Poco Pad Review: A Solid, Affordable Android Tablet with Decent Performance—Cameras and Android on Tablets Remain Its Weak Points.

The Poco Pad arrives as a notably affordable Android tablet that aims to balance entertainment and productivity without pushing into premium pricing. It sits in a market crowded with capable options, yet offers a compelling value proposition for buyers who want a larger Android experience without paying flagship-tier prices. Its release matched with a keyboard and a Smart Pen signals Poco’s ambition to present a versatile, do-it-all device rather than a single-use tablet. In this review, we’ll explore how the Poco Pad performs in day-to-day tasks, where it shines, and where it falls short, with attention to design, display, performance, software, cameras, accessories, and overall value. The goal is to determine whether the Poco Pad represents a practical buy for Android enthusiasts or if its compromises outweigh the benefits for most users.

Design, Build, and Display

The Poco Pad emphasizes a sleek, contemporary look that balances premium aesthetics with a budget-minded price tag. Its chassis is slender and well-assembled, contributing to a sense of quality that makes it comfortable to hold for extended sessions. Although Poco positions the tablet as an affordable option, the build quality feels thoughtful, and the device exudes a refined vibe that resembles higher-priced rivals in its class. The tablet hits a notably thin profile, with a thickness around 7.5 millimeters, which helps it feel less bulky in handheld use or when carried in a bag for travel. While it doesn’t achieve the wafer-thin feel of the latest premium tablets, the Poco Pad’s construction remains solid enough to inspire confidence in daily handling and usage.

The Poco Pad features a 12.1-inch LCD display with a 1600 x 2560 pixel resolution. This results in a sharp image with crisp text and clear detail, particularly when reading e-books, browsing the web, or viewing multimedia content. The 16:9 aspect ratio gives the screen a slightly wider stance compared with many competing tablets that favor taller 4:3 or 16:10 formats. This makes for a generous content area when watching videos in landscape orientation, and some users will appreciate the broader canvas for certain tasks. In terms of brightness and color, the display is capable of reaching high luminance levels, which translates to good legibility in well-lit environments and improved outdoor viewing. The color reproduction across the panel is generally vibrant, with punchy greens and blues that help video and gaming feel engaging, though it’s important to note that the LCD panel, by its nature, may not deliver the same deep blacks as OLED competitors.

The screen refresh rate reaches a smooth 120Hz, which contributes to a fluid scrolling experience and quick responsiveness in gesture-based navigation and UI interactions. This high refresh rate helps reduce motion blur in fast-paced content, enabling a more enjoyable experience when scrolling through feeds, playing casual games, or navigating apps. The display supports Dolby Vision, a feature that enhances contrast and color accuracy for supported content, adding a touch of premium video performance that helps compensate for the tablet’s otherwise affordable positioning. In practice, the combination of a bright, high-refresh LCD with solid color performance makes the Poco Pad’s display a strong aspect of its overall experience, particularly for media consumption and productivity tasks that benefit from a larger canvas.

The Poco Pad’s chassis integrates an aluminum frame and back panel, contributing to a premium feel that belies its price point. However, upon close inspection, the metal surface can feel less substantial than pure metal builds found on higher-end devices. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s a nuance worth acknowledging for users who are accustomed to the colder, more rigid touch and weight distribution of premium aluminum designs. The device remains comfortable to hold in one hand for extended periods, with rounded edges and a balanced weight distribution that mitigate fatigue during longer reading sessions or while video conferencing. Aesthetically, the Poco Pad carries a modern silhouette that doesn’t push into flashy territory, focusing instead on understated, refined design cues.

On the rear, Poco includes a dual-camera module arrangement, though only one of the modules actually houses a functioning camera. The other portion of the module houses the flash. This design choice, while visually distinctive, adds a touch of visual complexity that some users may or may not appreciate, depending on their preference for symmetry and minimalism. In daily use, this design isn’t disruptive; it simply means you’ll probably get used to the look quickly, especially once you protect the device with a case or sleeve.

Connectivity and ports are arranged with practicality in mind, though there are a few quirks that may irk some users. The USB-C port and the headphone jack are not perfectly centered, which is a minor aesthetic misalignment that could bother perfectionists or those who notice small asymmetries while plugging in accessories. It’s not a functional blocker, but it’s worth noting as part of the device’s overall design character. In general, the Poco Pad’s exterior design and display combination deliver a compelling sense of value: stylish, capable, and ready for both entertainment and productivity tasks, without the premium price tag that often accompanies such capabilities.

