Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Review: Cheap Hidden Gem For 2024?

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 offers a compact and affordable solution for anyone looking for an entry-level tablet. With an 8.7-inch display, solid performance and an attractive price, this device is particularly aimed at users who travel a lot or need an inexpensive tablet for simple tasks.

The new inexpensive Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 currently costs just around 130 USD and even manages to set new standards in this price sector in some aspects. Even if it lags behind the competition in terms of external design, it clearly shows that it is the inside of a tablet that counts.

In addition to the version, we tested with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, the tablet is also available with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM and in the colors Graphite Gray and Sky Blue.

According to Xiaomi, the storage space can also be expanded up to 2TB via micro-SD. The tablet can also be purchased with either Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity. The latter variant offers a SIM card slot.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7: Bright display with strong colors

The 8.7-inch display with an aspect ratio of 5:3 and an HD resolution of 1340×800 pixels scores with a remarkable brightness of 500 nits, which can even be increased to 600 nits in the tablet’s outdoor mode, making it 100 nits brighter than the current iPad mini (6th generation). The brightness is comfortable, making the tablet easy to use outdoors.

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 also scores with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, which makes the display fast and fluid. The 10-bit color depth of the display is not an innovation in itself, but the pad’s colors are rich in contrast and saturated in a balanced way.

Various color modes can also be configured in the settings. Pixels or blurred curves are of course easy to spot up close but are rarely noticeable from a normal distance. Overall, the display makes an excellent impression for the price and looks very high quality.

Impressive performance despite an older processor

The Xiaomi Pad SE 8.7 is equipped with a slightly older MediaTek Helios G85 octa-core processor, which initially suggests a weak CPU performance. This is confirmed in the benchmark tests, where the tablet performs similarly to the Lenovo Tab M9 and is outperformed by the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, which has the newer Helios G99 processor.

However, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 made a solid impression during testing. It was possible to switch quickly between different apps and even picture-in-picture videos could be played smoothly at the same time. In comparison, the A9 often had a hitch here, so the Xiaomi felt faster in reality.

Games are enjoyable too

Graphics-intensive games such as PubG Mobile or Asphalt Legends Unite run smoothly, but the graphics quality is greatly reduced and cannot be set higher than HD in PubG.

Nevertheless, it was possible to play without any noticeable restrictions on the flow or dynamics of the game. Less complex games, on the other hand, also run smoothly and are fun to play. For example, we were able to play Agar.io or Hay Day without any major graphic or performance restrictions.

Despite the older processor, the Pad manages a lot here and can keep up very well with the competition. It is ideal for casual games, and the large battery is also a decisive advantage.

Software

There is no information or promises from Xiaomi regarding updates, but we assume that it will receive at least two version updates and some security updates, as was the case with the last two Xiaomi tablets.

The device currently runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS interface and relies on a limited range of basic functions. For example, it is not possible to open two apps side by side. However, this benefits the performance of the pad.

Long-term video streaming thanks to a large battery

Another point in which the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 stands out is its large 6650 mAh battery. According to Xiaomi, this can be charged with an 18W power adapter, although this must be purchased separately.

The battery lasts a full 10.5 hours when playing an HD YouTube video at full screen brightness (no outdoor mode) and 90Hz refresh rate, which is an impressive result. The Galaxy Tab A9, on the other hand, only managed 6.75 hours under the same conditions.

Thanks to the bright, colorful display and the large battery, video streaming in HD and with Widevine L1 classification is possible on the pad. The integrated speakers offer decent sound for this price range, which usually sounds pleasant thanks to the Dolby Atmos integration. However, Dolby Atmos is only perceptible when your face is in close proximity to the display, which will rarely be the case in reality.

Plastic case with rickety buttons

As soon as it was unpacked, it was noticeable that Xiaomi only uses a plastic casing for the design, which only looks mediocre. The back is slightly ribbed, which improves the grip, but does not make the pad any more elegant.

In addition, all buttons are somewhat rickety to operate. An earpiece for the 4G version or online calls is built into the center of the top edge of the screen and, in addition to the outdated USB-C 2.0 port, there is also a 3.5 mm AUX port for headphones or headsets. The unusual design of the rear camera is also noteworthy.

Nice camera features

The pad’s rear camera has 8 megapixels, and the front camera has 5 megapixels. Both cameras can record videos at 1080p and 30 FPS. In terms of what you can expect at this price, both cameras make a reasonable impression.

In sufficient light, pictures and selfies can be taken that are impressive and the video mode, for example, is equipped with a teleprompter function that allows text to be read from the screen while filming. The camera performs poorly in low light. The images are very noisy and in night mode they look very washed out.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 scores with a remarkably beautiful and fast display, a large battery and perfectly solid performance. However, the tablet does not offer a wide range of functions and is only of mediocre build quality.

It is well suited for use on the go and for all apps with low or average graphics requirements. If you are looking for an affordable and solid 8-inch tablet, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is an excellent choice. But as I said, it is an entry-level tablet. If you want a higher-quality premium device, we recommend the Apple iPad Mini 6 or Lenovo Legion Tab Y700.

However, if you are looking for a tablet to stream movies while traveling, learn languages or occasionally play games, for example, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a very good choice.