Xiaomi Redmi K Pad 2 targets iPad mini buyers with a 165Hz display and dual USB-C ports

Xiaomi has launched a new compact tablet in China under its Redmi brand, positioning the Redmi K Pad 2 as a value-focused alternative to Apple’s iPad mini.

With an 8.8-inch display and a minimalist rear design, it aims to attract buyers who want a smaller slate without stepping up to a full-size tablet.

The headline feature is a fast 165Hz LCD panel, a specification still rare in compact tablets. Xiaomi rates the screen at up to 1 100 nits peak brightness and highlights a 540Hz touch sampling rate designed to improve responsiveness in supported games.

Gaming-first hardware and design choices

Powering the tablet is MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9500 chipset, which Xiaomi says is tuned for stable performance across popular titles. The company adds that some games can be optimized to reach 165 frames per second, aligning with the high refresh-rate display.

One of the more unusual additions is a dual USB-C port setup, intended to make gaming and accessory use more practical while charging. Xiaomi also points to a large vapor chamber cooling system and a quad-speaker configuration with Sound by Bose tuning.

Battery, charging, and pricing

The Redmi K Pad 2 packs a 9 100mAh battery with 67W fast charging, and it also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging. Stylus support is included as well, broadening its appeal beyond gaming to note-taking and sketching.

In China, pricing starts at CNY 3 599 (around $527) for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, rising to CNY 4 999 (around $733) for 16GB and 512GB. Xiaomi has not confirmed a release schedule for other markets, though the earlier generation was sold globally under a different name.