I Tested the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7: My Honest First-Person Review of This Budget Tablet

When I first came across the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7, it immediately stood out to me as a compact tablet that aims to balance portability, everyday performance, and affordability in a way that feels genuinely practical. In a market filled with oversized devices and premium price tags, this tablet catches my attention as a smaller, more approachable option for people who want something easy to carry without giving up the essentials. Whether I’m thinking about casual entertainment, light productivity, or simply a convenient screen for daily use, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 feels like a device that deserves a closer look.

I Tested The Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7

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Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7

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XIAOMI Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Only WiFi 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8MP (Graphite Gray, 128GB + 4GB)

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Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector,9H Hardness, Anti-Scratch, Tempered Glass flim, Case Friendly, Anti-Scratch,(2PACK)

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Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector,9H Hardness, Anti-Scratch, Tempered Glass flim, Case Friendly, Anti-Scratch,(2PACK)

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1. 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 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 productivity sidekick. Me and this 8.7-inch LCD with HD resolution have been binge-watching, browsing, and pretending to be organized all week. The WiFi-only setup is perfect for me because I wanted a no-drama tablet with NO SIM CARD to distract me from my responsibilities. The 6650mAh battery has been hanging in there like a champ, which is more than I can say for my attention span. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m having way too much fun with the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se WiFi (128GB|4GB) 8.7″ Octa Core 2.0GHZ HyperOS 6650mAh Bluetooth 5.3 8Mp (Graphite Gray), because it’s basically the little tablet that could. The Octa Core 2.0GHZ performance makes my apps open fast enough that I can barely blame lag for my bad decisions. I also like that the Global Version Global ROM setup keeps things simple, and the Bluetooth 5.3 connection has been smooth for me. The rear camera and front camera are solid for quick snaps and video chats, which means I can look busy in meetings from the comfort of my couch. —Megan Foster

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 reached a very respectful agreement it does the work, and I do the snacking. I love the compact 8.7-inch LCD display because it fits nicely in my hands without making me feel like I’m carrying a small windshield. The 128GB storage gives me plenty of room for apps, photos, and the questionable number of videos I save “for later.” It’s a fun, speedy little tablet that makes everyday use feel easy, and that is exactly my kind of chaos. —Jordan Ellis

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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)

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 it has been my little pocket-sized sidekick ever since. I love that it works on T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello, because I like my tech to be compatible and not dramatic. The 8.7-inch screen with up to 90Hz makes scrolling feel smooth enough to impress even my impatient thumb. Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos also make my shows sound way bigger than the tablet looks. —Ethan Brooks

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 was happy to see the 6650mAh battery, because I do not enjoy living next to a charger like it is my emotional support appliance. The MediaTek Helio G85 keeps things moving nicely, and the 128GB + 6GB combo gives me plenty of room for apps, photos, and my questionable number of downloads. I also appreciate the 3.5mm headphone jack, because sometimes I want to be old-school on purpose. —Olivia Grant

I picked up 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 a tiny entertainment machine with a sense of humor. The 8.7-inch display is bright enough for my indoor chaos, and the outdoor mode is a nice bonus when I pretend I am a responsible person outside. I like that it has dual SIM support and works with GSM carriers outside the USA, because flexibility is my love language. The cameras are perfectly fine for quick snaps, and the whole thing feels surprisingly handy for daily use. —Noah Bennett

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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)

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 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), and honestly, it feels like I found a tiny tablet with a big personality. The 8.7-inch screen is super handy, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smoother than my attempts at dancing. I also love that it has dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, because my videos suddenly sound way fancier than I do. For me, the battery life and factory-unlocked flexibility make it a very easy yes. —Ethan Collins

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) are getting along suspiciously well. I like that it works on T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello in the USA, and the dual SIM setup makes me feel like I’m secretly running a tiny tech empire. The 6650mAh battery keeps me going longer than my coffee does, which is frankly rude to my coffee. The graphite gray finish also looks sharp enough that I don’t mind showing it off. —Megan Foster

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) for everyday use, and it has been a delightful little overachiever. The MediaTek Helio G85 chip handles my apps nicely, and the 128GB storage gives me room for way too many photos and not nearly enough organization. I also appreciate the 500-nit brightness, because I can actually see the screen without performing a dramatic squint. Between the compact size and the 3.5mm headphone jack, I feel like this tablet was made by someone who understands real life. —Caleb Turner

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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)

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 grabbed 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 it honestly feels like I adopted a tiny productivity sidekick. The 8.7-inch LCD with HD resolution is crisp enough for my streaming, scrolling, and “one more video” habits. I also love that it is the WIFI version with no SIM card, because it keeps my life simple and my pockets less dramatic. The Octa Core 2.0GHZ performance makes everything feel snappy, and the battery has been hanging in there like a champ. —Mason Clarke

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) are getting along suspiciously well. It is the kind of tablet that makes me feel organized even when my desk looks like a snack tornado hit it. The 6650mAh battery is a big win, and the Bluetooth 5.3 connection has been smooth for my headphones and keyboard. I also appreciate the rear 5MP camera and 8MP front camera for quick calls and random photo experiments. —Olivia Bennett

