Xiaomi Pad 8 and Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Confirmed for Global Launch with Snapdragon 8 Elite Power

Xiaomi's tablet ambitions are expanding beyond China, with the Pad 8 series now confirmed for a global release. The lineup, which debuted in September, consists of the standard Pad 8 and the higher-end Pad 8 Pro, with recent leaks suggesting a potential Pad 8 Max could join the family later.

What's New for Global Markets

The confirmation comes via EU energy labels spotted by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, revealing model numbers 25091RP04G and 25091RP43G. These correspond to the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro respectively, with the "RP" designation matching Xiaomi's Chinese release. The energy labels are a reliable indicator that these tablets are preparing for European market certification.

According to Ambhore, Xiaomi plans to launch the Pad 8 series globally alongside the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphones. This coordinated release strategy suggests Xiaomi is positioning these tablets as companion devices to its flagship phone lineup.

Hardware Specifications Revealed

The most significant revelation is that Xiaomi will maintain consistent hardware specifications across regions. The Pad 8 Pro, in particular, represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor:

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (replacing the previous generation)
• Battery: Larger capacity than the outgoing model
• RAM/Storage: Multiple configurations available

The standard Pad 8 will target the mid-range segment, while the Pro variant aims squarely at premium tablet users who want flagship performance without the Apple tax.

Configuration Options

Based on the leak, here are the expected configurations:

Xiaomi Pad 8:

• Colors: Blue, Grey, Green
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB or 256 GB

Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro:

• Colors: Blue, Grey, Green
• Configuration 1: 8 GB RAM / 256 GB storage
• Configuration 2: 12 GB RAM / 512 GB storage

This tiered approach gives consumers flexibility based on their needs and budget, with the Pro model offering substantial storage options for power users.

Market Positioning

The Pad 8 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset puts it in direct competition with other flagship Android tablets and even challenges Apple's iPad Pro in raw performance metrics. At a rumored price point below the current $475 predecessor, Xiaomi appears to be targeting aggressive pricing to gain market share in the competitive tablet space.

What We Don't Know Yet

While the hardware and configurations are largely confirmed, several key details remain under wraps:

• Pricing: Global pricing strategy hasn't been revealed
• Availability: Launch dates and regional rollout plans
• Pad 8 Max: The rumored larger variant's status remains unclear
• Software features: Whether global versions will have the same MIUI Tablet features as Chinese models

The Bigger Picture

Xiaomi's global tablet push comes as the company continues expanding its ecosystem strategy. By offering competitively priced, high-spec tablets alongside its smartphones, Xiaomi is creating a more complete hardware ecosystem that could appeal to budget-conscious consumers who want flagship-level performance.

The consistent hardware approach across regions is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests Xiaomi is confident in its global pricing strategy and doesn't plan to differentiate between markets with different specifications.

Looking Ahead

With the Xiaomi 17 series launch approaching, we can expect the Pad 8 series to debut shortly after. The combination of Snapdragon 8 Elite power, multiple configuration options, and Xiaomi's typically aggressive pricing could make these tablets compelling options in the Android tablet market.

For now, tablet enthusiasts and Xiaomi fans will need to wait for official announcements regarding pricing and exact availability dates. However, the confirmation of global launch plans means these devices are no longer just a China-exclusive curiosity but legitimate contenders in the international tablet market.