Redmi Pad 2 9.7 Lands in Nepal: The Redmi Pad 2 Just Got… Smaller?

The Redmi series from Xiaomi has always been focused on budget-conscious buyers. The Redmi Note series has long been a go-to choice for value-for-money smartphones, the Redmi Headphones Neo brought that same approach to audio, and the Redmi Pad 2 did the same for tablets when it launched in 2025. Now, a new version of that tablet is back in 2026, and it’s called Redmi Pad 2 9.7.

It is smaller this time, but does smaller mean better, or is it just a downgrade with a new name? Let’s find out.

What is the price of Redmi Pad 2 9.7 in Nepal?

The Redmi Pad 2 9.7 price in Nepal is Rs. 25,999 for the 4/128GB variant, which is just Rs. 1,000 higher than last year’s model. That may not sound like a huge increase, but this time around you’re only getting 4GB of RAM, whereas the previous generation offered 6GB at a similar price point.

If you’re planning to pick one up, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is now available through authorized Xiaomi stores and various online retailers across Nepal.

As I mentioned earlier, it has been a year since the original Redmi Pad 2 arrived in Nepal. Usually, when that much time passes, we’d expect a successor with a faster chipset, a better display, and maybe even a larger battery.

But Xiaomi took a completely different approach with the Redmi Pad 2 9.7. Instead of upgrading everything, it essentially gave us a smaller version of the original Redmi Pad 2. The display is smaller, the processor is less powerful, and even the battery capacity has been reduced.

Yet somehow, I think it could end up being just as appealing as the original Redmi Pad 2. Let’s see why.

Redmi Pad 2 9.7 Overview

A full aluminum body is becoming more common even on budget tablets, and the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 fills that requirement as well. I am not complaining because that, combined with the pill-shaped camera module and circular cutout, gives it a minimalist and modern vibe.

The 7.4mm thickness really elevates its premium feel. Even though it is slightly thicker than the original by 0.04mm, it is still slim enough to feel sleek in the hand.

Unfortunately, you will not find a fingerprint sensor, so you must rely on a traditional PIN or face unlock.

Now let’s talk about the major changes, starting with the display. The screen size has shrunk from 11 inches on the original Pad 2 to 9.7 inches on this newer version.

It’s still an IPS panel, and the resolution also sees a major drop from 2.5K down to 2K. Do not get me wrong, a 2K display is still better than what many other brands offer, and the pixel density of 268 PPI is decent enough for everyday use.

What truly disappointed me was the transition to a dual speaker setup. While two speakers are adequate for a tablet, last year’s quad-speaker configuration was one of the device’s best features. Sadly, that immersive audio quality is missing here.

While the display and audio have been downgraded, the new Pad 2 does bring a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a welcome upgrade from the previous 90Hz panel.

Unfortunately, the rest of the specifications are underwhelming. The tablet runs on a Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset. When compared to the well-regarded Helio G100 Ultra found in last year’s model, this processor is a clear step backward.

Paired with it is 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, along with a microSD card slot that is expandable by up to 2TB.

Xiaomi knows most users will not use a tablet as their primary camera, which is likely why they stuck with the same 8MP main sensor and 5MP selfie shooter as the previous generation.

To power it all, the tablet features a 7,600mAh battery. According to Xiaomi, it can last over 13 hours of video playback, 18 hours of audio, or 14 hours of reading. The tablet includes a 15W charger in the box, even though it supports 18W charging.

Lastly, on the software front, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 boots Android 16 with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 3.

ALSO READ: Xiaomi Pad 7 Price in Nepal (May 2026 Updated)

If you are coming from the original Redmi Pad 2, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is honestly a hard sell. It feels less like a successor and more like a compact alternative aimed at users who prefer a smaller tablet.

That does not necessarily make it a bad device, but it certainly does not carry the same value-for-money appeal that made last year’s model so easy to recommend.

That said, the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 still holds its own against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11, Honor Pad X8b, and Honor Pad X7. It offers a more premium overall experience than some of these alternatives, making it a decent option for media consumption, reading, and casual everyday use.

Just do not expect it to be a clear upgrade over the Redmi Pad 2 that came before it.

What are your thoughts on the Redmi Pad 2 9.7? Let us know in the comments below!