Xiaomi Pad 7 vs iPad 10th Generation: A Comprehensive Comparison of Features and Performance

The Xiaomi Pad 7 and the iPad 10th Generation are both strong contenders in the budget tablet market, offering a blend of performance, design, and features that cater to different user preferences. With a starting price of around $300, both tablets provide great value, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.

The Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out with its higher resolution display and 144Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother experience for gaming and general use. Meanwhile, the iPad 10 excels in its software ecosystem, offering the Apple Pencil and a more established set of productivity tools.

Both tablets offer decent camera systems, but the Xiaomi Pad 7 boasts a 13MP rear camera, while the iPad 10 features a 12MP ultra-wide camera. In terms of performance, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM, providing a significant advantage over the iPad’s 4GB, which makes multitasking and gaming smoother on the Xiaomi Pad. On the other hand, the iPad 10 benefits from Apple’s optimization with iPadOS 18, making it ideal for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

With fast charging support and excellent battery life, both tablets are designed to meet the demands of everyday users, but the Xiaomi Pad 7 takes the edge with 45W fast charging, while the iPad 10 supports only 20W. Whether you prioritize performance, camera quality, or software experience, this comparison will help you decide which tablet is the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Pad 7 and the iPad 10th Generation both deliver premium designs, but they differ in several key areas. The Xiaomi Pad 7 features an 11.2-inch screen with slim bezels, making it slightly larger and offering a more modern look. The aluminum frame feels solid and sleek, and it comes in a variety of colors including gray, olive, pink, and graphite.

The graphite model is especially sleek, though it does tend to show fingerprints and dust in sunlight. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is slightly heavier at 500g, which may be a concern for some, though it still feels balanced and comfortable in hand.

The iPad 10th Generation, on the other hand, is a bit lighter at 477g and features a 10.9-inch screen with slightly larger bezels compared to the Xiaomi Pad 7. The iPad 10 uses a more classic design, with its signature rounded edges and the iconic Touch ID integrated into the power button, a feature missing from the Xiaomi Pad 7.

The aluminum body of the iPad 10 feels equally premium, with a smooth, sleek finish that doesn’t show fingerprints as easily as the Xiaomi Pad 7. The build quality of both tablets is solid and durable, with IP certifications for both devices, but the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers a slightly more cutting-edge design with smaller bezels and a larger screen-to-body ratio.

While both tablets are made with high-quality materials, the Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out for its larger screen size and modern design, while the iPad 10 offers a more compact, ergonomic feel with a lighter body. Whether you prefer the minimalist design of the iPad or the sleek, larger display of the Xiaomi Pad 7, both offer excellent build quality for their price ranges.

Display Specs and Features

The Xiaomi Pad 7 features an 11.2-inch IPS LCD display with a 2136 x 3200 resolution, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate, providing ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming performance, which is a significant advantage over the iPad 10’s 60Hz display. The Xiaomi Pad 7 also delivers a brighter display, reaching up to 600 nits in normal use and 800 nits at peak brightness, making it easy to use in bright sunlight, while the iPad 10 maxes out at 500 nits.

The iPad 10 has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 1640 x 2360 resolution. The screen is also bright and sharp, offering great color accuracy and clarity for everyday tasks. While it doesn’t match the 144Hz refresh rate of the Xiaomi Pad 7, it still delivers a smooth viewing experience with its 60Hz refresh rate. Both devices use IPS LCD technology, so color accuracy and wide viewing angles are good on both.

The Xiaomi Pad 7’s screen is slightly larger, offering more screen real estate for watching movies or multitasking. The smaller bezels on the Xiaomi Pad 7 also help it feel more modern and immersive. While both displays perform excellently, the Xiaomi Pad 7 excels in smoothness and brightness, whereas the iPad 10 offers great color consistency and clarity.

Performance & Chipsets

The Xiaomi Pad 7 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1300T chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivering solid performance for a mid-range tablet. It’s paired with up to 12GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking, app switching, and handling of demanding apps and games. With 8GB or 12GB options, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is well-suited for gaming and productivity tasks, outperforming many competitors in the same price range.

