Xiaomi’s latest sub-flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro, are now here. Like their predecessors, the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro share a lot of similarities. Apart from the design, they have a very bright 4,000-nit display with a 144Hz refresh rate, three cameras on the back, Dimensity chipsets from MediaTek, IP68 dust and water resistance, and a 5,000mAh battery. For the Pro model, we have a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ octa-core processor that has a single 3.4GHz Cortex-X4 core, and Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU. Meanwhile, the non-Pro option uses a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip with a Mali-G615 MC6 GPU. Both models will come with 12GB of RAM, with the Pro variant getting 512GB and 1TB storage options while the vanilla can be had with 256GB and 512GB. The Pro model also enjoys a bigger 1/1.31-inch 50-megapixel Light Fusion 900 sensor with a bright f/1.6 aperture on a 23mm equivalent lens. It is joined by another 50-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens that
The Android tablet space in the Philippines has been a bit boring in the last few months. Brands only bring their budget-friendly devices to the country due to strong demand. However, Xiaomi has stepped up and launched a premium tablet called the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro.
Equipped with a flagship-grade display, a bunch of speakers, a powerful processor, ultra-fast charging, and other high-end features, it is poised to be an ultimate tablet for work, play, and entertainment. And since it’s from Xiaomi, bang-for-the-buck is also one of its main focus.
But in a world where nothing’s perfect, what are the weaknesses of this device? Are those cons enough to be a deal-breaker? We’ll find out in our Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro review.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 Specs
- Android 14, HyperOS
- 12.4-inch 3K display, 3048 x 2032 pixel resolution, 295ppi
- 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10, 900 nits
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- 240Hz/360Hz touch sampling
- 3.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core processor
- 8GB/12GB RAM
- Adreno 740 GPU
- 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 internal storage, non-expandable
- 32-megapixel front camera
- 50-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) + 2-megapixel (depth sensor) rear cameras, LED flash
- Six stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio
- No headphone jack
- WiFi 7, dial-band
- Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC
- USB-C
- Dimensions: 278.7 x 191.6 x 6.3mm
- Weight: 590g
- Colors: Graphite Gray
- 10,000mAh non-removable battery, 120W wired charging
Design and Build Quality
Like most tablets in the market today, design isn’t Xiaomi’s top priority with the Pad 6S Pro. Still, Xiaomi made sure it looked clean, elegant, and well-built, which is all you’d ever need.
The Pad 6S has a Graphite Gray color that looks subtle and minimalistic. It uses an aluminum unibody material, which makes it extra sturdy while still making the whole device fairly lightweight for a large 12.4-inch tablet.
It is also noticeably thin at only 6.3mm. Overall, the Pad 6S is easy to carry around and use handheld, even without the keyboard or cover case acting as a stand. Plus, the bezels are thick enough to provide room for your thumbs when holding the device. It’s also thin enough to retain an attractive screen-to-body ratio.
Its best accessory is the Touchpad Keyboard, which attaches magnetically to the device. And in our tests, the magnets are pretty strong and secure. In addition, there’s no need to manually pair the keyboard as the pogo pins on the back of the tablet do it for you. Simply slap the tablet on the keyboard and type away.
The keyboard case also has a built-in kickstand with a 110-degree to 165-degree step-less adjustment design, so you can easily set it to your preferred angle. The keyboard is smooth, clicky, and quiet. It also has a large 51.78cm touchpad that’s very comfortable to use.
When not in use, you can easily fold the stand and the hinge to protect the device. Plus, the Pogo pins provide power to the keyboard case, so you don’t have to worry about charging it separately. We’ll discuss more of its uses later.
If you want simpler protection with a kickstand, you can also get the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Cover case. It is made of the same material as the keyboard case and also attaches magnetically to the device.
The cover flap has geometric angles so you can open it halfway if you just want to check notifications. You can also fold it in a triangle shape on the back to act as a kickstand, so you can position the device either vertically or horizontally.
The case also has a special slot on the top for the Xiaomi Focus Pen. It holds the pen securely with a snug fit.
Let’s take a closer look at the Focus Pen. It has an elegant black color with a gold tone on the Xiaomi logo and a metallic top with ridges. There are three buttons that lets you interact with the UI.
Xiaomi has included two tips in the back, one large and one small. It also has magnets, which can attach to the side of the tablet for safekeeping and charging.
Taking a tour in front, it has a big 12.4-inch display, with the 32-megapixel selfie camera, next to an LED indicator that lights up to let you know if the cameras are in use, whether it’s the front or rear shooters.
On top, there’s the dual microphone array, the magnet surface for the Focus Pen, and the volume controls.
The left side has the lock/power button conveniently close to the volume buttons. It also has two speaker grills sandwiching the Dolby Vision | Atmos branding. On the other side, there are two speaker grills and the USB-C port. The bottom part is clean.
