Redmi K Pad Hands-On Review: A Compact Tablet Inspired by iPad Mini and Legion Y700

As Xiaomi gears up for its June 26 launch event, it’s clear that the tech giant has a lot to show. With multiple new devices ready to be announced, Xiaomi decided to give fans a preview by showcasing two of their most anticipated products early: the Redmi K80 Ultra and the Redmi K Pad. These are now on display at select offline stores, giving users a chance to try them out firsthand before launch.

While the K80 Ultra will be covered in a separate piece, today we’ll focus entirely on the Redmi K Pad, which marks Redmi’s first-ever compact tablet.

Familiar Design: Looks Like an iPad Mini

At first glance, the Redmi K Pad strongly resembles the iPad Mini. With its sleek all-metal body, uniform bezels on all sides, and similar size, it’s easy to mistake it for Apple’s compact tablet. But there’s more to it.

Look closer and you’ll find design inspirations taken from the Lenovo Legion Y700 (2023) as well. It seems Redmi has blended both Apple and Lenovo’s strengths into one product.

Some key standout features:

• Dual USB-C ports: One on the side supports USB 3.0, making this Redmi’s first device to support this higher-speed connection.
• Centralized motherboard design: This keeps heat-producing parts away from your hands—great for gaming and long-term use.

However, there are a few compromises:

• No microSD card slot
• No fingerprint power button
• No 3.5mm headphone jack

These features were available in the Lenovo Legion Y700, making them missed opportunities in the K Pad.

Display Quality and Specs

The K Pad’s 8.8-inch screen offers the same size, refresh rate, and aspect ratio as the Legion Y700. At a glance, it still looks like an iPad Mini. That dual inspiration is obvious.

One minor issue is the slightly uneven bezels—two sides are a bit thicker than the others. However, this isn’t noticeable in daily use and doesn’t affect the viewing experience.

Performance: Powered by Dimensity 9400+

Redmi chose MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ chipset for the KPad. This makes it the first 8.8-inch tablet to use this processor. It’s a wise choice for performance and cost-effectiveness:

• High-end power similar to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Lower cost than flagship Qualcomm chips

Since tablets are rarely used for intensive photography, the slightly weaker ISP (image signal processor) is not a big concern. Instead, the focus is on gaming, streaming, and multitasking—areas where the Dimensity 9400+ should shine.

Battery & Charging

The KPad packs a 7500mAh battery supported by 67W fast charging. While this is decent, it’s actually smaller than the Lenovo Legion Y700’s battery.

Redmi might be able to compensate with software-level power optimizations, but battery life will be something to watch closely during full testing.

New Gaming Accessory

Redmi has also teased a new mobile controller accessory made specifically for the K Pad. It hasn’t been tested yet, but it looks promising and could be a great add-on for mobile gamers.

Expect a full test and review of the controller once we get our hands on it.

Should You Buy It?

On paper, the Redmi K Pad doesn’t break new ground. It copies design elements from the iPad Mini and Lenovo Legion Y700, but doesn’t improve much on either.

Missing features like the microSD card slot, smaller battery, and lack of a headphone jack may disappoint some users—especially gamers.

However, if Redmi prices the K Pad under $400, it could still be the best value compact Android tablet of the year.

The real highlight of this device is its flagship-level performance at a mid-range price, thanks to the Dimensity 9400+ chip and USB 3.0 support.

So while it may not lead in every category, the Redmi K Pad is shaping up to be a solid all-round compact tablet, especially for students, light gamers, and anyone looking for a powerful media device.

Stay tuned for our full in-depth review, where we’ll dive deeper into performance benchmarks, battery life, and gaming experience.