Xiaomi expands budget slate lineup with POCO Pad C1: A 2K display in a sub-$300 package
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Xiaomi pivots to the entry-level market with the POCO Pad C1
Xiaomi has officially broadened its tablet portfolio with the global debut of the POCO Pad C1. While the brand has previously focused on high-performance slates for gaming and productivity, the C1 is a calculated move into the entry-level segment, targeting users who need a large-screen device for media consumption and light productivity without the premium price tag of the Xiaomi Pad series.
The POCO Pad C1 arrives as a utilitarian device designed for the “casual” user. By opting for a 4G-capable Snapdragon chipset over the more expensive 5G variants, Xiaomi has managed to keep the expected retail price below the $300 mark, positioning it as a direct competitor to the budget offerings from Samsung’s Tab A series and Lenovo’s Tab M lineup.
A surprising focus on display quality
The most compelling aspect of the POCO Pad C1 is its screen. While budget tablets often compromise on resolution, the C1 features a 9.7-inch IPS panel boasting a 2K resolution. The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate is particularly notable at this price point, ensuring that navigation through HyperOS 3.0 remains fluid—a stark contrast to the 60Hz panels commonly found in sub-$300 devices.
To tackle visibility issues, Xiaomi has rated the display at 500 nits of typical brightness, peaking at 600 nits for outdoor use. This is paired with TUV Rheinland certifications for low blue light and flicker reduction, suggesting that Xiaomi is marketing this device as a viable tool for students and long-form readers.
Hardware and the Snapdragon 6s 4G trade-off
Under the hood, the POCO Pad C1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2. It is important to note that this is not a performance-oriented chip; it is designed for efficiency and stability in everyday tasks. With 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, the device is well-equipped for streaming and document editing, though it will struggle with heavy multitasking or AAA gaming.
For those requiring more space, the C1 includes a microSD slot supporting expansion up to 2 TB, a critical feature for users who intend to store large libraries of offline movies or podcasts. The software experience is driven by HyperOS 3.0, which now integrates several AI-driven shortcuts. Most notably, the tablet supports Google Gemini and the “Circle to Search” functionality, bringing high-end software utility to a low-end hardware frame.
Battery life and connectivity
Powering the device is a 7,600 mAh battery. While the capacity is generous, the charging speed is modest; it supports 18W wired charging, meaning a full top-up will take several hours. However, Xiaomi claims the efficiency of the Snapdragon 6s chip allows for up to 15 hours of continuous video playback or roughly 1.7 days of mixed usage.
The physical build is surprisingly sleek for a budget device, featuring a slim metal chassis that measures 7.4 mm in thickness and weighs 406 grams. Xiaomi has also retained the 3.5 mm audio jack, a decision that will be welcomed by users who prefer wired headphones over Bluetooth latency.
The utility of the budget slate
The camera system is minimal, with an 8 MP rear sensor and a 5 MP front-facing camera. These are sufficient for basic video calls and scanning documents, but they are not intended for photography. Available in Blue and Grey, the POCO Pad C1 doesn’t attempt to reinvent the tablet, but it does provide a cohesive set of specifications for those who want a reliable, high-resolution screen without overpaying for processing power they won’t use.
