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Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 Runs Android OR Windows 10
Android or Windows 10? The choice is yours with Xiaomi’s new iPad clone, the Mi Pad 2
Richard Goodwin
13:41, 25 Nov 2015
Xiaomi makes no bones about copying Apple. In fact, the company has largely made a name for itself by channeling Apple’s design philosophy into its vastly cheaper, mostly Android-powered phones and tablets. And that’s just fine: the company makes AWESOME hardware — just check out our recent Xiaomi RedMi Note 2 Review.
But the company’s latest tablet — the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 — is a little bit different to pretty much anything else currently available on market. Yes, it looks A LOT like an iPad but unlike Apple’s tablet, or 99.9% of every other tablets out there, the Mi Pad 2 can run either Android or Windows 10, which is quite a USP.
“The new Mi Pad 2 is a big improvement over the original Mi Pad — which looked more like a giant iPhone 5c — with an all-metal form factor that’s both thinner and lighter, and updated internals. It’s powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom X5-Z8500, 2GB of RAM, and either 16GB or 64GB of storage,” notes Cult of Android. “Adopters also get a USB-C port, and a 7.9-inch display with 2048×1536 resolution (the same as the iPad mini).”
Sadly, this isn’t a dual-boot solution: you have to choose either Android or Windows 10 ahead of purchase. Still, it is very cool that Xiaomi is offering users a choice. Android would arguably work better on the Mi Pad 2’s 7.9in display but, HEY, at least you have a choice when it comes to what OS you want aboard the $200 slate.
It is unlikely the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 will launch in Western markets, however, as Xiaomi, at least for the time being, likes to keep things local in its native Chinese market. Nevertheless, you can pick up its slates and phones online if you look hard enough. And if you’re too lazy for that, well, simply check out our guide on How To Buy Xiaomi Products In The UK.