Xiaomi’s Mi Pad 2 blurred the lines between Android tablets and Windows slates by shipping in two distinct software configurations: a lightweight MIUI-flavored Android model and a version that ships with the full desktop Windows 10 running on an Intel Atom x5‑Z8500. The Windows edition is not an emulation or a stripped-down mobile SKU — it’s the x86 Windows experience squeezed into an 8‑inch metallic chassis, a 64 GB storage footprint, and a price tag that shocked the market for what was effectively a full Windows tablet in a compact form factor. (gsmarena.com, windowscentral.com)
When Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Pad 2 in late 2015, the conversation quickly split along software lines. The tablet’s thin aluminum shell, 7.9‑inch 2048×1536 display, and USB‑C port looked like a classic premium Android tablet — yet the use of Intel’s Cherry Trail SoC made Windows 10 a straightforward option. Xiaomi ultimately shipped two official variants: a 16 GB Android model and a Windows 10 model offered only with 64 GB of internal storage. The Windows SKU was positioned as an alternative for users who wanted the broader Windows desktop ecosystem on a highly portable device. (gsmarena.com, devicebeast.com)
This move was notable for two reasons. First, Xiaomi had previously worked with Microsoft on experimental Windows ROMs for the Xiaomi Mi 4 smartphone, showing a willingness to collaborate on cross‑platform work. Second, the Mi Pad 2’s combination of Intel x86 silicon and a tablet form factor invited enthusiasts to experiment with multi‑boot setups and community ports — a trend that unfolded rapidly in user forums and on GitHub. (windowscentral.com, gizchina.com)
Key takeaways for those considering modding:
Buyers and IT managers should weigh the tradeoffs carefully:
For Windows power users curious about pocketable desktops, the Mi Pad 2 represented a compelling — albeit compromise‑laden — option. For mainstream users seeking a polished tablet experience, the Mi Pad 2’s Windows variant underscored that hardware balance and software optimization are as important as raw compatibility. Enthusiasts who enjoy modding found a lively ecosystem of guides and community images that extended the device’s capabilities, but that path requires caution and technical skill. (gsmarena.com, github.com)
In short: the Mi Pad 2 with Windows 10 was an ambitious experiment that worked well within a narrow use case. The lessons it taught — about thermal design, memory and storage sizing, and the importance of driver maturity for tablet Windows — remain relevant to anyone designing or buying compact Windows devices today.
Source: AndroidAyuda https://androidayuda.com/en/the-xiaomi-mi-pad-2-will-be-released-in-a-version-with-windows-10/
When Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Pad 2 in late 2015, the conversation quickly split along software lines. The tablet’s thin aluminum shell, 7.9‑inch 2048×1536 display, and USB‑C port looked like a classic premium Android tablet — yet the use of Intel’s Cherry Trail SoC made Windows 10 a straightforward option. Xiaomi ultimately shipped two official variants: a 16 GB Android model and a Windows 10 model offered only with 64 GB of internal storage. The Windows SKU was positioned as an alternative for users who wanted the broader Windows desktop ecosystem on a highly portable device. (gsmarena.com, devicebeast.com)This move was notable for two reasons. First, Xiaomi had previously worked with Microsoft on experimental Windows ROMs for the Xiaomi Mi 4 smartphone, showing a willingness to collaborate on cross‑platform work. Second, the Mi Pad 2’s combination of Intel x86 silicon and a tablet form factor invited enthusiasts to experiment with multi‑boot setups and community ports — a trend that unfolded rapidly in user forums and on GitHub. (windowscentral.com, gizchina.com)
What Xiaomi announced — the facts
- The Windows 10 variant of the Mi Pad 2 runs on the Intel Atom x5‑Z8500 (Cherry Trail) quad‑core chip, pairs with 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, and uses a 7.9‑inch 2048×1536 IPS display. (gsmarena.com, devicebeast.com)
- Xiaomi priced the Windows model at CNY 1,299 at launch in China — roughly $180–$200 USD at the time — and announced availability in late January 2016 (retail windows showed shipping from January 26 in several reports). International availability outside China was not formally announced at launch. (news.softpedia.com, gsmarena.com)
- The Windows edition shipped only in the 64 GB storage configuration; Xiaomi retained the 16 GB/64 GB split for Android, but the Windows build was limited to the larger internal storage option. (gsmarena.com)
Technical overview: hardware and what it means for Windows 10
Processor and memory
The Intel Atom x5‑Z8500 is a Cherry Trail SoC built on a 14 nm process, offering four x86 cores and Gen8 integrated graphics. For a device this size, it delivered respectable single‑thread throughput for light desktop tasks and — critically — compatibility with native Windows x86 applications. However, the chip is a low‑power part. Expect competent web browsing, Office and light productivity, but limited headroom for demanding multitasking or modern gaming. (devicebeast.com, techtablets.com)Storage and RAM
The Windows model’s 64 GB of eMMC storage was functional for basic use, yet Windows updates, app installations, and cached files can quickly consume that space. The tablet’s 2 GB of RAM is the primary bottleneck for the desktop Windows 10 experience: modern UWP apps and classic Win32 programs are increasingly memory-hungry, and 2 GB constrains background multitasking and browser tab counts. Benchmarks and hands‑on reviews showed acceptable light usage but frequent memory pressure under heavier loads. (techtablets.com, devicebeast.com)Display, battery and chassis
