Realme Pad Mini: Compromise Between a Tablet and Phone

The Realme Pad Mini finally launched first in the Philippines. This will be available in a 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM option and we were able to get our hands on the 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM LTE model. I was able to test it out before the official launch to give you some of my thoughts on this product to help you better if you are in the market for a mini tablet. This will also come in a 3GB+32GB WIFI 1 variant later on. You will be able to choose between its gray and blue color choices. Pricing and specs table at the end of this article.

DESIGN

Its size is one of its strong points if you are looking for something with more portability than the usual tablet, but bigger enough than your personal smartphone. It comes in a 7.6mm Ultra Slim design and weighs 372g which can easily snug into my bag or hold it in one hand wherever I go. It adopts an Aluminum Alloy Body Design for that premium feel and look on its own.

DISPLAY

It is up to your own personal preference if you need a much bigger screen like a monitor on a laptop, but you will definitely be able to fit a lot more on the 8.7” display on your screen over a smartphone. Its 1340x800p resolution can be just enough for its size, but artists may not like the size. Speaking of art, its color accuracy seems to be dull and dead when viewed on the screen. It offers Reading Mode and Dark Mode too to make it easier on my eyes. The Realme Pad Mini is a nice compromise between a tablet and a phone as you will benefit from owning a device like this for various reasons. If you feel that you have bigger fingers and you need to see more of the screen while playing video games, then this will fit nicely in your hands.

PERFORMANCE

This device uses a Unisoc T616 processor which can run Mobile Legends in Ultra Graphics and High Refresh Rate. Call of Duty Mobile can run in Medium Graphics and High Frame Rate. Pokémon Unite is recommended to be played up to High Graphics Quality with Low Frame Rate. Genshin Impact is recommended to play in the Lowest Graphics Quality as setting it to Low will show a pop-up message that warns the user for possible overheating and frame rate dropping issues.

Here are some benchmarking results below using Geekbench 5, PCMark, and AnTuTu 3DBench:

MICROSDXC & SIM

I know, they only offer up to 64GB for its available internal storage configuration which is quite small for being the largest among their other options for the Pad Mini. However, this can still expand up to 1TB external storage. You can use your extra micro SD card lying around! It lets you chuck in a Nano SIM card as well if you will be using up the other Micro SIM card slot for your Micro SD card. The SIM Tray can be accessible on the left side of the tablet standing upright.

CAMERA

The camera is placed at the top of the screen in portrait orientation. If I am going to use a tablet, I would use it in landscape orientation most of the time, if not all of the time. It has an 8MP Ultra Wide-Angle Rear Camera, but I can only capture photos in 1x zoom. The 5MP Front Camera should be enough to get you through your video calls in Zoom or Google Classroom.

AUDIO

It has a 3.5mm audio jack above where the camera is. It does get in the way of my left hand when I try to play games in landscape mode, so I just end up opting for bluetooth earbuds or speaker mode if I will be holding it while using the mini tablet.

When I am too lazy to reach for my earbuds though, I can still hear what I am watching or playing pretty well thanks to its speakers. It has Dual Stereo Speakers that supports adaptive surround sound on both the left and right side in landscape orientation. The microphone is also at the bottom of the frame.

BATTERY

I have only needed to charge the Realme Pad Mini once a day with minimal browsing thanks to its 6400mAh battery. It comes with an 18W Quick Charge adapter, but it does not seem to be charging that fast at all. When you say quick charge, I would expect that it would be done in around an hour at most. I guess I would not mind waiting 2 to 3 hours of charging if in exchange I could use this device for a whole day, or even over a day.

OTHER FEATURES

The Pad Mini has an Integrated Google Kids Space with various applications, videos, and books suitable for children. This will come in handy when looking after my baby siblings. I would not have to worry about what media they may consume if I ever take my eyes off of them. I can also set a screen usage limit and even control which applications children can use.

VERDICT

It might be a turn off for you if you also do not like how the audio jack is positioned in a way that can disturb your left hand when held in landscape mode. The front camera placement can also be off-putting for some, like me. It looks awkward when I go on video calls since the camera is at a lower point and situated on the side.

I would say that this is a good device for activities when I find my smartphone being too small for, and a tablet being too big for. I would say that not everybody needs this, but a lot of people can benefit from having it. It is easy to carry and hold, so I can do productivity tasks while on the go. Some games are easier for me to play with, but with maybe some rhythm games, for example, you would be better off on a smaller device especially if you are a thumb player. Personally, I still like it for some gaming because it is comfortable to hold while being able to see just enough on the screen.

If they maintained it at the 9,990.00 Php early-bird sale price point for the 4GB+64GB LTE model, it could become a bit more competitive considering its specs. It can still be good enough for an entry-level tablet while considering that it is meant to be small.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

There is an early-bird offer on-going exclusively at the realme Official Store on Lazada wherein the 3GB+32GB LTE goes on sale at 1,500 Php off for 8,490.00 Php, and the 4GB+64GB LTE will be 2,000 Php off for 9,990.00 Php. After the sale ends, the 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM LTE will be available for 9,990.00 Php while the one we reviewed today, the 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM LTE, will be available for 11,990.00 Php back to their original prices.

If you want to see it for yourself in person, the Realme Pad Mini will also be available at all realme official stores and partner dealers nationwide. You will get a free realme Mobile Game Finger Sleeves when you purchase starting now until April 30.

SPECIFICATIONS

Justine Caroline Dolorito

Contributor

Caroline seems like she has done it all; from petting every four-legged friend out on the street, indulging in different stories through books and anime, or even vibing to any song especially EDM. Nothing can stop her curiosity from trying anything under the sun for that Life XP. Having grown up with a GBA emulator, then owning a PSP and NDS, nothing piqued her interest more than gaming. Fun fact: another hobby of hers is watching gameplay videos while eating brunch. For years, despite her love for all things digital, all she had was a potato laptop and a dream - until now. Although, according to the prophecy, rarely will anyone ever see her go outside after completing her PC setup.