I’ve been tracking the whispers around Xiaomi’s next big move, and it’s finally official. If you’ve been holding out for a high-end tablet that doesn’t break the bank, you’ll want to mark February 28 on your calendar. Xiaomi just confirmed that the Xiaomi Pad 8 is making its global debut, landing in India and other markets during the Xiaomi 17 series launch event in Barcelona.
What caught my eye isn’t just the date, but the claim that this will be their slimmest tablet ever. Here is everything I’ve gathered on why this might be the iPad Pro competitor we’ve been waiting for.
The Powerhouse Internals
Under the hood, Xiaomi isn’t playing it safe. They’ve packed in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. While we usually see “S” series chips as slightly toned-down versions of the flagships, this processor is built for serious multitasking.
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Performance: Expect snappy app switching and high-end gaming.
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Battery: A massive 9,200mAh cell to keep you powered through a full workday.
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Charging: Likely supports 67W fast charging, so you aren’t tethered to a wall for hours.
Why it matters: Most tablets in this price bracket compromise on the processor. By using a Gen 4 chip, Xiaomi is ensuring this device stays relevant for years, especially with the rumored HyperOS 3 (based on Android 16) integration.
A Stunning (and Fast) Display
If the global version mirrors the Chinese release, we are looking at a visual treat.
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Screen: 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD.
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Refresh Rate: A buttery smooth 144Hz.
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Build: A ridiculous 5.75mm profile, making it incredibly portable.
Why it matters: While it’s not OLED, a 3.2K resolution at 144Hz means text will look like printed paper and scrolling will feel instant. It’s a dream for digital artists and students alike.
Precision Accessories: Focus Pen & Keyboard
I noticed a subtle teaser about the new Focus Keyboard. It’s not just a cover; it features adaptive backlit keys and a gesture-enabled touchpad. Pair that with the Focus Pen Pro—a buttonless stylus that supports air gestures—and you have a legitimate laptop replacement.
Professional-Grade Cameras
Tablets usually have “afterthought” cameras, but these specs tell a different story:
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Rear: 50-megapixel main sensor.
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Front: 32-megapixel selfie shooter.
Why it matters: With a 32MP front camera, your video calls are going to look significantly sharper than the grainy 720p webcams found on most $1,000 laptops.
The event kicks off at 6:30 PM IST on February 28. I’ll be watching closely to see if they announce any “Early Bird” pricing for the Indian market.