 

On the other hand, the iPad 10th Generation features the Apple A14 Bionic chip, also built on a 5nm process, which is still very capable, offering excellent performance for everyday tasks, apps, and gaming. While it may have less RAM at just 4GB, Apple’s software optimization makes the iPad 10 feel fast and responsive, even with lighter multitasking.

In terms of raw performance, both tablets handle games like PUBG Mobile, Asphalt Legends, and general productivity tasks very well. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7 has a slight edge in multitasking due to its higher RAM options. For those prioritizing gaming and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Pad 7’s higher RAM and 144Hz refresh rate might appeal more. The iPad 10, however, benefits from Apple’s ecosystem and optimized performance, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience overall.

Software & Updates

The Xiaomi Pad 7 runs on Android 15 with a MIUI skin, offering a customizable and user-friendly interface. MIUI provides a range of features like gesture navigation, app icons customization, and a floating window feature for multitasking. One of the highlights is Workstation mode, allowing you to multitask efficiently by using apps in desktop-like windows, which is not available on the iPad 10. However, MIUI has a bit of bloatware and ads in certain apps, which can detract from the experience for some users.

The iPad 10 runs on iPadOS 18, offering a smooth, consistent experience with Apple’s ecosystem. It features widgets, a Dock, and multitasking tools like Split View and Slide Over, making it ideal for productivity. iPadOS is more refined than Android in terms of app optimization and stability, with a vast selection of tablet-optimized apps from the App Store.

Regarding updates, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security updates, which is decent but shorter than Apple’s policy. The iPad 10, on the other hand, benefits from 5 years of software support, ensuring it stays up-to-date with new features and security patches for a longer period. For longevity, the iPad 10 has a clear advantage, especially for users looking for extended updates.

Cameras

When comparing the cameras of the Xiaomi Pad 7 and iPad 10th Generation, it’s clear that both devices offer solid performance, but they cater to slightly different use cases and priorities. Both tablets come with decent camera setups for their respective price points, though each excels in different areas. Here’s a breakdown of how they perform in real-world usage.

Rear Cameras:

The Xiaomi Pad 7 features a 13MP rear camera, which is more than capable of capturing detailed images, especially considering the tablet’s price range. This camera is ideal for general photography, such as landscape shots, document scanning, or occasional close-up photos. The Xiaomi Pad 7’s rear camera performs well in good lighting, delivering vibrant and sharp photos with good dynamic range.

It’s not perfect, especially when compared to flagship tablets, but it still offers a satisfying experience for most casual photographers. The 13MP rear camera also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, making it suitable for shooting videos, even though the video quality is not as detailed as more expensive devices.

On the other hand, the iPad 10 comes with a 12MP ultra-wide rear camera that is designed for more versatile usage, allowing you to capture wide shots in addition to standard photos. While this camera isn’t as high in resolution as the Xiaomi Pad 7’s 13MP sensor, it does offer more flexibility with its wider field of view, which is great for capturing group shots or expansive landscapes.

In terms of image quality, the iPad 10’s rear camera produces vibrant colors and sharp detail in well-lit environments, but it tends to lose sharpness at the edges, especially in low-light conditions. The iPad 10 also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, offering decent video quality with good stabilization, making it suitable for casual video recordings or content creation.

Front Cameras:

The Xiaomi Pad 7 is equipped with an 8MP front camera, which is decent for video calls and selfies. While it doesn’t have the same level of detail as the rear camera, it performs adequately in good lighting, delivering clear and sharp images for casual video calls or social media content. The 8MP front camera is a good option for regular users who aren’t expecting high-end selfie performance.

For video calls, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers decent clarity, but you might notice some softness in low-light conditions. As with the rear camera, the Xiaomi Pad 7 supports 1080p video recording on the front camera, which is great for video conferencing or casual recordings.

