Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7: Worth The Hype?

ByJim Miller

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 review

In a market dominated by premium tablets, the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 emerges as a compelling alternative for budget-conscious tech enthusiasts. This Chinese-market tablet, now finding its way to Western shores through online marketplaces, offers a tantalizing blend of high-end specs and affordability.

Unboxing a Bargain

Our reviewer snagged this device for a mere £188 ($240) from AliExpress, with the tablet arriving after a 13-day journey from China. Remarkably, it sailed through customs without incurring additional taxes, though the savvy buyer had wisely budgeted an extra £50 for potential fees.

Specs That Surprise

The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 boasts impressive hardware:

  • Processor: Snapdragon 870
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 3K resolution IPS screen
  • Audio: Four JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos support
  • HDR: Supported

These specifications rival those of tablets costing three to four times as much, making the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 an attractive option for users seeking high performance on a budget.

East Meets West: Setting Up

As a Chinese market device, setting up the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 requires a bit of know-how:

  1. Select English as the system language
  2. Download Google Play Store from the Lenovo app store
  3. Delete bloatware and disable unnecessary system apps

With these simple steps, users can transform the device into a fully functional Google tablet.

Screen Wars: IPS vs. AMOLED

While some may pine for an AMOLED display, our reviewer found the IPS screen more than satisfactory. Comparing it to the Lenovo P12 Pro, which sports an AMOLED screen and retails for around £760 in the UK, the reviewer couldn't justify the £500 price difference for the display technology alone.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 review

Sound and Vision

The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 doesn't skimp on multimedia features. With HDR support, Dolby Atmos, and four JBL speakers, it promises a rich audiovisual experience. Our reviewer noted that the speakers “sound great,” suggesting that this tablet could be a solid choice for media consumption.

The Verdict

For users willing to navigate the minor hurdles of importing and setting up a Chinese market device, the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 offers exceptional value. It challenges the notion that high-performance tablets must come with premium price tags.

As always, potential buyers should consider factors such as warranty support and long-term software updates when purchasing devices not officially sold in their region.

However, for the tech-savvy bargain hunter, the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 represents an intriguing opportunity to own a capable tablet at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts.

For more information on Lenovo's tablet lineup, you can visit their official website. 

As the global tablet market continues to evolve, devices like the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 may prompt established brands to reconsider their pricing strategies. Only time will tell if this Eastern challenger can carve out a niche in the competitive Western tablet landscape.