Tablets are not always expensive to be long-lasting. For users primarily focused on video viewing or web browsing, a more affordable device can often be more practical. After using the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 for several days, this sentiment resonated strongly. Considering its price in the 200,000 won range, the display, battery, and overall usability were quite satisfactory.
The most impressive feature is the display. The 9.7-inch screen boasts a resolution of 2048×1280. The refresh rate has increased from 90Hz in the previous model to 120Hz, resulting in smooth scrolling when browsing web pages or flipping through screens. Watching YouTube and other streaming services felt surprisingly premium for a device in this price range.
Notably, the 120Hz refresh rate was particularly noticeable during direct scrolling. Compared to Samsung's Galaxy Tab A11, which supports 90Hz, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 offers a competitive edge in display refresh rates, especially considering the Galaxy Tab A11's resolution of 1340×800.
Another advantage observed while watching videos was the battery life. With a capacity of 7600mAh, Xiaomi claims it can last up to 15 hours for online video playback. In practical use, mixing video watching with web browsing meant I rarely had to worry about the battery level.
In terms of battery capacity, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is comparable to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, which starts at around 700,000 won and has a rated capacity of 7760mAh. It even surpasses the Galaxy Tab A11's 5100mAh. While direct comparisons are difficult due to differences in price and performance tiers, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 does not feel like a low-end device in terms of battery.
The feel of the device in hand was also better than expected. At 7.4mm thick, it is 1.4mm thinner than its predecessor. Unlike many budget tablets that feel plasticky, it features a unibody metal design. When placed on a desk for watching videos or reading articles, it felt comparable to premium products.
Performance satisfaction increases when everyday usage is considered. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G 2nd generation, which offers about a 34% improvement in benchmark performance over the previous MediaTek Helio G85.
In practice, switching between multiple internet tabs or watching YouTube while searching did not cause significant lag. Reading or making simple edits to documents was also manageable. Light gaming posed no issues. While it may not be suitable for high-performance tasks, it meets the needs for home video watching, internet browsing, and children's content consumption.
The speakers performed adequately. While the sound quality was not exceptional, it was sufficient for enjoying videos or music without headphones. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a minor advantage for users who prefer wired headphones.
The camera features an 8-megapixel rear and a 5-megapixel front camera, supporting 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. This setup is more focused on video calls and simple documentation rather than active photography. It seems the design prioritizes screen and battery quality over camera capabilities.
Most notably, the price is appealing. With the purpose of tablets becoming clearer, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 stands out as a device that meets everyday needs at a reasonable price. According to Xiaomi, the official retail price is 259,800 won for the 64GB model and 279,800 won for the 128GB version. Recent promotions have seen prices drop to the low 220,000 won and 240,000 won range, respectively.
However, there are some drawbacks. The base memory of 4GB may not be sufficient for users who run multiple heavy apps simultaneously. Additionally, the maximum charging speed of 18W does not provide a quick recharge for the large 7600mAh battery. For those seeking high-performance gaming or serious productivity tasks, it may be better to consider a different tier of products.
Nonetheless, the advantages of the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 are clear. It focuses on the most commonly used features—screen quality, battery life, and basic usability—while keeping the price around 200,000 won. It could be an excellent choice for a secondary tablet focused on video and web browsing or for children’s use.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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