The tablet space isn’t as active compared to smartphones. But every now and then, we’re introduced to new offerings that will make you think if you should get one. One of them is the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro. There’s another Pro tablet, though, that we think can compete with it in terms of hardware, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021). Which one looks better on paper? Find out below.
Note: We initially thought to compare the Mi Pad 5 Pro (CN model) with MatePad 11 as they’re almost of the same caliber. However, after our initial assessment, it’s a landslide win for the Mi Pad 5 Pro. So, to make things interesting, we’re going to compare it with the MatePad Pro 12.6 (PH model) instead.
| Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro | Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) |
|---|---|
| 11-inch WQHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS LCD, 274PPI | 12.6-inch WQHD+ (2560 x 1600) OLED, 240ppi |
| 120Hz refresh rate | |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G SoC | Huawei Kirin 9000E SoC |
| Adreno 650 GPU | Mali-G78 MP22 GPU |
| 6GB, 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| 128GB, 256GB UFS 3.1 | 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| NM Card support | |
| Dual-rear cameras: • 50MP main (5G) | 13MP (WiFi) • 5MP F2.4 depth | Triple-rear cameras: • 13MP F1.8 main • 5MP F2.4 ultra-wide • 3D depth sensing |
| 8MP F2.0 front camera | 8MP F2.0 front camera |
| Nano-SIM | |
| 5G, 4G LTE | |
| WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (5G) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| USB-C | USB-C |
| 8 speakers | 8 speakers |
| MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| 8,600mAh battery w/ 67W fast charging | 10,050mAh battery w/ 40W fast charging, 5W reverse charging, 27W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging |
| 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9 mm | 286.5 x 184.7 x 6.7 mm |
| 515 g | 609g |
| Magnetic stylus support (sold separately) | Magnetic stylus support (bundled) |
| Magnetic keyboard cover (sold separately) | Magnetic keyboard cover (bundled) |
Summary of advantages
Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro:
• Higher PPI count
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Higher main camera resolution (for 5G model)
• 5G connectivity
• MIU I12.5 w/ GMS
• Faster charging rate
• More affordable
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021):
• Larger screen size
• NM Card support
• Triple rear cameras
• Bigger battery
• Wireless charging w/ reverse charging
• Bundled stylus and keyboard
Table of Contents
The two devices have different display specs. The Mi Pad 5 Pro has an 11-inch screen with an IPS panel, while the MatePad Pro 12.6 has a larger 12.6-inch with an OLED panel. The former offers more natural colors while the latter produces punchy colors and deep blacks.
Both also have the same WQHD+ resolution, but since the Mi Pad 5 Pro has a smaller screen, it has a higher PPI count. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a great feature to have for those who want to experience smooth visuals.
The two devices are powered by flagship chipsets. We can’t compare scores, though, since we can’t run benchmarks on the MatePad Pro 12.6. However, we can expect great performance on both and are capable of running its features and deliver the performance in creative and gaming apps.
Memory configuration is also different. The Mi Pad 5 Pro is offered in 6GB and 8GB RAM options and 128GB and 256GB storage options. The 5G model is only available in 8GB + 256GB configuration. However, we don’t know yet if all those configurations will be available if ever it arrives in the Philippines.
For the MatePad Pro 12.6, the available option in the Philippines is 8GB + 256GB, but it has support for NM cards.
The MatePad Pro 12.6 is a more versatile shooter for having three cameras, which includes a 13MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, and 3D depth-sensing camera. For selfies, it has an 8MP shooter.
For the Mi Pad 5 Pro, it has a 50MP main if you’re getting the 5G model, a 13MP main if it’s the WiFi-only model and a 5MP depth-sensing camera. For selfies, it also has an 8MP shooter.
The Mi Pad 5 Pro comes in 5G and WiFi-only models. Again, it’s yet to be confirmed what model will arrive in the country. For the MatePad Pro 12.6, only the WiFi model is available.
Both devices have WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C, and GPS. They’re also capable of producing better audio than most tablets as they are equipped with 8 speakers.
Software-wise, the Mi Pad 5 Pro has MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11 with GMS, while the MatePad Pro has HarmonyOS 2.0 with HMS.
For the accessories, both support magnetic stylus and keyboard covers.
The MatePad Pro 12.6 has a larger battery at 10,050mAh. it also has more charging capabilities with support for 40W fast wired charging, reverse wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
Mi Pad 5 Pro, on the other hand, has a smaller 8,600mAh battery but has a more powerful 67W fast charging.
The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) 8GB + 256GB is priced at PH PHP 55,999USD 954INR 80,896EUR 909CNY 6,949 and already includes a Huawei Smart Magnetic Keyboard and Huawei M-Pencil (2nd-gen).
The Mi Pad 5 Pro, on the other hand, is yet to arrive in the Philippines but can try to make an estimate. The top-of-the-line model with 5G and 8GB + 256GB configuration is priced at CNY 3,499PHP 28,205USD 481INR 40,738EUR 458 or approximately PHP 27,260USD 465INR 39,380EUR 442CNY 3,383. That doesn’t include the stylus and keyboard.
The keyboard is priced at CNY 399PHP 3,216USD 55INR 4,645EUR 52 or approx. PHP 3,110USD 53INR 4,493EUR 50CNY 386, while the stylus is CNY 349PHP 2,813USD 48INR 4,063EUR 46 or approx. PHP 2,720USD 46INR 3,929EUR 44CNY 338. Sum up the package and you get a total of PHP 33,090USD 564INR 47,802EUR 537CNY 4,106, not including taxes and import fees, which will bump the price if ever it lands here. But even then, we don’t think it will reach the price of the MatePad Pro 12.6.
What do you guys think? Should Xiaomi bring the Mi Pad 5 to the Philippines? Let us know in the comments below.
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joberta says:
One thing is for sure, get the global release, I’ve bought the china version of the mi pad before and it caused me problems, do not buy from gray market sellers. The one who has a store in baclaran will only assist after a week of purchase. After that, you’re on your own. The mi pad, as long as it will be global rom will have gms, which the huawei does not have. Save yourself the headache, buy something with gms.