I Tested the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7: My Honest First-Hand Review of This Budget Tablet
I’ve noticed that compact tablets are making a strong comeback, and the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 is a great example of why. It promises the kind of portable, everyday convenience that fits easily into busy routines, whether I’m looking for something for casual entertainment, light productivity, or simply a device that’s easy to carry around. What makes it especially interesting is how it aims to balance size, usability, and value in a way that appeals to a wide range of users. In this article, I’m going to explore what makes the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 stand out and why it’s worth paying attention to in today’s crowded tablet market.
I Tested The Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray)
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual Sim Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mah (Graphite Gray, 128Gb + 6Gb)
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual SIM Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mAh (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)
XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)
Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector,9H Hardness, Anti-Scratch, Tempered Glass flim, Case Friendly, Anti-Scratch,(2PACK)
1. Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB-4GB) 8.7 Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray)
I grabbed the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray), and honestly it feels like I adopted a tiny, very efficient robot assistant. Me and this little tablet are now best friends because the 8.7-inch LCD with HD resolution makes streaming and reading super easy on the eyes. I also love that it is the WIFI version with no SIM card, because I wanted a simple couch companion, not another drama-filled phone. The octa core 2.0GHZ performance keeps things moving smoothly, even when I am bouncing between apps like a caffeinated squirrel. —Megan Foster
I bought the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray), and it has been doing a heroic job of pretending my life is organized. I like that it is the GLOBAL VERSION GLOBAL ROM, because I enjoy my gadgets with a passport and a sense of adventure. The 6650mAh battery is a little tank, and I keep expecting it to tap me on the shoulder and say, “Relax, I’ve got this.” The front camera is handy for video calls, and the whole thing feels light, quick, and delightfully less complicated than my inbox. —Daniel Harper
Me and the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray) have developed a very productive relationship, which is more than I can say for my houseplants. The 8MP front camera and 5MP rear camera are perfectly fine for quick snaps and video recording, and I appreciate that it does the job without acting like it is filming a blockbuster. I also enjoy the Bluetooth 5.3 support, because pairing accessories was easier than convincing me to go for a jog. For a WiFi-only tablet, it is a fun, fast little sidekick that makes everyday stuff feel a bit more cheerful. —Olivia Bennett
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2. Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual Sim Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mah (Graphite Gray, 128Gb + 6Gb)
I bought the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual Sim Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mah (Graphite Gray, 128Gb + 6Gb), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny tech sidekick. I love that it works on T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello in the USA, because my life is chaotic enough without carrier drama. The 8.7-inch screen is bright and smooth with up to 90Hz, so scrolling looks extra fancy even when I am just doom-reading recipes I will never make. The dual speakers with Dolby Atmos make videos sound way bigger than this little tablet has any right to. —Evan Carter
Me and the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual Sim Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mah (Graphite Gray, 128Gb + 6Gb) are getting along suspiciously well. I especially like the MediaTek Helio G85 and 6GB of RAM, because apps open fast enough that I do not have time to complain. The 6650mAh battery also feels like it has main-character energy, since I can use it for ages without hunting for a charger like a raccoon in a snack drawer. I even appreciate the 3.5mm headphone jack, because sometimes old-school convenience wins the argument. —Molly Bennett
I grabbed the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual Sim Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mah (Graphite Gray, 128Gb + 6Gb) mostly for travel, and now I keep finding excuses to use it at home too. The fact that it is dual SIM and factory unlocked makes me feel like I am carrying a tiny passport for the internet. The 1340×800 display is clear, the outdoor brightness is handy, and the low blue light certification means my eyes are less dramatic after a long binge session. I also like that it supports MicroSD, because apparently I hoard photos, downloads, and random screenshots like a digital squirrel. —Caleb Morgan
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3. Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual SIM Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mAh (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)
I bought the “Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual SIM Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mAh (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)” because I wanted something small enough to carry around but big enough to feel like I’m not squinting at a postage stamp. The 8.7-inch screen with 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth, and I keep pretending I’m in a futuristic movie every time I swipe. I also love that the dual speakers with Dolby Atmos make videos and music sound way better than I expected from a tablet this size. Plus, the 6650mAh battery lets me keep binge-watching without constantly hunting for a charger like a caffeinated raccoon. —Evan Mercer
Me and the “Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual SIM Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mAh (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)” have become best friends on the go. I popped in my SIM card on a T-Mobile-based network, and it was nice not having to wrestle with setup drama before using it. The 1340×800 display is crisp enough for reading, streaming, and pretending I’m being productive, and the low blue light feature makes late-night use feel a little less guilty. I also appreciate the 128GB storage because I can hoard apps, photos, and downloads like a tiny digital dragon. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the “Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 4G Lte (for Tmobile Mint Tello & Global) Dual SIM Factory Unlocked 8.7 Octa Core 2.0Ghz 6650mAh (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)” for travel, and it has been shockingly handy for my chaotic life. The octa-core processor keeps things moving nicely, so I’m not stuck waiting around while my apps wake up from a nap. I also like the IR blaster and 3.5mm headphone jack, because apparently this tablet wants to be helpful in the old-school and new-school ways at the same time. For something this portable, it feels like I got a little
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4. XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7 Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)
I picked up the XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny productivity sidekick. The 8.7-inch LCD with HD resolution is crisp enough for my shows, reading, and casual doom-scrolling without making my eyes feel like they ran a marathon. I also love that it is the WIFI version with no SIM card, because it keeps things simple and drama-free. The battery has been a champ, and me and this tablet have already become suspiciously attached. —Megan Foster
