In a direct comparison with the Apple iPad 11 (2025), the Poco Pad X1 stands out as the more ambitious mid-range multimedia and productivity tablet. While Apple continues to rely on a 60 Hz panel with rather conservative brightness for its 11-inch iPad, the Poco offers a significantly faster 144 Hz display with higher resolution and HDR support, which brings noticeably more dynamism, especially when scrolling, gaming, and watching videos. Added to this is the larger battery, which in practice enables longer runtimes despite the high refresh rate and is therefore better suited to intensive media use.

The Poco Pad X1 is also more generous in terms of features: more base memory, modern UFS 4.0 flash, and a broader connectivity package including NFC and infrared set it apart functionally from the iPad, which starts with little memory and no such additional features in its entry-level configuration. For creative professionals and frequent writers, the Poco also scores points with pen and keyboard accessories that are often priced below Apple’s Pencil and keyboard combination without being impractical for everyday use. On the contrary, with its fully laminated display and more sensitive pen, the Pad X1 even offers a better writing experience.

In terms of performance, the iPad with the A16 usually comes out on top in synthetic benchmarks, but for typical tablet scenarios—streaming, surfing, casual gaming, note-taking—the Snapdragon chip in the Poco is more than sufficient and benefits from the higher refresh rate and generous memory.

So if you’re looking for a tablet that’s as versatile, modern, and powerful as possible and can live without iPadOS features, Touch ID, or the Apple ecosystem, the Poco Pad X1 offers the more well-rounded package for media, gaming, and productive work.

Editor of the original article: Daniel Schmidt – Managing Editor Mobile – 835 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013

As a child I was fascinated by my Commodore 16, and this sparked my enthusiasm for computers. Using my first modem, I surfed the BTX videotext system and later the World Wide Web. I have always been captivated by the latest technologies, and this is especially true for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. I’ve been part of the Notebookcheck team since 2013 and have also on occasion written for Notebookinfo.de, and I’m looking forward to testing new innovations for our readers. I like to spend my spare time indulging in photography and barbecues and being with my family.