The iPad 10, in contrast, comes with a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, which is a significant upgrade over the Xiaomi Pad 7’s 8MP sensor. This front camera is not only sharper but also has the added benefit of a Center Stage feature, which uses AI to automatically adjust the camera’s framing, keeping you centered during video calls.

This is a standout feature for the iPad 10, especially for those who use their tablet for virtual meetings, online learning, or video conferences. The 12MP front camera offers excellent clarity and detail, even in low light, making it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize high-quality video calls. The iPad 10 also supports 1080p video recording on the front camera, making it suitable for creating high-quality video content.

Camera Features:

Both tablets come with a range of software features to enhance the camera experience. The Xiaomi Pad 7 includes features such as AI-enhanced photography, which helps improve image quality by adjusting parameters like contrast and color saturation.

Additionally, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers a Pro Mode for those who want more control over their photos, including settings for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure. While not as extensive as professional cameras, these features offer a good level of customization for users who want to experiment with different settings.

The iPad 10, on the other hand, focuses more on simplicity and ease of use. Apple’s Camera app is known for its straightforward interface, providing a seamless user experience. For both the rear and front cameras, you’ll find options like Portrait Mode for creating DSLR-like bokeh effects in your photos, as well as Live Photos to capture short video clips with each photo. The iPad 10 also offers Smart HDR, which enhances details in both bright and dark areas of your photos, improving overall dynamic range.

For video recording, both tablets offer 4K video on the rear cameras, but the iPad 10’s Center Stage functionality adds a unique aspect, allowing for automatic framing adjustments during video calls. This feature is a highlight for users who want an easier and more professional video conferencing experience. Additionally, the iPad 10 offers video stabilization for smoother footage during movement.

Which Tablet Offers Better Camera Performance?

In terms of raw performance, both tablets offer solid camera setups for the price. The Xiaomi Pad 7 has a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, which are great for general use, including casual photography and video calls. However, the iPad 10 offers a more versatile 12MP ultra-wide rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage functionality, making it a better choice for users who prioritize high-quality video calls or video recording.

Both tablets can record 4K video, but the iPad 10’s Center Stage and AI-powered video features give it the edge for those who need a more professional-level camera experience, especially for video conferencing. The Xiaomi Pad 7‘s rear camera might appeal to users who want higher megapixels (13MP vs 12MP) and prefer larger, more detailed images, while the iPad 10’s front camera provides a better overall experience for video calls and content creation with its 12MP sensor and Center Stage feature.

Conclusion:

Both the Xiaomi Pad 7 and iPad 10 offer solid camera systems with their own set of advantages. If you’re looking for an all-around tablet that excels in selfies, video calls, and casual photography, the iPad 10 may be the better choice due to its higher resolution front camera and Center Stage feature.

However, if you want more detailed and high-resolution photos from the rear camera, the Xiaomi Pad 7’s 13MP camera may serve you better, especially for general photography. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preference for camera features, such as Center Stage, AI enhancements, and how you plan to use your tablet for photography and video recording.

Battery Life

Both the Xiaomi Pad 7 and the iPad 10th Generation offer solid battery life, making them reliable options for long periods of use. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is equipped with a 8,000mAh battery, which provides ample power for a full day of use, including browsing, streaming, and light gaming. On moderate usage, it can easily last for 6-8 hours of continuous screen time, and with lower brightness, you can extend its usage even further.

The iPad 10, with its 8,134mAh battery, offers similar performance, lasting around 5-6 hours with heavy usage at full brightness. However, the Xiaomi Pad 7’s higher refresh rate and brighter display may slightly impact battery life when compared to the iPad 10, which is optimized for efficiency with iPadOS 18.

One major advantage for the Xiaomi Pad 7 is its support for 45W fast charging, allowing you to recharge the device much quicker compared to the 20W charging speed of the iPad 10. The Xiaomi Pad 7 charges from 0 to 100% in a much shorter time, making it a more convenient option for users on the go. While both devices offer strong battery performance for everyday use, the Xiaomi Pad 7 edges out the iPad 10 in terms of charging speed and efficiency.