I received my Mi Pad 2 (Android 16GB version) today It’s powered by an Atom X5 Z8500, 2GB of Ram and has a fully laminated 2048 x 1536 7.9″ iPad mini screen that’s super sharp. I’ll be putting this tablet through its paces over the next few days seeing just how this $194 iPad mini clone performs.
My first impressions:
- Excellent build quality for the price – As good as an Apple iPad Mini build?
- Thin and light
- The screen is fully laminated which is rare for a cheap Chinese tablet, in fact any Chinese tablet. Would love to see all future tablets fully laminated.
- MIUI 7 seems fluid (More hands-on time needed)
- Speakers are impressive for the size. Good volume and some bass even. One of the best speakers I’ve heard on a tablet from China
- USB Type-C port works with my Apple Type C Multiport adapter (USB port, HDMI and Type C charging). But charging via the adapter looks to need an Apple 24W Type C charger. The stock 5v 2A charger doesn’t seem to have enough power to trigger charging.
- Just over 12GB free.
- Headphone jack supports 4 pole, so mics and remotes work. Audio quality is clear, without static and loud.
Without a doubt this has to be the highest quality 7-8″ tablet around from China, for this price you don’t normally get a premium build with a metal unibody, fully laminated retina screen and under 7mm thin. Xiaomi has a great tablet on their hands, now I’ll be checking to see if it throttles and how it performs against other X5 Z8500 tablets.
If only it had a MicroSD slot and 4GB of RAM. I hope Xiaomi releases a 9.7″ tablet with this build quality, but 4GB of RAM and MicroSD support. HDMI out isn’t as big out isn’t a big issue as Type C should support it with an adapter at least.
I do plan to get the Windows 10 version and will also review it. So far, so good, this looks like a perfect little tablet for media and gaming on the go. But I would stay away from the 16GB version and go for 64GB, with 12GB free on the 16GB model it will never be enough for MP3 collections and games.
I got my Mi Pad 2 from Gearbest for $194 with coupon Pad2WSX