The device ships with a selection of accessories that expand its usefulness, including a keyboard accessory and a dedicated active stylus option. These accessories are designed to broaden the Poco Pad’s appeal for users who want a more laptop-like experience or a convenient creative tool. The overall design and the way these accessories integrate with the tablet help reinforce the Poco Pad’s identity as a versatile entertainment-and-productivity device rather than a single-use tablet.

In summary, the Poco Pad presents a polished, modern aesthetic paired with a high-quality display and careful attention to build quality. While it may fall short of premium expectations in certain surface-level aspects, such as the perceived heft of metal materials or the exact centering of some ports, the overall package remains attractive for its price. The design and display work in concert to deliver an enjoyable, immersive experience for multimedia, reading, and general use, while remaining affordable enough to attract buyers who are cautious about their budget.

Performance, Benchmarks, and Everyday Use

The Poco Pad is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, a mid-range chipset that’s designed to handle everyday tasks with solid performance while preserving battery life. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage, the system delivers a respectable level of responsiveness for most use cases, including web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light gaming. The combination of the mid-range processor and ample RAM provides a balance that favors sustained multitasking and a smoother general experience, though there are some caveats when it comes to peak performance in more demanding scenarios.

During everyday use, the Poco Pad feels fast enough for typical multitasking and productivity workflows. App launches are generally quick, switching between apps is fluid, and the system handles multiple open tasks without excessive stutter. However, there are occasional slowdowns or brief freezes when pushing the device toward heavier workloads. These moments are not pervasive, but they do indicate that the chipset’s performance envelope isn’t limitless. For most users, the tablet handles productivity apps, email, social media, and video streaming without issue, and the 8GB of RAM helps maintain a smooth experience when juggling several tasks at once.

Benchmark results help illustrate where the Poco Pad sits in the broader landscape of Android tablets in its price tier. On GeekBench 6, the device typically posts scores around 1,035 in single-core performance and roughly 3,005 in multi-core performance. In more GPU-focused testing, the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme results hover around 793. These figures reveal a device that is capable of handling everyday tasks with ease but that is not designed to deliver high-end graphics performance or cutting-edge frame rates in intensive titles. For gaming, that translates to playing mid-range titles at respectable settings rather than playing the latest graphics-intensive releases at maximum quality. The performance generally remains comfortable for casual gaming, streaming games, and puzzle adventures, but fans of demanding AAA titles or high-refresh-rate gaming should temper expectations about frame rates and texture detail.

From a software perspective, Poco leverages Xiaomi’s HyperOS on top of Android, bringing a suite of features aimed at bridging Android’s flexibility with a more integrated user experience. The software includes handy options such as screen mirroring from a connected Android phone, which can help in multi-device workflows and scenarios where continuity across devices adds value. The software environment also includes a selection of pre-installed apps, some of which may feel redundant. While these additions can be convenient, they also contribute to a heavier initial software footprint, which some users may prefer to customize by uninstalling or disabling nonessential apps.

Battery life is a crucial consideration for any tablet, and the Poco Pad’s battery specifications reflect a commitment to longer sessions. The listed capacity is 1,000 mAh, which, in the real world, translates to a practical battery life that supports typical day-long use for many people. The combination of the efficient mid-range chipset and the display’s high refresh rate means that everyday tasks, video playback, and light gaming can be sustained for a meaningful portion of the day. As with most devices in this price range, heavy gaming, 4K video editing, or sustained high-brightness use can lead to shorter battery life, but the Poco Pad should hold up well for standard day-to-day activities.

In terms of connectivity, the Poco Pad supports modern wireless standards, including Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6, providing stable wireless connections for accessories, headphones, and online content. This helps ensure reliable streaming, online collaboration, and smooth performance when connected to compatible devices. The combination of a capable display, competent performance, and long enough battery life makes the Poco Pad a well-rounded option for those who want an affordable Android tablet that can handle a broad spectrum of tasks without demanding a premium price.

