The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a compact and budget-friendly tablet that offers a convenient and compact size, good battery life, and a reliable selfie camera. With a starting price of just £119 in the UK, it is an attractive option for those looking for an affordable tablet. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Design & Build:
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is built entirely out of plastic, giving it a cheap look and feel. The IP53 rating provides some reassurance against water splashes, but the tablet quickly accumulates dust and dirt, detracting from its overall appearance.
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 offer good stereo spread and Dolby Atmos support, but the audio quality is disappointing.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the 2020 MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 struggles with older DDR4 RAM, limited camera support, and only 4G connectivity. The tablet’s performance is hindered by slow app launches and micro-pauses due to moderate RAM and slow eMMC storage.
Battery Life & Charging:
The tablet boasts a 6,650mAh battery that can last a full working day with moderate usage. However, charging is limited to 18W, and the included 10W adapter results in longer charging times.
Cameras:
The selfie camera is functional for video meetings, but the microphone sound quality is poor. The rear camera has difficulty focusing and lacks detail in both videos and photos.
Software & Apps:
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin, which includes additional apps and bloatware. The interface puts a heavy load on the graphics card but is easy to navigate once you get used to it.
Price & Availability:
In the UK, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 starts at £119 for 64GB of storage or £139 for 128GB. It can be purchased directly from Xiaomi or via Amazon, with occasional discounts available.
Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7?
While the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is affordable, it comes with several compromises that may not make it the best choice for most users. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 offers better overall performance and features for a similar price.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a compact tablet, but it falls short in several key areas compared to other tablets in the same price range. Consider your priorities and needs before making a purchase decision.
