reductions on top of the already competitive prices.

Let’s take a look at the incredible discounts available:

Configuration	Original Price	Store Discount	XMIO Code Discount	Final Price
4GB+128GB	$169	-$20	-$10	$139
6GB+128GB	$199	-$40	-$10	$149
8GB+128GB	$219	-$50	-$10	$159
8GB+256GB	$239	-$60	-$10	$169

These discounts are available for a limited time, so be sure to mark your calendar for the World Premiere on September 26th at 07:00 PST. This is your chance to grab the Redmi Pad SE at an unbelievable price. But that’s not all! As a special treat, Redmi is giving away 200 PCS of free earbuds during the event. Imagine getting your hands on a fantastic tablet and also receiving free earbuds – that’s an offer that’s hard to resist.