Mi Pad 2: Xiaomi's take on the iPad mini 4 at half the price

Xiaomi has announced three new devices namely Redmi Note 3, Mi Pad 2 and Mi Air Purifier 2. While all three have managed to grab eyeballs, we think the Mi Pad 2 is a significant jump from what Xiaomi has been working at so far. The Mi Pad 2 comes with some cool improvements such as plush design, an all-metal body (at 322 grams) and Windows 10 option. We decided to unfold its specs and take a closer look at what it holds within.DisplayThe all-new Mi Pad 2 retains the same 7.9-inch display with 2048 x 1536 resolution that take the pixel density all the way up to 324ppi, almost at par with the latest iPad mini. The eye-popping resolution is enough for a good viewing experience.ProcessorXiaomi has powered the device with quad-core Intel Atom X5-Z8500 processor, recently seen in the Asus Transformer Book. It has opted for Intel instead of the Tegra chipset seen in the last variant. The processor is coupled with 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM to handle all those apps. It also includes Intel HD graphics for the GPU.OSIn the bid to deliver powerful device options, the company has decided on two variants of the device – one will run the forked MIUI and the other Windows 10. In fact, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has said that the 64GB Windows 10 variant that will be available in December and powerful enough to handle competitive shooters games.CameraIn terms of camera, Xiaomi has opted for an 8-megapixel rear snapper and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, just like its predecessor. While not much importance is given to the camera aspect in a tablet, the inclusions seems like maintaining the good move.ConnectivityWhen it comes to connectivity, the Mi Pad 2 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and also the ac draft. There is no 4G LTE or GPS. It does support Bluetooth v4.1. It also deploys the latest Type-C 1.0 reversible connector.StorageThe device will be available in 16GB and 64GB variants, with expandable memory slots up to 128GB.  The optional Windows 10 variant will be available in 64GB variant.BatteryThe device is fuelled by a 6190mAh battery that promises a battery life with 649 hours of standby time, up to 12.5 hours of multimedia and up to 100 hours of music.Bottom lineA sleek aluminium build at 6.95mm, the Mi pad 2 is 38 grams lighter and considerably thinner than the Mi Pad. In terms of design it clearly targets the iPad mini 4, which is slightly thinner at 6.1mm. In terms of specs, it gets a similar screen size and resolution, and the rest of specs seems quite capable at delivering good functionality too.On paper, the Mi Pad 2 looks like a complete value for money device. However, we cannot yet comment on its performance. The 16GB and 64GB variants are priced at RMB 999 and RMB 1299 translating to roughly Rs 10,363 and Rs 13,476 respectively. On the other hand, the iPad mini 4 starts at $400 which is approximately Rs 26,500. With this Xiaomi brings to table an iPad mini 4 rival at less than half its price.