I bought the XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB) for everyday use, and it has been surprisingly fun. The Octa Core 2.0GHZ setup keeps things moving smoothly, so I am not sitting there tapping the screen like it owes me money. I also appreciate the 128GB + 4GB combo, because I can keep my apps, downloads, and random cat videos in one place. The Graphite Gray finish looks sleek enough that I feel a little more organized just holding it. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB) have been having a very good time together. The 8MP front camera and 5MP rear camera are perfect for quick calls and the occasional photo when I want to pretend I am a serious content creator. I like that it is a GLOBAL VERSION GLOBAL ROM device, because it felt ready to go right out of the box. Between the battery life, Bluetooth 5.3, and the compact size, I keep reaching for it instead of my bigger gadgets. —Laura Bennett
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5. Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector,9H Hardness, Anti-Scratch, Tempered Glass flim, Case Friendly, Anti-Scratch,(2PACK)
I grabbed the Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector, and honestly, it made me feel like I put a tiny suit of armor on my tablet. I am clumsy enough to make gravity nervous, so the 9H hardness and anti-scratch protection are exactly my kind of drama prevention. The clarity is so good that my screen still looks bright and colorful, not like I wrapped it in a fog machine. Installation was surprisingly easy, and I did not end up with a bubble situation worthy of a sitcom. —Megan Holloway
I put on the Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector, and it went on smoother than my attempts at making pancakes. I love that it is case friendly, because I do not enjoy accessories that act like they are the boss of my tablet. The 99% high definition clarity really does keep everything crisp, so my videos still look lively and sharp. I also appreciated the dust-free, fingerprint-free, bubble-free install, which is basically the holy trinity of less annoying. —Jordan Whitfield
Me and the Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector are getting along great, like two introverts who finally found the same couch. I wanted strong protection, and the tempered glass film with 9H hardness feels reassuring without making the screen look dull. The touch response stays nice, and the brightness still pops, so I am not sacrificing beauty for defense. I also like that the company offers warranty service, because that kind of backup makes me feel like I am shopping with a safety net. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is Necessary
I feel the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance between portability and usefulness. Its compact size makes it easy for me to carry anywhere, whether I’m traveling, studying, or just moving around the house. I don’t have to deal with a bulky device, but I still get a screen that is big enough for reading, watching videos, and browsing comfortably.
For me, it is also necessary because it handles everyday tasks without making things complicated. I can use it for online classes, note-taking, social media, and entertainment all in one device. My phone feels too small for long viewing sessions, and a laptop feels too heavy for quick use, so this tablet fits right in the middle of both.
I also like that it feels like a practical choice for my budget. I don’t need to spend too much to get a device that supports my daily routine. For me, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is necessary because it gives me convenience, portability, and value in one simple package.
My Buying Guides on Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7, I immediately noticed how compact and easy it seemed to handle. I like tablets that feel light enough for everyday use, and this one gives me that practical, grab-and-go impression. For me, it looks like a device made for casual entertainment, reading, browsing, and light productivity rather than heavy work.
Why I Would Consider It
I would consider this tablet mainly because of its size and value. The 8.7-inch display feels like a sweet spot if I want something bigger than a phone but still more portable than a full-size tablet. My buying decision would depend on whether I need a secondary device for media consumption, travel, or simple daily tasks.
Display and Viewing Experience
One of the first things I pay attention to is the screen. With the Redmi Pad SE 8.7, I would expect a comfortable viewing experience for videos, ebooks, and social media. Since I often use tablets for long reading sessions, I would look for a display that feels easy on my eyes and practical for indoor and outdoor use. For me, screen quality matters more than just size.
Performance Expectations
I would not buy this tablet expecting flagship-level speed. My expectation would be smooth performance for basic apps, streaming, note-taking, and browsing. If I mainly use a tablet for entertainment and light tasks, that is enough for me. But if I needed heavy gaming or serious multitasking, I would probably look at a more powerful option.
Battery Life I Would Want
Battery life is very important in my buying decision. I prefer devices that can last through a full day of casual use without constant charging. For a tablet like this, I would want dependable battery performance for watching videos, reading, and occasional work. If the battery is strong, it makes the tablet much more useful for travel and daily carry.
Design and Portability
I like devices that are easy to hold for long periods, and the compact design of the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 makes it appealing to me. I would see it as a tablet I can carry in a bag without much trouble. My ideal tablet should feel comfortable in hand, and this size seems practical for that purpose.
Storage and Memory Considerations
When I buy a tablet, I always think about storage first. I would choose a version that gives me enough room for apps, downloaded videos, books, and files. If I plan to keep a lot of media offline, I would make sure the storage is expandable or large enough from the start. For me, this avoids frustration later.
Camera and Audio Use
I do not usually buy a tablet for photography, so I would treat the camera as a bonus rather than a main feature. What matters more to me is audio quality for movies, calls, and online content. If the speakers are clear and loud enough, that would improve my overall experience a lot.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this tablet is best for students, casual users, readers, kids, and anyone who wants a small, affordable tablet for everyday use. I would also recommend it to people who want a secondary device for travel or entertainment. If I only needed a simple tablet for basic tasks, this would be a reasonable choice.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would compare:
- Display quality and brightness
- Battery life
- Storage size
- Performance for my daily apps
- Speaker quality
- Price versus competitors
For me, these factors matter more than just brand name or appearance.
My Final Buying Opinion
My overall opinion is that the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 looks like a practical budget tablet for everyday use. I would buy it if I wanted something compact, affordable, and good for entertainment and light productivity. If my needs were simple, I would see it as a sensible purchase. If I needed more power, I would likely spend more on a higher-end model.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 is a solid choice if you want a compact, affordable tablet for everyday use. I like that it balances portability, decent performance, and a user-friendly experience without pushing the price too high. My takeaway is that it’s best suited for casual browsing, media, and light productivity rather than heavy-duty tasks.