Xiaomi Pad 8 now official globally with 144 Hz display and mid-range pricing

Xiaomi has finally released the Pad 8 tablet outside China, bringing its mid-range Android slate to global markets with hardware upgrades that position it as a compelling alternative to established competitors. The tablet, which originally launched in China last September alongside the more premium Pad 8 Pro, arrives internationally largely unchanged from its domestic version.

The centerpiece of the Pad 8 is its 11.2-inch IPS display, which pushes the boundaries for what consumers typically expect in this price segment. With a 3.2K resolution (3200 x 1800 pixels), 144 Hz refresh rate, and 800 nits peak brightness, the screen promises smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals that could make it particularly appealing for media consumption and casual gaming. This high refresh rate puts it on par with premium tablets that often cost significantly more.

Powering the device is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a chipset that delivers approximately 40% better performance compared to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 found in last year's Pad 7, according to NotebookCheck's internal benchmarks. This generational leap in processing power, combined with a substantial 9,200 mAh battery, suggests the Pad 8 should handle demanding applications and multitasking with relative ease while maintaining reasonable battery life.

Xiaomi is offering the Pad 8 in two configurations: a base model with 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage priced at €449.90 (approximately $530), and a higher-tier version with 256 GB storage but the same RAM amount for €50 more. The company is running an introductory promotion that knocks €50 off either configuration until March 14, effectively making the higher storage option cost the same as the base model during this period.

For users seeking a productivity-focused tablet experience, Xiaomi is selling the Focus Pen Pro stylus and a detachable keyboard separately. Unlike the Pad 8 Pro bundle, these accessories aren't included as free gifts, which may influence purchasing decisions for those planning to use the device for work or creative tasks.

The Pad 8 enters a competitive market segment where it will face established players like Apple's iPad (9th generation), Samsung's Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and various offerings from Lenovo and Huawei. Its combination of high refresh rate display, capable processor, and aggressive pricing could make it particularly attractive to budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on screen quality.

Availability details and regional pricing variations can be found on Xiaomi's official website, where the company has also outlined the full specifications and accessory options for the global launch.