The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a budget-friendly compact tablet that offers a convenient and compact size, good battery life, a reliable selfie camera, and all at a low price point. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Design & Build:
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is constructed entirely out of plastic, giving it a cheap vibe despite its sleek design. The tablet is IP53-rated, making it water-resistant to withstand splashes. The ribbed back and flat sides add to its overall look, but the accumulation of dust and dirt can detract from its aesthetic appeal.
Screen & Speakers:
The tablet features an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 800 x 1340 pixels, weak colors, and narrow viewing angles. The screen can reach brightness levels of up to 600 nits, making it usable in daylight conditions. The speakers, while offering Dolby Atmos support and good stereo spread, lack in quality and overall audio performance.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 struggles with older DDR4 RAM, limited camera support, and slow storage. The tablet’s performance is mediocre at best, with slow app launches and noticeable micro-pauses. Gaming capabilities are limited, and the tablet may struggle with more demanding titles.
Battery Life & Charging:
The tablet boasts a 6,650mAh battery that can last a full working day with moderate usage. However, the charging speed is limited to 18W, and the included 10W adapter means that charging from empty to full can be time-consuming.
Cameras:
The selfie camera performs better than the rear camera, which struggles with focusing and lacks detail in both photos and videos. The microphone quality for video meetings is poor, necessitating the use of a headset for clearer audio.
Software & Apps:
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin, which includes a range of pre-installed apps and bloatware. Navigating the interface can be cumbersome at times, and updates may be limited to security patches in the future.
Price & Availability:
Starting at £119 in the UK for 64GB of storage, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is one of the most affordable budget tablets on the market. It can be purchased directly from Xiaomi or through Amazon, where discounts are often available. Unfortunately, the tablet is not available in the US, but importing may be an option.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7?
While the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 offers affordability, the compromises in performance and overall user experience may make it less appealing to most consumers. Consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, which offers better all-around features for a similar price point.
