A Familiar Face: Redmi Pad 2 9.7 Reborn as POCO Pad C1
POCO has officially introduced the POCO Pad C1 to global markets as a rebranded version of the Redmi Pad 2 9.7, positioning it as an aggressively priced budget tablet 2024 shoppers will notice. The early-bird starting price is listed at USD 139 (approx. RM650) for the 4GB + 64GB variant, while the 6GB + 128GB model comes in at USD 179 (approx. RM840). The design sticks to a slim 7.4mm metal body weighing 406g, with Blue and Grey/Black colour options depending on the listing. This straightforward aesthetic is clearly aimed at students, casual streamers, and first-time tablet buyers rather than power users. By leveraging existing Redmi hardware under the POCO label, Xiaomi can keep costs low while offering a feature set that is competitive in the crowded mid-range and entry-level tablet segment.
Display and Design: 120Hz 2K Panel Leads the Value Story
The standout element in the POCO Pad C1 specs sheet is the 9.7-inch IPS display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature rarely seen in an affordable 9.7 inch tablet. The screen also supports a 180Hz touch sampling rate, promising smoother scrolling and more responsive touch in games and everyday apps. Typical brightness reaches 500 nits, with an outdoor boost up to 600 nits to keep content readable under strong light. Triple TÜV Rheinland certifications—Low Blue Light (software solution), Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly—underline POCO’s effort to make this 120Hz display tablet easier on the eyes during extended study or binge-watching sessions. Combined with the slim 7.4mm chassis and 406g weight, the Pad C1 is clearly tuned for portable entertainment and e-learning rather than creative or productivity-heavy workflows.
Performance, Storage and Battery: Snapdragon 6s Targets Everyday Use
Under the hood, the POCO Pad C1 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2, built on a 4nm process. While not a flagship chip, it should be adequate for web browsing, streaming, and light gaming—the typical workload for a Snapdragon 6s tablet in this price tier. Memory configurations go up to 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with microSD expansion supported up to 2TB, a welcome addition for users with large offline media libraries. A 7,600mAh battery backs the hardware, with support for 18W wired charging; however, the in-box charger is rated at 15W according to official listings. Xiaomi claims up to around one and a half days of regular use and lengthy video playback, making endurance a key part of the Pad C1’s budget-friendly value proposition.
Software and Features: HyperOS 3 Brings Ecosystem Perks
On the software side, the POCO Pad C1 runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, giving it a modern UI and access to Xiaomi’s latest ecosystem tools. Features such as call sync and Circle to Search integration enhance the experience when used alongside compatible smartphones and other devices, helping this budget tablet feel less basic in daily use. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, AAC and aptX codec support, and 4G capability on certain variants, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack that many media-focused users still prefer. Audio is handled by dual speakers, while sensors like a virtual ambient light sensor, accelerometer and Hall sensor round out the package. The camera setup is intentionally modest—an 8MP rear and 5MP front shooter—sufficient for video calls, online classes and casual snaps rather than photography enthusiasts.
Who Is the POCO Pad C1 For?
Taken as a whole, the POCO Pad C1 aims squarely at buyers seeking a budget tablet 2024 market competitor that doesn’t feel overly compromised. Its combination of a 120Hz 2K screen, respectable Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 performance, and a large 7,600mAh battery makes it appealing for students, families, and casual users who prioritise streaming, browsing, and e-learning over heavy gaming or professional workloads. The ability to expand storage via microSD up to 2TB adds flexibility for media hoarders, while HyperOS 3 integration and ecosystem features help differentiate it from other low-cost Android slates. As an affordable 9.7 inch tablet that repackages proven Redmi hardware, the POCO Pad C1’s value proposition rests on delivering smooth visuals and solid battery life at a price that undercuts many mid-range rivals.