Most of us are used to Windows machines, especially when it comes to laptops. I found myself seeking something lighter and more versatile for my day-to-day productivity. My trusty 14-inch laptop, while powerful, felt cumbersome in coffee shops or during travel. Enter the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, a sleek and powerful Android tablet that has now become my go-to device for work and play. If you’re a minimalist looking for a laptop replacement, this tablet might just be the perfect choice.
The Case for Tablets as Laptop Replacements
For years, laptops have dominated as productivity tools. But tablets like the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro are proving themselves as worthy contenders. Their portability, all-in-one design, and increasing efficiency make them more capable of replacing bulky laptops than ever before.
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, offering a stellar balance of performance and efficiency. This midrange tablet handles multitasking, app switching, and media consumption seamlessly—all for a fraction of the cost of a traditional laptop.
Why the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Stands Out
Unlike most Android tablets, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro feels like it was designed with productivity in mind. Here’s what makes it special:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and up to 12GB of RAM ensure smooth performance even when juggling demanding apps. You may think that there isn’t enough RAM but remember that this is Android and not Windows. 16:10 aspect ratio also gives you a little bit of extra screen real estate.
- Display: The 12.4-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support offers vibrant colors and fluid visuals, perfect for reading, writing, and light editing. Gorilla Glass 5 adds to the durability factor.
- Portability: Weighing just 590g, it’s easy to carry around without sacrificing screen real estate. It’s also literally 1/3 of my laptop’s weight, which is already on the lighter side of laptops.
- Battery Life: A 10,000mAh battery provides long-lasting power, with 120W fast charging to top up quickly.
With retail price going from RM2,799 for the 8GB RAM / 256GB storage variant to RM3,099 for the 12GB RAM / 512GB storage variant, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro offers an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, rivaling more expensive competitors.
To get the full idea of its performance, check out our review of it by clicking right here.
The Challenges of Tablet Productivity
Switching to a tablet for work isn’t without its challenges. Unlike Windows, Android’s interface is built around touchscreens, and navigating apps in landscape orientation can take some getting used to. However, with a few tweaks, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro becomes a formidable productivity tool.
Tips for Optimizing the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro
1. Invest in Accessories:
A quality keyboard and stylus are essential. The Xiaomi Focus Pen (RM399) makes note-taking a breeze, while the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Touchpad Keyboard (RM699) provide tactile feedback for typing along with a touchpad for a true laptop-like experience without relying on Bluetooth nor cables. The latter also doubles us as a protective case.
2. Maximize Multitasking:
Xiaomi’s HyperOS offers robust multitasking features, including split-screen mode and floating windows. Adjust display scaling to make better use of the screen real estate. You can also achieve a PC-like experience by installing a custom launcher like Computer Launcher Pro. It includes a taskbar with a Start menu, quick access to Chrome, Messages, and Phone, and a system tray on the far right displaying the time and Notification Center—just like on Windows. Additionally, the launcher features a file manager with an interface resembling Windows File Explorer for seamless navigation.
3. Expand Connectivity:
A USB-C hub adds versatility, enabling support for external monitors, storage, and other peripherals.
4. Tailor Android to Your Workflow:
Use developer options to speed up animations, and choose a browser like Kiwi or Vivaldi for better desktop site support.
Embracing the Future of Portability
Switching to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has changed how I approach work. While it won’t replace a traditional laptop for heavy video editing or software development, it’s perfect for lighter workloads like writing, researching, and staying productive on the go.
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro delivers all the essential features of a laptop while remaining compact, affordable, and versatile. For anyone looking to cut down on bulk and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, this Android tablet is a gamechanger. If you’ve been considering leaving behind your bulky laptop, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro might just be the perfect solution to streamline your digital life.
For more useful tech breakdowns and use cases, stay tuned to Pokde.NET.
