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Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 9.7 review

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Best fortravelers who want a tablet smaller than an 11-inch model and the option of cellular data.

At a glance

Screen size
9.7 inches
Panel technology
LCD (16:10)
Processor
Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2
Storage
64GB128GB
Operating system
Xiaomi HyperOS 3 at launch

The Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is a distinct tablet within Xiaomi's range. It has a smaller 9.7-inch screen than the 11-inch Redmi Pad 2, a different processor, and a 120 Hz refresh ceiling. More importantly for travel, the verified choices include Wi-Fi models with 64 or 128 GB and a 128 GB model with 4G.

Pros

  • Compact 9.7-inch format
  • Choice of Wi-Fi or 4G and removable storage

Cons

  • Four gigabytes of RAM in the linked versions
  • Cellular compatibility depends on the carrier

Display

  • 9.7 inches
  • 2048 × 1280
  • Up to 120 Hz

The 2048 × 1280 panel strikes a different balance from the larger Redmi. It can display a book or map at greater size than a phone, but a dense rail map will still need more zooming than on an 11-inch screen. The 120 Hz ceiling is most useful while moving around a page, provided the app keeps up.

Connectivity

  • USB-C

The processor's name, Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2, appears on the Wi-Fi tablet too. Only the cellular configuration gives you an independent mobile connection. Check the global model's bands with your carrier before buying it for a particular route. A phone hotspot may be all an occasional traveler needs.

Storage & Battery

  • 7,600 mAh typical · up to 18 W

All three offers have 4 GB of memory. The 64 GB Wi-Fi version leaves less room for apps and their downloads, although a microSD card can hold compatible files. Its 7,600 mAh typical battery capacity is smaller than the 11-inch model's. The two screens and processors also differ, so capacity alone can't decide which lasts longer.

Notebookcheck measured 16 hours 25 minutes of Wi-Fi browsing on its 64 GB Redmi Pad 2 9.7. Someone choosing the 4G model for a commute should budget separately for the mobile connection. 1

Alternatives

The 11-inch Redmi Pad 2 gives up the smaller footprint but its linked Wi-Fi configuration has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Lenovo's Tab One goes smaller again at 8.7 inches.

Verdict

Choose the 9.7 for regular travel with a small bag. The 128 GB Wi-Fi version gives you extra internal space without a data plan. Choose 4G if independent coverage matters.

About this review

This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.

Sources & Research

1 reference

Independent sources cited in this article.

  1. NotebookcheckSuper-affordable Android tablet with stylus support & an unrivaled form factor—Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 9.7 Review - Notebookcheck Review (opens in a new tab)https://www.notebookcheck.net/Bargain-tablet-with-Snapdragon-stylus-and-120-Hz-Xiaomi-Redmi-Pad-2-9-7-review.1409424.0.html

    Wi-Fi browsing on the 64 GB Redmi Pad 2 9.7.