POCO enters tablet market with $300 POCO Pad

POCO Pad is the affordable iPad Pro alternative we’ve been waiting for

POCO Pad

POCO, a brand recognized for its high-performance devices at competitive prices, has officially ventured into the tablet market with the launch of its first tablet, the POCO Pad.

Essentially a rebrand of the Redmi Pad Pro, and complete with stylus support, this large 12.1″ tablet is poised to be a much more affordable alternative to the iPad Pro 12.9.

The POCO Pad boasts a 12.1-inch 2.5K LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals for gaming, streaming, and work. The display features a resolution of 2650 by 1600 pixels and a pixel density of 249 PPI, ensuring sharp and clear images. It supports a color gamut of 68.7 billion colors and a maximum brightness of 600 nits.

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform, the POCO Pad offers efficient performance for multitasking, gaming, and running multiple applications. The tablet runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which enhances productivity with features like Home Screen+ for cross-device collaboration and Xiaomi Smart Hub for managing multiple devices simultaneously.

There is a POCO Pad Keyboard that helps transform the POCO Pad into more of a PC experience. While the POCO Smart Pen serves as a smooth writing accessory, offering 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a 240Hz sampling rate for effortless writing. A multi-purpose Screenshot and Writing Button provides a convenient method to capture and edit screenshots, as well as open the Mi Canvas App, allowing users to write or paint freely.

Weighing 571 grams and featuring a slim metal unibody design, the POCO Pad is available in Graphite Grey and Ocean Blue. Its lightweight and sleek design make it a portable companion for various activities. The device is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting power throughout the day.

For photography and video calls, the POCO Pad features an 8MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, both capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB 2.0, ensuring fast and reliable connections.

Pricing and Availability

The POCO Pad is expected to be priced between ₹25,000 and ₹35,000 in India, with an anticipated release date of June 24, 2024.

Globally, the POCO Pad will retail for just $329 and POCO is offering special early bird pricing of just $299. The keyboard will cost $79.

This pricing positions it as a competitive option for those seeking a large, high-performance tablet without a hefty price tag.

We’ll have a full review of the POCO Pad live soon.