Summary
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 launch generated criticism, partly because the 16 GB model is priced lower than the previous generation, which annoyed some recent buyers of the Mi Pad 1. The hardware changes versus the prior generation are modest: 2 GB of RAM, a 7.9-inch screen, and no GPS. The Intel processor choice also raises concerns about Android app compatibility. After hands-on testing with the 16 GB gold version, the initial conclusion is that the Mi Pad 2 looks great but has practical limitations.
Market context
The tablet market is dominated by low-cost offerings from local Chinese manufacturers; an 8-inch Android tablet can be found for around 399 RMB, often with both Android and Windows 10 dual-boot options. Build quality and software optimization in that segment are generally limited, with poor power optimization and numerous software bugs. In such a market, a well-built tablet is a notable differentiator for users.
Design and build
The unboxing reveals refined workmanship. The full-metal body has a smooth paint finish that resists fingerprints, and the rounded frame feels similar to the iPad mini. The design is minimalist: without TF card expansion, the chassis only contains standard buttons and cutouts. The speaker is located on the lower rear with three symmetrical perforations instead of a bottom-edge placement like the iPad mini. That design may reduce speaker effectiveness when a case is used. There are two microphone openings near the camera and the top-center of the body, which could also be covered by a case.
The bottom houses a USB Type-C port flanked by two hex screws, giving a mechanical feel. The buttons are metal with no obvious color mismatch, and they feel stiff with positive return and satisfying feedback. The front has a silver "MI" logo in the upper-left, a centered front camera, and a 7.9-inch 4:3 display with the familiar three virtual Android navigation keys.
Appearance vs. real-world use
High visual quality does not guarantee a good tablet experience. Android tablet app optimization remains rudimentary: many popular apps lack dedicated tablet (HD) versions and run as phone portrait apps on larger screens, producing a poor experience. Xiaomi's ecosystem offers tablet and phone categories in its app search, but the shortage of tablet-optimized apps is unlikely to change quickly.
The Android gaming ecosystem in China has structural limitations: many games require Google Play services or other dependencies that are not available on tablets without Google integration. Although marketing mentioned thousands of game resources, many top-ranked games in Xiaomi's game center do not run on the Mi Pad 2. In short, good games may simply be unplayable on this device.
Software and performance
MIUI 7 on the Mi Pad 2 includes useful features such as an eye protection mode, button lock, manual performance modes (performance and balanced), FM radio support, and a preinstalled reader app that many users appreciate for reading. These features cover common reading and basic usage scenarios.
In high-performance mode the Mi Pad 2 scores around 80,000 in Antutu, suggesting decent hardware. In everyday use occasional stutters occur, though most apps run smoothly. Compared to a benchmark like the iPad mini, UI fluidity is not as good. With only 2 GB of RAM, real memory usage rarely exceeds 1.5 GB, but occasional reloading of the home screen after returning via the Home key does happen.
Intel processor and compatibility
Xiaomi highlighted Intel's support at the product launch, but Intel may be a problematic partner for Android tablets. Android has native advantages for ARM-based SoCs; x86 support has improved over time, but the majority of Android devices run on ARM, so app developers focus on that platform. The overall scarcity of tablet apps combined with limited app support for Intel x86 means Intel-based Android tablets face an uphill battle.
To confirm this, user reviews of other x86 tablets such as the Nokia N1 show compatibility complaints. Many games in Xiaomi's game center require network connectivity; for users who expect to play on buses or subways, the Mi Pad 2 may not meet those expectations.
Observed app behavior
Partial software run results are shown below.
The Z8500 processor is not unique to Xiaomi; other tablet makers have already used it in similarly priced products. Windows 10 appears better suited to Intel processors. The 16 GB Mi Pad 2, without an easy path to install Windows, has less long-term flexibility.
Typical tablet use cases
Tablets are limited by performance and screen size and generally do not replace productivity devices, especially 8-inch models. Compared with notebooks, tablets offer two main differences: a touchscreen for more flexible interaction and the removal of a physical keyboard for a smaller footprint. However, the lack of a physical keyboard reduces input efficiency, and touch interaction on larger screens is best suited to short, simple tasks. Therefore, tablets are most useful for video, news browsing, and quick note-taking. Tablets 8 inches and smaller are light and more portable, and they can partially replace phones for handheld games and entertainment.
The Mi Pad 2 handles reading and news browsing for most users. However, due to the weak Android gaming ecosystem and x86 compatibility issues, its gaming capabilities are limited. Windows 10 support planned for some models would improve productivity with Bluetooth keyboards and mice, but Windows on a small tablet also has drawbacks: fewer touch-optimized apps, worse standby behavior, and the loss of some MIUI features such as eye protection mode and camera effects.
Conclusion
Externally, the Mi Pad 2 stands out among local Chinese tablets for its thin metal design and attractive appearance. In real-world use, however, Intel platform compatibility issues limit its practicality. Different users will have different evaluations, but overall the Mi Pad 2 is a well-crafted device that looks great yet is constrained by the broader Android app ecosystem and x86 compatibility challenges for non-Apple tablets.
