Redmi Pad 2 Pro Hands-On: First Impressions of Xiaomi’s Midrange Tablet

Xiaomi’s latest showcase wasn’t just about phones – it also brought us the first proper look at the Redmi Pad 2 Pro, and our hands-on impressions suggest Xiaomi has crafted a tablet that could easily punch above its midrange label. Priced at €380, the Matte Glass edition is clearly designed to look and feel more premium than the cost might imply.

The design leaves a strong impression from the start.

The aluminum unibody has that cool-to-the-touch feel that instantly signals quality, and while it tips the scale at 610 grams, the weight distribution makes it feel lighter in hand. At just 7.5mm thin, this tablet manages to balance durability with portability in a way that will appeal to frequent travelers and casual at-home users alike.

Front and center is the 12.1-inch IPS LCD with a 1600 x 2560 resolution, a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Xiaomi advertises up to 600 nits of brightness, which isn’t groundbreaking compared to premium rivals, but indoors the screen looked crisp and clear. The matte finish is the star here: by scattering reflections, it keeps glare under control even under strong indoor lighting. On a large screen, that practical choice really pays off.

The audio experience is supported by four Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers. Volume is satisfying, but the jury is still out on bass depth. Some users of previous Redmi tablets noted weak low-end, so we’ll be digging deeper into sound quality in our full review.

Examining the hardware layout, Xiaomi kept it familiar: power button and a pair of speakers on top, volume rocker and microSD slot on the side, and the remaining speakers plus a USB-C port and the rare sight of a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom. The one obvious miss is the absence of a fingerprint reader. Many expected at least a side-mounted scanner, especially since brands like OnePlus now treat it as a given. It’s a puzzling omission that leaves unlocking duties entirely to PIN, password, or face unlock.

Xiaomi’s accessory lineup is another highlight. A flip cover, keyboard case, and a Smart Pen stylus with 4,096 pressure levels are all available. Both cover and keyboard offer a stylus holster, solving the perennial problem of misplaced pens. Given the rise in stylus-friendly note-taking and creative apps, this thoughtful design decision could make the Pad 2 Pro an affordable productivity device.

Under the hood, the tablet packs a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 paired with a colossal 12,000 mAh battery. On paper, that combo suggests extended longevity, whether you’re streaming, working, or sketching. Charging tops out at 33W – far from blazing fast, but more than acceptable at this price, especially compared to rivals that stick with slower standards.

In terms of performance, first impressions are promising. Browsing, streaming, and juggling multiple apps felt seamless during testing. HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 handled tasks without noticeable stutter, and Xiaomi already confirmed a HyperOS 3 update is on the way. That commitment to software support is reassuring for those planning to keep the device long-term.

At this stage, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro looks like a well-balanced midrange contender: premium feel, solid display, promising performance, and thoughtful accessories. Of course, only a full review with extended benchmarks and battery tests will reveal whether it truly delivers on all fronts. For now, though, Xiaomi seems to have found the sweet spot between price, practicality, and polish.