Hey there, it’s me, Rupnath! I’ve spent weeks exploring two top tablets of 2025: the Apple iPad 11th Generation and the Xiaomi Pad 7. If you’re like me, trying to figure out how to spend your hard-earned ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 wisely, you’re in the right place. The Xiaomi Pad 7 costs around ₹28,000. The iPad 11th Gen is priced at about ₹35,000 in India. Both tablets are great, but they target different users. I’m here to break it down and help you choose the right one for you.
Let’s compare design, display, audio, performance, software, cameras, battery life, accessories, and price. I’ll give points to each tablet in every category. At the end, we’ll add it all up. You’ll see which one is the best for you. Ready? Let’s begin.
1. Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter, and both tablets nail the premium vibe, though they do it in their own ways.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Build: I love the sleek, all-metal unibody design—it feels sturdy and looks modern.
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Weight: It’s a bit heavier than the iPad. But honestly, I hardly noticed it while binge-watching my favorite shows.
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Ports: The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (5 Gbps) is a standout. I transferred a 3GB file from my SSD, and it was blazing fast—way ahead of the iPad.
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Security: No fingerprint sensor here, which is a bummer. I had to stick to PINs or passwords.
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Colors: Multiple vibrant options—I’m tempted by the bold ones.
iPad 11th Gen
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Build: The flat-edged, all-metal design screams Apple elegance. It’s familiar but still feels luxurious.
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Weight: Lighter than the Xiaomi, which I appreciated during long reading sessions.
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Ports: It’s stuck with a USB 2.0 port (480 Mbps). Transferring files felt painfully slow compared to the Xiaomi.
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Security: Touch ID in the power button is a win. Unlocking and approving purchases is so quick and secure.
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Colors: Four classic shades—subtle but stylish.
My Thoughts: I adore the iPad’s Touch ID for convenience, but the Xiaomi’s USB port speed blew me away. For me, it’s a tie—both designs have their charms.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 1 | iPad 11th Gen: 1
2. Display
The screen is where I spend most of my tablet time, so this category is huge for me.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Size & Resolution: An 11.2-inch 3.2K display (3200 x 2136)—it’s sharp, vivid, and a bit bigger than the iPad’s.
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Refresh Rate: 144Hz (though most apps cap at 120Hz). Scrolling and animations are silky smooth.
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Brightness: Hits 800 nits, which I found perfect for outdoor Netflix sessions.
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Extras: Dolby Vision makes movies pop, and the slimmer bezels feel futuristic. There’s even an optional nano-texture display (₹5,000 extra) to cut glare—tempting.
iPad 11th Gen
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Size & Resolution: A 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display (2360 x 1640). It’s crisp, but not as pixel-packed as the Xiaomi.
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Refresh Rate: Locked at 60Hz. It’s fine, but I noticed the choppiness next to the Xiaomi’s smoothness.
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Brightness: Tops out at 500 nits—decent indoors, but it struggles in sunlight.
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Extras: No Dolby Vision, and the bezels are chunkier than I’d like.
My Thoughts: The Xiaomi Pad 7’s display is a dream for media lovers like me. Higher resolution, smoother refresh rate, and brighter screen—it’s the winner here.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 2 | iPad 11th Gen: 1
3. Audio
I’m a bit of an audio nerd, so let’s see how these tablets sound.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Speakers: Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. They’re loud, rich, and even deliver some surprising bass for a tablet.
iPad 11th Gen
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Speakers: Stereo speakers (just two, despite four grills). They’re loud, but lack the depth I got from the Xiaomi.
My Thoughts: The Xiaomi’s quad setup is a game-changer for movies and music. It’s like having a mini theater in my hands.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 3 | iPad 11th Gen: 1
4. Performance
Whether I’m gaming, editing, or juggling apps, performance is key.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Chipset: Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3. It handles daily tasks and light gaming with ease.
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GPU: Faster than the iPad’s, but I hit software limits—like no high FPS in PUBG, which was a letdown.
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Storage: Up to 256GB UFS 4.0—super quick for loading apps and files.
iPad 11th Gen
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Chipset: The A16 Bionic (a toned-down iPhone 15 chip). It’s a powerhouse for editing videos and multitasking.
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GPU: Not as strong as the Xiaomi’s, but games run smoothly at 60Hz.
