After a six-year focus on smartphones, Poco launched its first tablet in India, the Poco Pad 5G, last month. Essentially a rebranded Redmi Pad Pro, the Poco Pad 5G offers the same specifications at a lower price, making it an attractive option in the budget tablet segment.
The Poco Pad 5G is designed with a dual-tone back featuring an 8MP camera and flash, though the matte finish on the back is prone to fingerprints. Weighing 570g and measuring 7.52mm in thickness, the tablet is not the lightest, but it manages its weight well, making it comfortable to hold.
The device’s 12.1-inch IPS LCD display, with a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, delivers excellent detail and color accuracy. While it may lack the contrast of an AMOLED display, the screen is more than adequate for binge-watching, especially with its quad speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
Powered by a 10,000mAh battery, the Poco Pad 5G impresses with its endurance, lasting through two days of moderate use. However, the 33W charger included takes about two hours to fully recharge the device, which feels slow given the battery size.
Running on HyperOS based on Android 14, the tablet offers a clean and feature-rich software experience, free from bloatware and ads. Key features include a smart sidebar for easy multitasking, new gestures for split-screen functionality, and conference tools for video calls.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, handles everyday tasks well, though it’s not built for heavy gaming. Benchmark scores reflect its solid but unexceptional performance.
Priced at ₹23,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and ₹25,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the Poco Pad 5G offers good value for those prioritizing 5G connectivity, a large display, and long battery life. It’s a solid choice for casual users looking for an affordable, feature-packed tablet.