A sharp 2048×1536 IPS display gives a crisp reading experience comparable with premium compact tablets, and the 6,190 mAh battery is relatively large for the size. In practice, Windows on the Mi Pad 2 delivered decent endurance for browsing and video, but Windows’ desktop workload patterns and driver maturity affected real‑world battery and thermal performance. Several reviewers measured elevated surface and SoC temperatures under sustained load. (techtablets.com, gigazine.net)What worked well: strengths and opportunities
- Native x86 Windows compatibility — The headline advantage is obvious: unlike Android or ARM Windows RT-era devices, the Mi Pad 2’s Intel chip runs legacy Windows applications without emulation. For users who need lightweight desktop apps on a small, portable device, this is a genuine plus. (windowscentral.com)
- Premium industrial design — The metal body, thin profile (≈6.95 mm) and compact 7.9‑inch form factor made the tablet comfortable to hold and pocketable compared with 10‑inch hybrids. The build quality earned praise across reviews. (devicebeast.com)
- Good display density — The 2048×1536 panel at 7.9 inches yields very fine pixel density for reading, productivity and content consumption, and it matched or exceeded many contemporaneous small tablets. (gsmarena.com)
- Attractive price for a Windows device — The launch price placed a full‑Windows tablet in the sub‑$200‑to‑$220 range, undercutting many mainstream Windows tablets and making it an interesting buy for cost‑conscious users who could live with the hardware compromises. (news.softpedia.com, windowscentral.com)
Where Windows on Mi Pad 2 struggles — real risks and limitations
1) RAM and storage are tight for desktop Windows
Windows 10 in 2016 and especially in later years has become more resource intensive. With only 2 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC, the Mi Pad 2 frequently hit capacity limits during updates, app installations, or when multiple browser tabs were open. Reviewers found that swapping and storage speed impacted perceived performance. The consensus: good for light productivity, poor for heavy multitasking. (techtablets.com, devicebeast.com)2) Thermal constraints and throttling
Under sustained CPU/GPU load, the small chassis and thin thermal envelope cause temperature spikes. Benchmarks and gaming tests reported high SoC temperatures (reports of 70–80 °C under load), and reviewers noted heat transfer to the case. High thermals can trigger automatic frequency throttling: practical performance is therefore workload‑dependent and can degrade during long sessions. (techtablets.com, gigazine.net)3) Driver maturity and app compatibility quirks
Windows on a small tablet requires careful driver support for touchscreen, rotation, stylus, Wi‑Fi, and cameras. Early Windows builds on the Mi Pad 2 showed software glitches: erratic on‑screen keyboard behavior, UI scaling issues, and odd window sizing in some apps. Several reviewers reported “rough edges” — not surprising for a device that wasn’t designed primarily as a Windows powerhouse. (nextpit.com, techtablets.com)4) Limited official global availability and support
Xiaomi released the Windows version in China and did not initially announce broad international availability. Buyers outside China faced warranty, firmware update and localization hurdles. For enterprise deployments or long‑term consumers, the lack of expansive official support channels is a practical risk. (gsmarena.com)5) Ecosystem tradeoffs
Windows provides desktop apps, but many tablet‑optimized applications and mobile app experiences — especially touch‑first tablet UIs — are still better on Android or iPadOS. The Mi Pad 2’s small display and low RAM meant the best Windows benefits applied to lightweight desktop workflows; immersive tablet apps were sometimes awkward. (windowscentral.com, techtablets.com)Modding, dual‑boot and the enthusiast scene
The Mi Pad 2’s unlocked bootloader and the community’s interest produced robust modding activity almost immediately. Enthusiasts documented dual‑boot setups (Windows + MIUI or Windows + AOSP), custom driver packs, and full Windows installs on Android devices using USB hubs and imaging tools. A GitHub repository and XDA tutorials walked users through flashing Windows from a USB drive, installing drivers, and extracting OEM product keys. Community members even reported success installing Windows on the 16 GB model, albeit with limitations — and warned about partition, update and recovery pitfalls. (github.com, forums.xiaomi-miui.gr, xdaforums.com)Key takeaways for those considering modding:
- Dual‑boot or OS swaps are possible but not officially supported; backups and careful partition management are mandatory.
- Community installers may require an external USB hub, keyboard and mouse for the initial setup, because the installer environment is designed for traditional PC peripherals.
- Installing Windows on the Android‑shipped Mi Pad 2 often depends on model (16 GB vs. 64 GB) and on using tailored driver packages; success rates and stability vary. (forums.xiaomi-miui.gr, xdaforums.com)
Practical guidance: should you buy the Windows Mi Pad 2 today?
This depends on the use case.- Buy it if:
- You need an ultra‑portable device that can run real Windows desktop applications in a pinch.
- You value price/performance for light Windows tasks and are comfortable accepting hardware limits (2 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC).
