It looks like when it comes to high-end specs for their first Android tablet, Xiaomi decided to adopt the philosophy, "go big or go home." The Chinese company just officially unveiled their first foray into the tablet arena and it could be serious heavy-weight. The device is called the Xiaomi 7.9-Inch MiPad, and it's hardware specs are nearly off the charts in every way.
Here's the breakdown:
- 7.9-inch 2,048×1,536 touchscreen
- 2.2 GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra K1 processor with 192-CUDA core GPU
- 2 GB of RAM
- 8 MP Sony BSI rear camera with 1080p Full HD video recording
- 5 MP front camera
- Wi-Fi 802.11 ac
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 6,700 mAh battery
- Dimensions are 202.1×135.4×8.5 mm, and it weighs 360 grams
- Xioami's own MIUI interface on top of Android
- 16GB or 64GB Storage options
As you can see from these specs, they don't really get much better (other than maybe 3GB of RAM instead of 2). This device will be one of the first out of the gate with NVIDIA's new Tegra K1 CPU with 192-CUDA core GPU. The camera looks to be one of the best seen yet in a tablet, and the battery looks outstanding. The display is meant to compete directly with the iPad Mini. The only really iffy thing will be Xiaomi's MIUI overlay. If done right it could be great. If not, it could wreck the Android OS we all know and love. Of course, that's what custom ROMs are for isn't it?
Finally, there is more good news regarding this device. Considering its top-shelf components, you would expect it to fetch a potentially wallet draining price. Luckily, that is not the case. The 16GB version will sell for just 1,499 yuan (approx. $240 or €176 converted), and the 64GB version will go for just 1,699 yuan ($272, €199). In June the device will be made available in white, black, green, blue, yellow, and pink through a strange "beta program."
Sadly, there is some very bad news at the end of this for some... it is unlikely to be launched anywhere except China, although if it becomes a big enough success, that might change.
