If the Redmi Pad 2 was the stylish and affordable tablet that got most things right, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro feels like Xiaomi’s answer to users who wanted more features with more power, bigger screen and most importantly, a powerful battery. Launched in India, with prices starting at ₹22,999 for the Wi-Fi-only 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage variant, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro clearly positions itself a tier above the standard Pad 2. The Wi-Fi + 5G version with the same configuration costs ₹25,999, while the top-end 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage variant with 5G connectivity is priced at ₹27,999.
I have been using the top-end variant, and I have mostly good things to say about it. The experience has been reassuringly solid. Redmi has taken what worked on the Pad 2 and refined it in meaningful ways. The question, however, remains simple. Does the Pad 2 Pro justify its “Pro” badge, and more importantly, does it make a strong case as an upgrade over the Redmi Pad 2? Let’s dive deeper to answer this:
Design
In my previous review of the Redmi Pad 2, I mentioned how it stood out with a premium aluminium unibody design despite its affordable pricing. The Redmi Pad 2 Pro takes a different approach while still feeling more refined. It uses a metal alloy chassis that feels denser and sturdier, giving it a more professional and mature character. The tablet is larger, but the weight distribution is well balanced, so it does not feel awkward to hold during long reading or streaming sessions.
Redmi Pad 2 Pro
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
The in-hand feel is a clear upgrade over the Pad 2. The matte finish resists fingerprints better and the edges are softly curved, which helps with grip. The design language is minimal and clean, with subtle Redmi branding and no unnecessary visual clutter. Compared to the Pad 2, which leaned slightly towards a lifestyle aesthetic, the Pad 2 Pro looks and feels like a productivity-focused device.
Button and port placement is sensible. You get a USB-C port, quad speaker grilles, and tactile power and volume buttons. A key upgrade here is the IP53 rating, which means the tablet is protected against limited dust ingress and water splashes from any direction. The standard Redmi Pad 2 lacked any official IP certification, so this addition adds peace of mind for daily use.
Display
The display is where the Redmi Pad 2 Pro immediately asserts its advantage. It features a large 12.1-inch 2.5K LCD panel with a 120 Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate. Compared to the 11-inch panel on the Redmi Pad 2, the extra screen real estate makes a noticeable difference, especially for multitasking, reading documents, or watching movies. The bezels are slim and evenly spaced, giving the tablet a modern and immersive look.
Resolution and brightness are strong highlights here. With support for 1.07 billion colours, Dolby Vision, and up to 600 nits of high brightness mode, the display looks crisp, vibrant, and sharp. Text appears clean, visuals pop without looking oversaturated, and the high refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel fluid. For streaming, gaming, or even sketching with the Smart Pen, this is a meaningful upgrade over the Pad 2. In its price segment, the Pad 2 Pro easily stands out for offering a large, smooth, and colour-rich display that feels genuinely “Pro.”
OS and AI
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro runs on Android 15 layered with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, and the experience is largely polished. HyperOS feels more mature on a larger screen, offering smoother multitasking, better split-screen handling, and intuitive gestures. The interface scales well, and everyday navigation feels effortless. Compared to the Pad 2, the OS experience here feels more confident and better optimised for productivity.
AI features also take a step forward. Circle to Search works reliably and is genuinely useful on a tablet this size, especially for research and reading. Gemini AI integration adds tools for summarising content, assisting with writing, and brainstorming ideas. These features may not redefine how you use a tablet, but they do add subtle value, especially for students and professionals who spend long hours reading or drafting content.
Performance
Redmi Pad 2 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, a clear step up from the chipset used in the Redmi Pad 2. The difference is immediately noticeable in day-to-day use. App launches are quicker, multitasking feels smoother, and the system remains responsive even with multiple apps running side by side.
My review unit comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, and this combination works well for power users. RAM management is efficient, and storage speeds are fast enough to keep things feeling snappy. Compared to the Pad 2, which occasionally showed signs of strain under heavier workloads, the Pad 2 Pro feels more relaxed and capable.
Benchmark scores reinforce this improvement. On Geekbench, the tablet scored 1234 in single-core and 3246 in multi-core tests. The GPU score stands at 3612, indicating a strong graphical performance for a tablet in this segment. These numbers translate well into real-world usage.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive. Titles like BGMI and Asphalt ran smoothly at high frame rates. Thermal management is handled well, and extended gaming sessions did not result in noticeable throttling. Compared to the Redmi Pad 2, which was more suited to casual gaming, the Pad 2 Pro confidently handles demanding titles without breaking a sweat. However, you have to be mindful of the controls as the wider screen demands better positioning of the hands.
Camera
Cameras are rarely a priority on tablets, but the Redmi Pad 2 Pro is a noticeable upgrade over its predecessor. The tablet features an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. Image processing is improved, delivering better colour accuracy and sharper results in good lighting. It works well for document scanning and occasional photography.
The front camera is also an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.28 aperture, supporting 1080p video at 30fps. This makes it suitable for video calls, online classes, and work meetings. While expectations should remain realistic, both cameras perform reliably for a tablet in this segment and are a step up from the Redmi Pad 2.
Battery
Battery life is arguably the biggest talking point of the Redmi Pad 2 Pro. It houses a massive 12,000mAh battery, making it the largest battery ever seen on a 12.1-inch tablet. This is a significant jump over the already capable battery on the Redmi Pad 2. In real-world usage, the tablet easily lasts more than a full day of heavy use and can stretch to two days with moderate usage.
Charging is handled via a 27W fast charger, and while it is not the fastest in the market, it feels reasonable given the battery size. An interesting addition is reverse charging support, allowing the tablet to double as a power bank for your phone or accessories. This is a feature that genuinely adds value and reinforces the Pad 2 Pro’s “all-day companion” positioning.
Accessories
Redmi’s Smart Pen and keyboard accessories significantly enhance the Pad 2 Pro’s appeal. The Smart Pen offers low latency and a natural writing experience, making it ideal for note-taking and sketching. The keyboard transforms the tablet into a laptop-like device, making it suitable for students and professionals alike. Compared to the Pad 2, which felt more consumption-focused, the Pad 2 Pro leans heavily into productivity.
Redmi Pad 2 Pro
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan
Verdict
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro delivers meaningful improvements in performance, display quality, and battery life. It feels like a well-thought-out upgrade rather than a cosmetic refresh. The Snapdragon processor, large 120Hz display, and massive battery combine to create a tablet that can comfortably handle work, entertainment, and creativity.
If you already own the Redmi Pad 2 and find yourself wanting more power and endurance, the Pad 2 Pro justifies the upgrade. It successfully answers the question raised at the start. This is not just a “Pro” in name, but a tablet that genuinely earns it.