- You are an enthusiast who values modding and is prepared to manage updates and drivers yourself.
- Avoid it if:
- Your workflows depend on heavy multitasking, professional content creation, or demanding Windows software.
- You need guaranteed long‑term vendor support, global warranty service, or enterprise deployment consistency.
- You expect a polished tablet‑first touch experience comparable to modern ARM‑based tablets or an iPad.
How Xiaomi’s experiment with Windows mapped to broader trends
Xiaomi shipping a Windows variant highlights several larger industry currents:- The x86–ARM convergence debate: The Mi Pad 2 was a practical experiment: can cheap, low‑power x86 silicon deliver the desktop Windows experience in a true tablet form factor? Results were mixed, indicating that silicon alone is not enough — memory, storage speeds, thermal design and software optimization all matter. (techtablets.com, devicebeast.com)
- Manufacturer experimentation with OS diversity: Xiaomi’s earlier collaboration with Microsoft to put Windows 10 Mobile on the Mi 4 showed the ecosystem appetite for cross‑platform projects and OEM‑Microsoft cooperation. The Mi Pad 2 extended that experiment to tablets, reflecting a willingness to offer customers choice rather than forcing a single OS. (windowscentral.com, gizchina.com)
- Community power: Unofficial ports, imaging tools and GitHub‑hosted drivers underline how enthusiast communities can extend a device’s lifespan far beyond OEM intentions — but at the cost of stability and warranty protection. (github.com, xdaforums.com)
Step‑by‑step: a high‑level walk‑through for enthusiasts who want to try Windows on the Android Mi Pad 2
Note: This is an overview. Detailed, device‑specific guides are available on community pages and GitHub. Attempting these steps may void warranties and can brick your device if done incorrectly.- Prepare:
- Back up all data and create recovery images.
- Gather a USB hub, USB‑C OTG adapter, USB keyboard and mouse, and a spare USB drive (16+ GB, FAT32). (forums.xiaomi-miui.gr, github.com)
- Obtain Windows image and drivers:
- Acquire a compatible Windows 10 ISO (official or compact community build) and the specific driver pack for Mi Pad 2 (community bundles are circulated on GitHub). (github.com)
- Create installer media:
- Use Rufus or similar to make a GPT/UEFI USB installer, then copy driver bundles and imaging tools to the USB drive. (xdaforums.com, github.com)
- Boot the device:
- With the USB hub connected (keyboard/mouse and installer plugged in), power on and interrupt the boot to enter firmware (F2). Disable secure boot if present and choose USB EFI boot. (xdaforums.com)
- Restore / image:
- Use Macrium Reflect / imaging tools in the installer environment to restore or image the Windows partition(s) provided by community guides. Install drivers post‑boot. (forums.xiaomi-miui.gr, github.com)
- Post‑installation:
- Verify touchscreen, Wi‑Fi, rotation and camera drivers. Apply patches from community driver packs for battery and thermal management tweaks. Test Windows Update carefully; major Feature Updates can break custom configurations. (xdaforums.com, forums.xiaomi-miui.gr)
Final analysis — who benefits most, and where caution is required
The Windows Mi Pad 2 was an intriguing product for its era: it offered a full Windows experience in a highly portable package at a price that undercut many Windows hybrids. For productivity-lite users and tinkerers, it provided an affordable entry to x86 Windows on a small slate. However, the hardware envelope — 2 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC and tight thermal design — means the device is better suited for light tasks than for sustained desktop workloads. Reviews flagged software roughness and thermal behavior; community installs expanded capability but introduced support and update risks. (techtablets.com, nextpit.com)Buyers and IT managers should weigh the tradeoffs carefully:
- Pros: native Windows app compatibility, sharp display, small footprint, attractive launch price.
- Cons: constrained RAM/storage, heat under load, driver/OS polish concerns, limited official international support.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2’s Windows 10 edition was more than a marketing curiosity — it demonstrated the potential and limitations of bringing x86 Windows to compact tablets at aggressive price points. The device delivered a legitimate Windows desktop experience in a small form factor, but the platform’s long‑term value depends on expectations: it’s a pragmatic tool for light productivity and experimentation, not a replacement for full‑sized laptops or performance‑oriented convertibles.For Windows power users curious about pocketable desktops, the Mi Pad 2 represented a compelling — albeit compromise‑laden — option. For mainstream users seeking a polished tablet experience, the Mi Pad 2’s Windows variant underscored that hardware balance and software optimization are as important as raw compatibility. Enthusiasts who enjoy modding found a lively ecosystem of guides and community images that extended the device’s capabilities, but that path requires caution and technical skill. (gsmarena.com, github.com)
In short: the Mi Pad 2 with Windows 10 was an ambitious experiment that worked well within a narrow use case. The lessons it taught — about thermal design, memory and storage sizing, and the importance of driver maturity for tablet Windows — remain relevant to anyone designing or buying compact Windows devices today.
Source: AndroidAyuda https://androidayuda.com/en/the-xiaomi-mi-pad-2-will-be-released-in-a-version-with-windows-10/