Android tablets have long been in the background and have survived thanks to the efforts of Samsung and its One UI customization layer. But Xiaomi returned after several years without news with the Xiaomi Pad 5, one of the best proposals for its value for money. How does it compare to the iPad mini 6? We compare their characteristics, differences and prices.
With iPad mini (2021) and Xiaomi Pad 5
specifications |
iPad mini (2021) |
Xiaomi pad 5 |
---|---|---|
Dimensions |
195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3mm and 293 grams |
254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9mm and 511 grams |
Screen |
8.3 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 1488 x 2266 pixel resolution in 3:2 format, wide color space and True Tone technology |
11″ IPS LCD in 16:10 format with 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution, 60 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision and one billion colors |
Processor | Aries | storage |
Apple A15 Bionic | 4GB | 64 and 256GB |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 | 6GB | 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 |
cameras |
12 MP rear (wide angle) and 12 MP front (ultra wide angle) with center framing |
13MP rear | 8MP front |
battery |
Up to 10 hours of multimedia content consumption |
8720 mAh – fast charge at 33W and PD 3.0 |
operating system |
iPad OS 16 |
Android 12 and the MIUI for Pad Customization Layer |
connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.1 and DisplayPort |
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port |
Other |
Touch ID sensor, 5G option, stereo speakers, 2nd generation Apple Pencil support |
Four speakers and compatibility with accessories such as Xiaomi Smart Pen and Xiaomi Pad Keyboard, face recognition |
Price |
From 649 euros |
From €399.99 |
2021 Apple iPad mini (8.3-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Space Gray (6th generation)
- Screen: Although the design of both tablets is similar, straight lines and thin edges, the screens differ primarily in format; the iPad mini 6 is 3:2 while the Xiaomi Pad 5 is 16:10. The iPad format is pleasant to read, while the Xiaomi format, usually that of most tablets, is the classic for watching series and movies. Also, the Pad’s screen has 5 120 Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision supportthese are two very interesting additions.
- Processor, RAM and storage: iPad mini 6 integrates the Chip A15 Bionic along with 4GB of RAM and 64 or 256GB of internal storage. The Xiaomi Pad 5 relies on the Snapdragon 860 with 6 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal storage. The specs are fine on paper and it’s true that we’ll have good experiences with both tablets, but the iPad wins because of the good optimization Apple does to the software for the hardware mounted on it.
- cameras: Cameras aren’t “as important” on a tablet as they are on a smartphone, but if it’s going to be used for video calling, it’s important to keep an eye on them. And the iPad mini (2021) offers a better experience than the Xiaomi Pad 5 because of its sensor sensors. 12 MP and frontal with centered framing for good quality video calls. The Xiaomi’s meet the requirements, but are not as noticeable as those of the iPad.
- battery: Apple doesn’t offer much detail in this section and promises more than around 10 hours of video playback per charge. For its part, the Xiaomi Pad 5 has a battery of more than 8000 mAh and is supports fast charging at 33W and PD. Of course, if we configure it to 120 Hz, the autonomy will be significantly reduced.
- operating system: It’s a matter of taste to prefer iPadOS or Android, but Apple’s operating system has a larger catalog of applications adapted to large screens (although the Mini isn’t so much, that’s its forte). Google wants to work on that and is already changing it, first with its own applications and then with its new Pixel tablet. However, Android allows installing apps that aren’t possible in iPadOS or aren’t as easy as going to the App Store, like Kodi or retro game console emulators.
- connectivity: another point where the iPad mini wins because it has faster Wi-Fi and USB-C.
- Other: Stylus and other accessories can be used on both tablets via Bluetooth. We noticed that when it came to sound The Xiaomi Pad 5 has four speakers and Dolby Atmos compatibility, while the iPad has a stereo pair. However, when it comes to security, the Apple tablet with Touch ID wins, since the face recognition of the Xiaomi Pad 5 is not very good.
- Price: we end up with what they cost. The iPad mini (2021) Worth 250 euros more (from 649.99 euros) than the Xiaomi Pad 5 (from 399.99 euros). It must be taken into account that it is more powerful and has better connectivity, but its price may be excessive for many since its initial MSRP was 549 euros.
iPad mini (2021) VS Xiaomi Pad 5, which one to buy?

The strength of the 6th generation iPad mini is its size and therefore its screen and performance. It’s not easy to find such a powerful 8-inch tabletmaking it a very portable device that can run demanding apps and video games.
However, its size is also a double-edged sword, as with smartphones around seven inches it might not make as much sense to some people as it used to, especially if you want to use it to consume content. where the 11-inch screen of the Xiaomi Pad 5 is more convenient and moreover, it is compatible with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
2021 Apple iPad mini (8.3-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Space Gray (6th generation)
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