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Storage: Options from 128GB to 512GB—plenty of room for my projects.
My Thoughts: The iPad’s CPU is great for creative work. However, the Xiaomi’s GPU could shine in gaming if the software improves. I’ll call it even.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 4 | iPad 11th Gen: 2
5. Software and Ecosystem
Software can turn a tablet into a productivity beast—or a frustration fest.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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OS: HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15-based). It’s smooth, AI-packed (think text generation), and fun with lock screen animations.
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Updates: Promises 4 years of major updates and 6 years of security patches. That’s solid longevity.
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Features: Split-screen multitasking and app pair shortcuts are a breeze to use.
iPad 11th Gen
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OS: iPadOS 18—polished and perfect if you’re an Apple fan like me.
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Updates: Usually 5-6 years of updates, which I trust Apple to deliver.
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Apps: Procreate and Final Cut Pro are exclusive gems that Android can’t match.
My Thoughts: HyperOS seems new and adaptable. However, the app ecosystem and polish of iPadOS are tough to ignore. It’s close, but Apple edges it out for me.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 5 | iPad 11th Gen: 3
6. Cameras
I don’t snap tons of pics with tablets, but video calls are a daily thing.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Rear Camera: 13MP—good enough for quick shots.
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Front Camera: 8MP. It’s okay for calls, but the field of view is narrow.
iPad 11th Gen
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Rear Camera: 12MP—reliable for a tablet.
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Front Camera: 12MP ultra-wide with Center Stage. It keeps me in frame during calls, which I love.
My Thoughts: The iPad’s front camera and Center Stage make video chats a joy. It takes this round.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 5 | iPad 11th Gen: 4
7. Battery Life and Charging
I need a tablet that lasts—and charges fast when it doesn’t.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Battery: 8,850mAh—gives me 8-9 hours of screen time.
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Charging: 45W fast charging. I’m back to full in about 1.5 hours.
iPad 11th Gen
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Battery: 7,698mAh—also 8-9 hours, no complaints.
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Charging: 20W charging. It takes 2.5 hours to fill up, which feels sluggish.
My Thoughts: Same battery life, but Xiaomi’s faster charging wins me over.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 6 | iPad 11th Gen: 4
8. Accessories
I love a good stylus or keyboard to boost my tablet game.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Stylus: Xiaomi Focus Pen (~₹6,000)—wireless charging and palm rejection are clutch.
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Keyboard: Options from ₹5,000 (basic) to ₹9,000 (with trackpad)—affordable and functional.
iPad 11th Gen
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Stylus: Apple Pencil (~₹8,000)—wired charging feels old-school.
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Keyboard: The official folio costs a hefty ₹25,000. However, you can find cheaper third-party options.
My Thoughts: Xiaomi’s accessories are budget-friendly and modern. Easy win.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 7 | iPad 11th Gen: 4
9. Price
Finally, let’s talk value for my money.
Xiaomi Pad 7
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Price: ~₹28,000 for 128GB—packed with features for less.
iPad 11th Gen
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Price: ~₹35,000 for 128GB—a premium for the Apple badge.
My Thoughts: The Xiaomi gives me more bang for my buck—hard to argue with that.
Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 8 | iPad 11th Gen: 4
Final Verdict
After putting these tablets through their paces, I’m leaning toward the Xiaomi Pad 7 as the overall champ. Its amazing screen, great sound, and quick charging make it a bargain at ₹28,000. Plus, affordable accessories add to the value. Don’t miss the iPad 11th Gen. Its software, apps, and Apple integration are excellent. This makes it a great choice for creative pros or anyone fully invested in Apple.
Pick the Xiaomi Pad 7 if:
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You’re a media junkie who craves a top-notch screen and sound.
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You want fast charging and affordable add-ons.
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You’re budget-savvy and need max value under ₹30,000.
Pick the iPad 11th Gen if:
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You’re tied into Apple’s ecosystem and love the seamless flow.
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You need pro-level apps for art or editing.
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You value a refined experience and long-term updates.
For me, the Xiaomi Pad 7 edges out as the better deal for most people. What do you think? Drop your thoughts below, and if you’re ready to buy, check out the links to snag yours.
Total Points: Xiaomi Pad 7: 8 | iPad 11th Gen: 4
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