Xiaomi has introduced a new budget-friendly tablet in China called the Redmi Pad SE 2, aiming to deliver a compact design without cutting too many corners. Priced at CNY 1,099 (around $161), it targets buyers who want a modern display, long battery life, and a premium-feeling build at an entry-level price.
One of the biggest changes from the earlier model is the size. While the previous generation launched with an 11-inch screen, the Redmi Pad SE 2 moves to a smaller 9.7-inch display, which makes it easier to hold in one hand, slip into a bag, or use for reading and casual entertainment. Despite the more compact footprint, Xiaomi has upgraded the viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
The 9.7-inch panel is listed with a 2048 x 1280 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and up to 600 nits of peak brightness. That combination should suit everyday streaming, browsing, and light productivity, while the wide aspect ratio is especially practical for video content and split-screen use. Xiaomi is also highlighting multiple eye protection features, a popular addition in tablets designed for longer sessions.
Powering the Redmi Pad SE 2 is the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G, a 6nm chip introduced in late 2025. Xiaomi positions it as a meaningful step up compared to the processor used in the first-generation model. For day-to-day tablet tasks like messaging, web browsing, video playback, and casual games, this chipset is designed to provide a smoother experience and better efficiency.
In this launch configuration, the tablet comes with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Storage expansion is also part of the package thanks to a TF card (microSD) slot, supporting memory cards up to 2TB. That’s a key benefit for users who want to keep large offline video libraries, class materials, or photo collections without paying more for a higher storage model.
Even with the smaller screen size, Xiaomi has fitted a relatively large 7,600mAh battery. The company claims up to 15 hours of video playback on a full charge, which should appeal to students, travelers, and anyone looking for a dependable media device that can last through long days.
Design is another focus here. The Redmi Pad SE 2 features an all-metal unibody with what Xiaomi describes as a “flagship-level seamless design,” suggesting it’s aiming for a more premium feel than the typical plastic-bodied budget tablet. Audio is handled by a dual-speaker setup, and there’s a single rear camera for basic shots and document capture.
For now, the Redmi Pad SE 2 has been launched in China at around $161. Xiaomi has not yet shared a specific timeline for an international release, but expectations are that it will eventually debut in more markets.