Overall, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is a well-designed tablet that looks clean, elegant and sturdy.
Display and Audio
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has a feature-packed screen. What we have here is a 12.4-inch 3K IPS display, with a 3048 x 2032 pixel resolution, 294ppi, 30/48/50/60/90/120/144Hz adaptive refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling, 900 nits peak brightness, DCI-P3 coverage, and 3:2 aspect ratio.
It also has 4096-level brightness adjustment, Dolby Vision support, HDR10, adaptive colors, and all the right TUV Rheinland certifications for having low blue light emission, being flicker-free, and being circadian friendly.
Display quality is good for doing work tasks as well as media consumption. The tall 3:2 aspect ratio is great for reading and writing, especially if you’re running apps side by side as it gives you the right amount of vertical screen real estate. The smooth 144Hz refresh also makes browsing extra smooth.
It’s even better for watching series and videos. The HDR, Dolby Vision, and HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ make content immersive with cinematic colors and deep contrast.
The six-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos support also make streaming content more enjoyable. There are tweeters and woofers on each side of the device, giving an audible stereo separation for a more immersive experience.
Sound quality was mind-blowingly good. The treble is crystal clear and the bass has depth, resulting in a very powerful sound that you can appreciate when watching action films. No need to carry Bluetooth speakers for this one.
Hardware and Performance
Powering the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is last generation’s flagship chip, the 3.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with an Adreno 740 GPU. It is available in two RAM and storage variants: 8GB/256GB, which is the one I have here, and the top-of-the-line 12GB/512GB variant. Sadly, the device doesn’t have a SIM slot, which could’ve been useful for those who want internet connectivity even without WiFi.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Benchmark Scores
It may be the base model, but the review unit I had still provided seamless performance — which isn’t surprising since the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still one of the most powerful chips to date.
Together with its beefy multitasking features, I was able to use four apps at the same time without a hitch. Google Docs and Google Chrome were up in split screen view while I was writing articles, with Netflix playing in PiP mode and a Messenger group chat open as a floating window. The device handled all these apps simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
I’m also giving the Pad 6S Pro high remarks in gaming performance as most demanding games ran smoothly even in high graphics settings.
I started our gaming test with Genshin Impact. It was smooth under Low, which was the default setting. I dialed it up to High and the device still handled it really well. PUBG Mobile was buttery smooth under HD graphics and Extreme frame rates, as well as Call of Duty Mobile on Medium and Ultra.
Farlight84 was also smooth under max settings. Mobile Legends is also seamless under the highest graphics settings, as well as Asphalt 9. In short, this tablet is a pretty good device for those who want to play mobile games on a big screen.
| Game | Graphics Settings |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | • Graphics Quality: Medium • Frame Rate: Ultra (120fps) |
| Farlight84 | • Graphics Quality: Extreme • Frame Rate: High • Resolution: High |
| PUBG Mobile | • Graphics Quality: HD • Frame Rate: Extreme |
| Genshin Impact | • Graphics Quality: High |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | • Graphics Quality: Ultra • Frame Rate: Ultra • HD Mode: On |
| Asphalt 9: Legends | • Graphics Quality: High Quality • Frame Rate: 60 • HD Mode: On |
Software and User Interface
To take advantage of its large display, the new Android 14-based HyperOS running on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is equipped with a bunch of multitasking features.
For starters, on any app you open, there’s always a three-dot on top that lets you shrink that app into Floating Mode, enter split screen mode, go full screen, or close the app. This is a feature usually seen on laptops.
You can easily go split screen or floating mode by swiping the three-dot button to where on the screen you want the app to be displayed.
Thanks to the tall 3:2 aspect ratio, I was able to run two apps side-by-side with good visibility. I was also able to watch a YouTube video and monitor a group chat in floating window mode while I was writing articles with the two apps open in split screen mode.
The Pad 6S also has a pretty well-designed and minimalistic taskbar that you can access even if you have tabs open. It shows a list of apps that you can customize and your currently open tabs and apps, even if they are in split-screen mode, so you can easily bring them up.
The Recent Apps window is also a more convenient way to switch between apps and windows as it also shows those who are running in split screen mode.
I like how the Control Center only occupies the top right of the screen. It looks cleaner, more organized, and well-thought-out, instead of unnecessarily occupying the whole screen like others user interfaces do.
The notifications tab looks like everyone else, and I have no problems with that. You can access it by swiping from the top left of the screen, opposite to where you’d summon the Control Center.
There are decent amount of customization features: from the wallpapers, lock screen style, and the looks of the icons. You can also adjust the size of the fonts, which is important considering the massive display.