In conclusion for performance, the Poco Pad strikes a practical balance between speed, efficiency, and value. It isn’t designed to be a flagship-level performer, but it is fully capable for the majority of everyday Android tablet use cases. If your needs include intense graphic workloads or seeking the highest possible frame rates in modern games, you’ll likely want to look at higher-tier devices. For users who want solid mid-range performance at an affordable price—along with a vibrant display and ample RAM—the Poco Pad provides a compelling combination.

Software, Features, and Android Experience on a Tablet

Android on tablets has historically struggled to match the polish and seamless experience seen on bigger-screen iPadOS devices. The Poco Pad embraces this reality by leveraging HyperOS, Xiaomi’s customized Android overlay, to add convenience features and enhanced multitasking capabilities while preserving the core Android software you expect. The goal with HyperOS is to offer a more cohesive, tablet-optimized experience, with features designed to make the large display space more productive and entertaining.

One standout feature is the ability to mirror or extend content from a connected Android phone to the Poco Pad. This cross-device capability can improve productivity by enabling easier content transfer, notifications, and handoff between devices. It’s a practical addition that reflects the growing need for seamless multi-device ecosystems in modern tech usage. The tablet’s software suite also includes a set of tools intended to streamline everyday tasks, such as enhanced multitasking gestures, split-screen capabilities, and quick access to frequently used apps. While these features contribute to a smoother user experience, the sheer amount of pre-installed software can feel overwhelming at first. Some applications, like Netflix and WPS Office, arrive pre-installed with the device. These apps may be useful in certain scenarios, but they can clutter the home screen and consume storage if not managed. As a result, it’s often worth evaluating which apps to keep, uninstall, or disable to tailor the system to your preferences.

The software environment also includes refinements that address tablet-specific use cases, including improved text input options, a more flexible split-view arrangement, and optimizations for video watching and reading. The experience aims to strike a balance between the openness of Android and the convenience of more curated tablet software. Some users may appreciate the ability to customize the interface for easier navigation, while others may prefer a cleaner stock Android-like approach. Either way, the Poco Pad’s HyperOS environment demonstrates a thoughtful attempt to overcome some of Android’s neutrality on tablets by providing toolsets that enhance content consumption and productivity.

In terms of usability and long-term software value, the Poco Pad offers a reasonably future-proof foundation. The device ships with current-generation wireless standards, adequate RAM, and ample storage, which helps ensure compatibility with a broad spectrum of apps and services as Android evolves. The value proposition here centers on how well the combination of hardware and software supports daily tasks and long-term use. It’s fair to say that the software presentation on the Poco Pad leans toward practical efficiency, with some added conveniences courtesy of HyperOS. For buyers who want straightforward Android functionality coupled with tablet-first features that improve multitasking and media consumption, the Poco Pad’s software approach is a compelling option.

Overall, the Android experience on the Poco Pad is a well-considered blend of flexibility and usability. It may not provide the exact pianissimo smoothness of other ecosystems, but it delivers a coherent, productive, and highly usable software environment that benefits from the large display and the Harmony of HyperOS enhancements. For those who place a premium on customization and cross-device interoperability in the Android world, the Poco Pad offers meaningful features that expand its practical value beyond basic tablet functionality.

Cameras, Audio, and Media Capabilities

Camera performance on tablets is often not the central selling point, and the Poco Pad follows that pattern. On both the front and back, the device features 8-megapixel cameras with an f/2.0 aperture. In everyday use, photos taken with the Poco Pad’s cameras tend to look acceptable for casual sharing or video calls but fall short of the quality you’d expect from smartphones or higher-end tablets. The results are adequate for basic video conferencing and quick snapshots, but they won’t satisfy users who demand crisp detail, rich color, and strong dynamic range in a variety of lighting conditions.

The camera setup serves typical business and educational scenarios where video calls and document sharing are common. If you rely on top-tier photography from a tablet, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere, but for standard telepresence and everyday document scanning using a tablet camera, the Poco Pad is serviceable. The front camera is adequate for video calls and casual chats, while the rear camera remains a practical option for quick capture when a dedicated camera isn’t available.

Audio performance is another aspect where tablets often vary, and the Poco Pad provides a balanced audio experience suitable for media consumption and conferencing. The built-in speakers deliver clear midrange and reasonable volume for media playback. While it’s not a substitute for a dedicated speaker setup, the Poco Pad’s audio output is more than adequate for watching videos, joining virtual meetings, and listening to music in a typical home or office environment. For users seeking premium audio fidelity, pairing the tablet with external speakers or wireless headphones remains a straightforward option.

