In a significant expansion of its product portfolio, smartphone brand Poco has officially stepped into the tablet arena. The company made the announcement at its November event held in Bali, introducing two new Android tablets: the Poco Pad X1 and the Poco Pad M1. These devices were launched alongside the Poco F8 Ultra and F8 Pro smartphones, marking a strategic diversification for the brand.
Two Tablets, Two Distinct Personalities
The strategy behind the two tablets is straightforward. Poco is targeting different user segments with each model. The Poco Pad X1 is designed for users who demand high performance and advanced AI capabilities. In contrast, the Poco Pad M1 is tailored for those whose priorities are long-form video consumption, online classes, and exceptional battery life.
Poco Pad X1: The Powerhouse Performer
The Poco Pad X1 is positioned as the flagship offering. It boasts an impressive 11.2-inch 3.2K display with a refresh rate that can go up to a smooth 144Hz, ensuring fluid visuals for scrolling and gaming. Under the hood, it is powered by the robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. A large 8,850mAh battery promises to keep it running through a full day of work and evening entertainment.
Poco is heavily leveraging Xiaomi's HyperOS and its HyperAI layer on this device. Users get access to a suite of AI-powered tools including writing assistants, translation, speech-to-text, and creative features like AI art generation and smart erase, which are particularly useful on a larger screen. The Pad X1 also supports productivity accessories like the Focus Pen stylus and a Floating Keyboard that attaches via pogo pins, effectively allowing it to function as a lightweight laptop replacement.
Poco Pad M1: The Entertainment Powerhouse
The Poco Pad M1 takes a different approach, focusing on media consumption and endurance. It features a larger 12.1-inch 2.5K panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, optimized for watching long shows, reading, and split-screen multitasking. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. A key advantage is the inclusion of a microSD slot that can expand storage by up to a massive 2TB, so users never have to worry about running out of space for videos or notes.
The battery is the Pad M1's standout feature. It packs a colossal 12,000mAh unit, with Poco claiming it can deliver over 14 hours of video playback and more than 105 hours of music. It also supports 33W fast charging and even offers 27W reverse charging to top up other devices like a phone from the tablet. For audio, it features a quad-speaker setup ideal for group viewing and supports the Poco Smart Pen and an external keyboard.
Shared DNA, Global Prices, and the India Question
Both tablets share some common features, including the HyperOS software, a quad-speaker system, and color options of blue and grey. The Pad X1 is the more portable of the two, measuring about 6.18mm in thickness and weighing 500 grams. The Pad M1, with its bigger screen and battery, feels more substantial in hand.
Globally, the Poco Pad X1 (8GB + 512GB) is priced at $399, with an early bird offer of $349. The Poco Pad M1 (8GB + 256GB) comes in at $329, with a launch price of $279. Accessories are sold separately, with the Floating Keyboard for the X1 costing $199, a standard keyboard at $129, protective covers starting from $29, and stylus pens ranging from $69 to $99.
The crucial question for Indian consumers, however, remains unanswered. Official listings confirm that the Poco Pad X1 is not launched in India, and multiple reports indicate that neither tablet is currently available in the country. Poco has not announced any India-specific launch date or local pricing. For now, Indian buyers can only look at the global prices and early bird offers from other markets, waiting for an official update from the company.