Being a fancy tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro managed to get a fingerprint scanner on the power button. The setup process was kind of slow, but it did work fast and accurately after that. Face unlock was snappy, too.
By default, the Pad 6S Pro uses Google Keyboard, which is what most brands use. It’s straightforward and feature-rich. It’s also comfortable to type on, even if you don’t have the physical keyboard. There’s a tablet mode that splits the keyboard in two, so they are easily reachable by your thumbs.
The camera app is fine and easy to use. Since it’s a tablet, there’s a prominent Document mode that lets you easily scan printed papers.
To take advantage of the large display, you can get the Xiaomi Focus Pen. When the screen is off, you can tap the large button to start writing immediately. On the other hand, you can use the small button to take a screenshot or enable Spotlight.
Since it pairs to the device wirelessly, you can use the pen as a pointer on presentations without the pen touching the screen. You can also use the buttons as a remote shutter when taking photos or videos.
The pen is best used with Xiaomi’s AI Art app, which is pre-installed out of the box. The 8192-level pressure sensitivity and 3ms latency make it feel like you’re writing/drawing on real paper. In addition, the buttons let you easily switch between different brushes, pens, and colors.
The Touchpad Keyboard is also well-integrated with the tablet. You can customize the cursor style, enable natural scroll, and adjust the pointer speed.
For a more PC-like feel, there are a bunch of custom shortcuts you can adjust in the settings by using key combinations. You can also set certain combinations to open your preferred apps quicker.
Xiaomi has also brought a bunch of trackpad gestures, so you can comfortably use it without needing to touch the screen. For one, you can swipe left with two fingers to go back, swipe three fingers up to open recent apps, and more.
Clearly, Xiaomi’s HyperOS is well-equipped to take advantage of the device’s huge display and powerful processor. The accessories were also brought in not just to upsell, but to improve on how consumers can use the device better.
Cameras
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has pretty pixel-packed cameras. There’s a whopping 50-megapixel selfie camera on the back joined by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera.
Image quality from the main camera is superb for a tablet. Daylight shots look sharp and detailed, with vibrant colors that look nice to the eyes but still realistic. Dynamic range is also fine. Like most cameras, it struggled a bit in low light, but was still passable.
Portrait mode also works fine, but I noticed a weird halo effect on some of the shots.
What I liked is the 32-megapixel selfie camera, which most people would care about on a tablet. It takes sharp photos with natural skin tones. Portrait mode works well too, which is very useful if you have a messy background.
Of course, it works great for video calls. There’s a FocusFrame feature that ensures you’re always in the middle of the frame when using select conferencing apps.
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has an impressive set of cameras for a tablet. It’s not as good as flagship smartphones, but more than good enough for the usual use cases.
Battery and Charging
A huge display is matched with an equally large 10,000mAh battery, which provides great battery life.
In PCMark’s battery loop test, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro lasted for an impressive 13 hours and 8 minutes. To give you a perspective, the average score we get on smartphones is 14 hours. That’s on a small screen.
In real-world use, I was able to loop a 1080p YouTube video — with the screen brightness and volume at 50% — for 17 hours and 20 minutes before the 100% charge dropped to 1%. That’s impressive for a tablet as it will allow users to binge-watch a whole 8-episode TV season with juice left to spare.
As if the battery life itself is not impressive enough, the charging speed is much more spectacular. It comes with a whopping 120W adapter, which can fully charge the enormous battery in less than 50 minutes. See the full charging test below:
- 15mins: 0-36%
- 30mins: 74%
- 48mins: FULL
Verdict
Just by looking at the specs, I already knew that the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is an amazing device. Our main goal on this review is to find its flaws, but I had a hard time finding one.
The only things I found — and I had to nitpick just to find some — are the lack of a cellular option, which would’ve benefited those who are always on the go, and that halo effect issue I experienced on the portrait shots.
Other than that, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is obviously an incredible device. This tablet almost have everything: a gorgeous display paired with a mind-blowingly great speakers, a set of functional accessories, good battery life, and possibly the fastest charging speed I’ve seen on a tablet.
Taking advantage of the hardware is the well-equipped software. But Xiaomi didn’t stop there, as they also included good cameras and minimalistic design.
So, if you want to spend money on a high-end tablet that’s still reasonably priced, then the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is the one for you.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro pricing and availability
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has a price of Php33,999 and Ph39,999 for the 8GB/256GB and 12GB/512GB models, respectively. The Touchpad Keyboard retails for Php6,499 while the Xiaomi Focus Pen has a price of Php2,799.
Pros
- Minimalistic, sturdy design
- Great display, impressive speakers
- Flagsh-level performance
- Feature-packed software
- Good battery life, 120W fast charging
- Functional accessories
Cons
- No cellular option
- Halo effect on portrait photos
This article, Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Review, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.
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