Video and multimedia experiences benefit from the display’s high refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, enabling smooth video playback and nuanced color rendering when supported. The combination of a vivid display and capable hardware allows for enjoyable movie watching, streaming long-form content, and immersive gaming experiences at reasonable settings. While the camera performance won’t satisfy demanding mobile photographers, the Poco Pad’s media capabilities make it a strong entertainment-focused choice in its price range.

In summary for cameras and multimedia, the Poco Pad prioritizes practicality over professional-grade imaging. It offers reliable front- and rear-facing cameras for everyday communication and casual photography, while the audio and display systems are well-suited for media consumption and video conferences. The device excels as a mid-range entertainment and productivity tablet, delivering a well-rounded media experience that aligns with its affordable price point.

Accessories, Biometric Authentication, and Practical Usability

The Poco Pad is marketed as a versatile productivity tool, and Poco supports that positioning with a selection of accessories designed to expand its usability. The package includes a Pad Keyboard, a Pad Cover, and a Smart Pen. Each accessory adds a layer of convenience, but their value hinges on price, practicality, and how well they integrate with the tablet’s hardware and software.

The Pad Keyboard brings a tangible typing experience to the tablet, a key advantage for users who want to use the device for longer-form writing, document editing, or simple productivity tasks on a larger screen. While the keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, it’s not perfect. The keys feel responsive and pleasant to type on, which supports efficient productivity sessions, but the accessory misses a built-in trackpad. This limitation can slow navigation for users who prefer a cursor-like input when working with spreadsheets, long documents, or multi-window workflows. The keyboard does feature Bluetooth connectivity and a loop or storage area for the Smart Pen, which demonstrates a deliberate approach to keeping essential accessories within easy reach while in use.

The Smart Pen is a natural companion for note-taking and sketching tasks. However, the setup experience is not as straightforward as one might expect. Initial pairing requires connecting the pen to the tablet via a USB-C cable, and there are no clear, on-device instructions to guide the user through the process. This unconventional pairing method can be confusing for first-time users. Additionally, the Pad lacks any dedicated storage mechanism for the Smart Pen when not in use, which means you’ll need to find a case or a magnetic solution to keep the pen handy and secure. On a positive note, the Pad Keyboard includes a loop for storage of the Smart Pen, which does help with organization and access when in use.

The broader usability of these accessories hinges on integration with the tablet’s software. Bluetooth-connected peripherals work reliably, enabling flexible setups that can enhance productivity and creativity. While the accessories are not flawless, their presence adds measurable value for users who want to maximize the Poco Pad’s potential as a multitasking device. The overall effect is a more complete, high-utility package that competes well with similarly priced tablets that may omit such bundles or require additional purchases to reach similar capabilities.

Another notable design decision concerns biometric authentication. The Poco Pad does not offer biometric login like fingerprint or facial recognition with robust security. Instead, it relies on a basic camera-based facial recognition system, which, while adequate for casual use, isn’t particularly secure or precise. This omission means users who prioritize quick and secure access should consider alternative methods or simply accept a more manual entry method. In practice, many owners may not find this a deal-breaker, especially if they set up strong passwords and rely on the device’s other security measures, but having a secure biometric option would have been a meaningful upgrade in a modern tablet.

In terms of usability, the Poco Pad strikes a balance between affordability and practicality. The accessories offer meaningful enhancements for productivity workflows, while the lack of biometric authentication imposes a minor security limitation. The tablet’s software, hardware, and accessory ecosystem come together to deliver a cohesive experience that emphasizes value and convenience for everyday use.

Value, Pricing, and Market Position

Pricing for the Poco Pad is a central element of its appeal. At roughly $330, the tablet positions itself as a cost-conscious option in the mid-range Android tablet segment. This price point is competitive, especially when considering the combination of a large 12.1-inch display, a capable processor, ample memory and storage, and the availability of a keyboard and stylus in the broader ecosystem. The Poco Pad is positioned as an entertainment-and-productivity device that aims to do more at a lower price than some of its rivals, including higher-end tablets that may cost hundreds more.