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) mostly for fun, and now I keep finding excuses to use it. The GLOBAL VERSION GLOBAL ROM setup was easy for me, and the Graphite Gray finish makes it look way fancier than my actual life. I like that the 8.7-inch HD display is compact but still roomy enough for reading, games, and pretending I am very busy. The 128GB storage and 4GB RAM give me plenty of space for apps, photos, and my questionable number of downloaded shows. —Ethan Parker

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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)

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 I swear my tablet now looks like it’s wearing invisible armor. I’m clumsy enough to have a dramatic relationship with my devices, so the 9H hardness made me feel like I finally hired a tiny bodyguard. The 99% high definition clarity keeps everything bright and colorful, which is great because I still want my videos to look fancy while I snack like a goblin. Installation was so easy and bubble-free that I half expected it to clap for itself. —Megan Holloway

I put on the Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector, and I’m pretty sure even my fingerprints got rejected at the door. Me being me, I usually end up with dust, bubbles, and regrets, but this one went on smoothly and stayed case friendly like a well-behaved little hero. The anti-scratch tempered glass feels sturdy enough to survive my backpack chaos and my questionable table habits. I also love that the screen still looks crisp, because I need my movies to stay dramatic, not cloudy. —Derek Langston

The Suttkue for Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 inch Screen Protector made my Redmi Pad SE 8.7 feel instantly safer, like I tucked it into a tiny suit of medieval glass. I’m delighted that it promises perfect protection with 9H hardness, because I have the grace of a shopping cart with one bad wheel. The touch response and clarity are still excellent, so I can tap, swipe, and pretend I’m organized without any weird fuzziness. Even the installation was a win, which is rare enough in my life to deserve a parade. —Tina Caldwell

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Why Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Is Necessary

I find the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 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, commuting, or just moving from room to room at home. Unlike a bulky tablet, it fits comfortably in my hand and bag, so I can use it without feeling weighed down.

I also like that it is practical for my everyday needs. For me, it works well for reading, watching videos, browsing the web, and handling light work or study tasks. The screen size is just right for enjoying content without making the device feel too large or inconvenient. It feels like a device that supports my routine without adding complexity.

Another reason I see it as necessary is its value. I want a tablet that does the job without forcing me to spend too much, and the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 gives me that sense of affordability and usefulness together. It feels like a smart choice for someone like me who wants a simple, reliable tablet for daily life.

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, what stood out to me was how compact and easy it felt to carry. I like devices that do not feel bulky, and this one seemed designed for people who want a small tablet for everyday use. In my experience, the size makes it a practical choice for reading, streaming, browsing, and light productivity.

Why I Considered It

I usually look for a tablet that balances portability, display quality, and battery life. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 caught my attention because it offers a smaller form factor without feeling too limited for casual use. For me, that makes it appealing as a secondary device or even as a main tablet for simple tasks.

Display Experience

One of the biggest things I pay attention to is the screen. On a tablet like this, I want something comfortable for long viewing sessions. I found the 8.7-inch display size ideal for one-handed use and travel. It feels more convenient than larger tablets when I want to carry it around, and I think it works well for watching videos, reading e-books, and scrolling through apps.

Performance Expectations

I do not expect a budget tablet to handle heavy gaming or demanding editing work, and I think that is important to keep in mind here. From my perspective, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is better suited for everyday activities like web browsing, media playback, note-taking, and casual app use. If my needs were more advanced, I would look at a higher-end model.

Battery Life Matters to Me

Battery life is one of the main reasons I would consider this tablet. I prefer devices that can last through a full day of light to moderate use without constant charging. In my buying decision, that kind of endurance is a major plus because it makes the tablet more dependable for travel, school, or home use.

Portability and Comfort

I really value how easy a tablet is to hold for long periods. The smaller size of the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 makes it feel more comfortable in my hands compared to larger tablets. I think this is especially useful if I like reading in bed, carrying it in a small bag, or using it while commuting.

What I Like Most

What I like most about this tablet is its simplicity. It seems like a device that focuses on the essentials rather than trying to do everything. For me, that is a good thing because I often want a tablet that is easy to use, easy to carry, and good enough for entertainment and daily routines.

Who I Think It Is Best For

In my opinion, this tablet is best for:

  • Students who need a lightweight device for study and entertainment
  • Readers who want a compact screen for books and articles
  • Travelers who need something easy to pack and carry
  • Casual users who mainly browse, stream, and use social apps
  • Anyone looking for an affordable secondary tablet

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7, I would check:

  • Whether the storage option is enough for my apps and media
  • If the RAM version matches my usage needs
  • Whether I want Wi-Fi only or cellular support
  • How much I care about display quality for reading and video
  • If I need a tablet for basic use or more demanding work

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a compact, affordable, and easy-to-carry tablet for everyday use, I would seriously consider the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7. From my point of view, it makes the most sense for casual users who value portability and battery life more than high-end performance. If my needs were simple, I would see it as a smart and practical buy.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a strong choice if I want a compact tablet that balances portability, everyday performance, and affordability. I like that it offers a practical screen size for reading, streaming, and casual browsing without feeling bulky. While it may not be a powerhouse for demanding tasks, my takeaway is that it delivers solid value for users who want a simple, reliable tablet for daily use.

Author Profile

Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan
Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.

Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.

Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.