POCO Pad: A New Contender in the Tablet Market
POCO has made a significant splash in the tech world with the launch of their first-ever Android tablet, the POCO Pad. Priced just under 24000rs ($300) with an early bird coupon, this mid-range tablet offers a combination of sleek design, robust performance, and premium features that promise to redefine the tablet experience. Let’s dive into what makes the POCO Pad a compelling choice for both casual and power users.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Price | Under $300 (24000rs) with an early bird coupon |
Dimensions & Weight | 7.5 mm thick, 571 grams |
Build | Full metal body |
Display | 12.1-inch IPS, 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600), 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, Dolby Vision support |
Audio | Four side-firing speakers, Dolby Atmos support |
Processor | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 2.4 GHz octa-core |
RAM | 8GB (expandable to 16GB with virtual RAM) |
Storage | 256GB UFS 2.2, expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD |
Battery | 10,000 mAh, 33W fast charging |
Operating System | Android 14 with Xiaomi Hyper OS |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Camera | 8MP rear camera with LED flash, 8MP front camera |
Streaming Support | Google Widevine L1, Dolby Vision on Netflix |
Included Accessories | USB-A to Type-C charging cable, 33W fast charger |
Optional Accessories | Smart pen, magnetic keyboard case, stand cover |
Other Features | MicroSD expansion, no SIM support, minimal bloatware |
Sleek and Premium Design
The POCO Pad immediately impresses with its slim profile and lightweight construction. At just 7.5 mm thick and weighing 571 grams, it’s incredibly portable and easy to handle. The all-metal body exudes a premium feel, a pleasant surprise at this price point. The attention to detail extends to the packaging, which includes a USB-A to Type-C charging cable, a 33W fast charger, and a microSD expansion slot that supports up to a whopping 1.5TB.
Stunning Display and Immersive Audio
One of the standout features of the POCO Pad is its display. The 12.1-inch IPS screen boasts a 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600) and supports a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or browsing the web, the display delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The Dolby Vision support further enhances the viewing experience, making it perfect for media consumption.
Complementing the impressive display are the four side-firing speakers that support Dolby Atmos. These speakers deliver rich, clear, and immersive audio, making it a delight to watch movies or play games without needing external speakers.
Performance that Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the POCO Pad is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, an octa-core chipset clocked at 2.4 GHz. This, coupled with 8GB of RAM (expandable up to 16GB with virtual RAM) and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or working on productivity tasks, the POCO Pad handles it all with ease.
The tablet runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s Hyper OS, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. Notably, it comes with minimal bloatware, providing a near-stock Android experience. The full Google Play Store access means you can download all your favorite apps and games without any restrictions.
Long-lasting Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any tablet, and the POCO Pad doesn’t disappoint. It houses a generous 10,000 mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. In real-world usage, the tablet can easily handle a full day of heavy use, including streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks. During our testing, we managed to stream videos on Netflix and YouTube for over 13 hours on a single charge.
Practical Features and Accessories
The POCO Pad includes essential connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable connections. It also features Google Widevine L1 for HD streaming and Dolby Vision on platforms like Netflix.
For those who need more than just a tablet, POCO offers a range of accessories to enhance the experience. The optional smart pen connects via Bluetooth and is perfect for taking notes or drawing. The magnetic keyboard case adds a physical keyboard, making it easier to type and work on the go. The stand cover provides a convenient way to prop up the tablet for hands-free viewing.
Final Thoughts
The POCO Pad is a well-rounded tablet that offers a great balance between performance, build quality, and features. Its sleek design, impressive display, powerful audio, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for both entertainment and productivity. POCO has truly delivered a product that punches above its weight, offering exceptional value for money.
If you’re in the market for a new tablet that doesn’t break the bank but delivers a premium experience, the POCO Pad is definitely worth considering. With its blend of mid-range performance and premium features, it’s set to give established players in the tablet market a run for their money.