In the current market, price-sensitive buyers have a tough choice between Android and iPad ecosystems. For Android enthusiasts who are comfortable with Google services, the Poco Pad offers a compelling value proposition that can satisfy a broad set of use cases without forcing a premium price. The base price is notably lower than some competing devices in the premium category, and the presence of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage further strengthens the perceived value. It’s worth mentioning that within this price bracket, other Android tablets such as the OnePlus Pad or Samsung alternatives exist, each with their own strengths and trade-offs, including differing software experiences and ecosystem considerations.

When compared to the baseline iPad in similar price ranges, the Poco Pad is generally more affordable than the base model of Apple’s entry-level tablet, which can be a persuasive selling point for Android purists or buyers who are less concerned with iPad-specific features and app availability. However, for those invested in the iOS ecosystem or who require iPadOS-specific optimizations, the iPad remains a compelling option worth considering. The Poco Pad’s value proposition is strongest for buyers who want a large-screen Android tablet with substantial RAM and storage, good display performance, and a software experience tuned for Android familiarity plus extra productivity features through HyperOS.

Availability and regional differences also influence value. Depending on where you live, the Poco Pad’s price and availability can vary, and local competition may differ. While the tablet is clearly intended to be affordable across markets, regional pricing fluctuations can affect whether the device is the best value choice for a given buyer. Prospective buyers should examine local pricing, promotions, and the availability of accessories to determine overall cost of ownership and whether the Poco Pad represents the best possible value in their area.

In terms of overall market positioning, the Poco Pad serves as a strong, budget-friendly option for Android fans who want a larger screen and a balanced feature set without paying top-tier prices. Its combination of a bright 12.1-inch display, substantial RAM and storage, mid-range processor, and the available keyboard and stylus accessories contributes to a well-rounded package that can meet a broad array of use cases. Of course, the decision to buy will hinge on how much you value Android-specific features, multitasking enhancements, and the availability of compatible software and accessories in your region.

Should you buy the Poco Pad? If your priority is obtaining a capable Android tablet at a budget price, with a large display and a robust accessory ecosystem, the Poco Pad is a solid candidate. If you require the best camera performance, top-tier gaming graphics, or an iPad-like software experience, you may want to consider other options in different ecosystems or higher price brackets. In short, the Poco Pad offers notable value for the right buyer: someone who wants a practical, all-purpose Android tablet without the premium cost and who is willing to navigate a few trade-offs in areas like camera quality and biometric security.

Conclusion

The Poco Pad stands out as a thoughtful, budget-conscious Android tablet that delivers a solid mix of design, display quality, performance, and multimedia capabilities at a price that’s hard to beat in its class. Its 12.1-inch screen is bright, responsive, and capable of delivering a compelling multimedia experience, while the device’s overall performance handles everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The software environment, driven by HyperOS, offers a practical, tablet-optimized Android experience with useful features like cross-device screen mirroring, even as it brings along a handful of pre-installed apps that some users may wish to remove.

From a usability perspective, the Poco Pad does a commendable job of balancing entertainment with productivity. The optional accessories—the Pad Keyboard and the Smart Pen—add real value for users who want to type, take notes, or sketch while using a large-screen Android device. The keyboard’s tactile feel is pleasant, though it would benefit from a trackpad, and the Smart Pen pairing process could be more intuitive. The absence of biometric authentication is a minor downside for some, but not a deal-breaker for others who are comfortable with alternative security measures.

In terms of value, the Poco Pad earns a favorable verdict. It offers compelling performance, a solid display, and robust features for its price, making it a competitive choice for buyers who want a practical Android tablet without paying a premium. When considering alternatives, potential buyers should weigh the Poco Pad against similarly priced devices within the Android ecosystem and the base models of iPad options, recognizing that software experiences and accessory ecosystems will influence long-term satisfaction. The Poco Pad proves to be a well-rounded, budget-friendly option in a market where affordable Android tablets can often feel inconsistent; here, Poco demonstrates that it can deliver a cohesive, usable experience that justifies the price for many users.

If you’re shopping in the Android tablet space and want a larger screen with a balance of performance and productivity features, the Poco Pad is a solid choice to consider. It’s not without its shortcomings—camera performance, biometric security, and certain accessory trade-offs—but as a whole, the device delivers a compelling value proposition that makes it a practical option for a wide range of everyday tasks, media consumption, and light productivity. For those who can live with its trade-offs, the Poco Pad represents a smart, affordable way to embrace a more expansive Android tablet experience without stepping into the higher-cost tier of premium devices.