Quick summary
- The Surface Go 2 comes with a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.
- The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a similar set of ports, including a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.
- The Xiaomi Pad 5 also has a detachable keyboard available as an accessory, but it does not support a stylus.
In the realm of compact computing, two devices stand out as formidable contenders: the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Xiaomi Pad 5. Both offer a blend of portability, performance, and versatility, catering to a wide range of users. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these devices, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Go 2 boasts a sleek and premium design with a magnesium alloy body. Its compact size and lightweight make it highly portable. In contrast, the Xiaomi Pad 5 features a more conventional tablet design with a metal unibody construction. It is slightly larger and heavier, but its thin profile and curved edges provide a comfortable grip.
Display
The Surface Go 2 sports a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920×1280 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The Xiaomi Pad 5, on the other hand, boasts a larger 11-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. Its high refresh rate of 120Hz provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience.
Performance
The Surface Go 2 comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. This configuration provides decent performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. The Xiaomi Pad 5, however, features a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This combination offers faster performance and can handle more demanding applications, including games and video editing.
Battery Life
The Surface Go 2 has a 45Wh battery that provides up to 10 hours of battery life. The Xiaomi Pad 5, on the other hand, has a larger 8720mAh battery that offers up to 16 hours of battery life. Both devices support fast charging, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 has a faster charging speed.
Connectivity
The Surface Go 2 comes with a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6. The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a similar set of ports, including a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6.
Operating System
The Surface Go 2 runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode. This mode limits the device to only running apps from the Microsoft Store, enhancing security but also restricting flexibility. The Xiaomi Pad 5 runs on MIUI 12.5, based on Android 11. It provides a more customizable experience with access to the Google Play Store.
Accessories
The Surface Go 2 has a detachable keyboard and a Surface Pen available as optional accessories. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, while the Surface Pen allows for precise drawing and note-taking. The Xiaomi Pad 5 also has a detachable keyboard available as an accessory, but it does not support a stylus.
The Bottom Line
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Xiaomi Pad 5 are both excellent compact computing devices with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Go 2 offers a premium design, good performance, and the versatility of Windows 10. The Xiaomi Pad 5, on the other hand, has a larger display, faster performance, and longer battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which device is better for productivity tasks?
A: The Surface Go 2 with Windows 10 provides a more comprehensive desktop experience, making it better suited for productivity tasks such as office work and document editing.
Q: Which device is better for entertainment?
A: The Xiaomi Pad 5 with its larger display, higher refresh rate, and powerful processor is better suited for entertainment activities such as gaming and video streaming.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Go 2 is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a longer battery life, providing up to 16 hours of usage.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Xiaomi Pad 5 is generally more affordable than the Surface Go 2, especially considering its higher specifications.