A new name has appeared among the best Android tablets. And from whom! Xiaomi has unveiled the REDMI Pad 2 SE tablet — a budget model that looks noticeably more impressive on paper than its price category suggests. An aluminum body, a 120 Hz screen with triple TÜV certification, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 7600 mAh battery, and all of this for less than $170. Usually in this price range, you have to pick just one feature. Here, judging by the specs, Xiaomi decided not to cut corners on anything.

The new REDMI tablet has been officially unveiled

REDMI Pad 2 SE Design

For a budget Android tablet, a unibody aluminum chassis is already a statement. Xiaomi manufactured it using a stamping method, with no visible seams on the back panel. Both in look and feel, it comes across as a device more expensive than its price — a rarity in the budget segment.

Thickness — 7.4 mm, weight — 401 g for the Wi-Fi version and 406 g for the 4G version. Two colors are available: dark gray and silver. Nothing unexpected, but it looks neat and understated.

REDMI Pad 2 SE Display

The display on a budget Android tablet is usually the weakest point. Here the situation is better. The REDMI Pad 2 SE features a 9.7-inch LCD panel with 2048×1280 resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Peak brightness is 600 nits, which is quite sufficient for outdoor use.

The display here is outstanding for a budget tablet. Image: Xiaomi

Worth noting separately is the triple TÜV eye protection certification: low blue light emission, flicker-free, and circadian compatibility. This isn’t just a marketing badge — for a tablet that’s often used before bed or for reading, this is genuinely important. The touch sensor operates at 180 Hz — finger response is fast.

REDMI Pad 2 SE Specifications

REDMI Pad 2 SE specifications in detail:

SpecificationsREDMI Pad 2 SE
Display9.7 inches, IPS (2048×1280), 120 Hz
Main Camera8 MP
Front Camera5 MP
ProcessorSnapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2
Memory6/128 GB
Battery7600 mAh
Charging18 W

The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 is not a flagship chip, but it’s sufficient for watching videos, browsing, and light tasks. The “4G” in the name is a reminder that LTE is only supported in the corresponding version. An important detail for those buying a tablet with a SIM card. The new REDMI tablet is essentially a simplified version of the previous model. The SE version received a different processor and has a slightly more modest camera, but it retained what the series is valued for: display, sound, and battery life.

A separate note about the sound: symmetrical stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. This is genuinely impressive for the stated price. Plus a 3.5 mm jack, which has long become a rarity in smartphones. For those who use a tablet for movies or music, this is an important advantage.

REDMI Pad 2 SE Battery and Charging

The battery is 7600 mAh. For a 9.7-inch tablet with an LCD panel, this means genuinely long battery life: with moderate usage, you can count on a full day and more without a charger.

The battery is perfectly suited for this size

Charging supports up to 18 W via USB-C cable. However, the included adapter is only 15 W. A classic move: 18 W advertised, 15 W in the box. If you want maximum charging speed, you’ll need to purchase a suitable adapter separately.

REDMI Pad 2 SE Price and Release Date

REDMI Pad 2 SE price in China:

  • Wi-Fi version — 1099 yuan (≈ $150);
  • 4G version — 1399 yuan (≈ $190).

The REDMI Pad 2 SE release date in China is April 2026; the tablet has already been announced. When the REDMI Pad 2 SE will officially appear in other markets is unknown. Xiaomi typically brings budget tablets to international markets a few months after the Chinese launch.

Is the REDMI Pad 2 SE Worth Buying

A budget tablet for $150-190 with an aluminum body, a 120 Hz display, and decent sound — that’s an honest offer. For tasks like “movies, YouTube, books, occasional games,” the REDMI Pad 2 SE will handle everything without question. There are weak points too: the camera is basic, the processor is mid-range without 5G, and it has Wi-Fi 5 instead of the current Wi-Fi 6.

For demanding tasks or games with high-end graphics, it’s better to look at something else. But if the main priorities are price, display, and battery life, then buying the REDMI Pad 2 SE after it becomes available is a perfectly reasonable decision.