Xiaomi is prepping a new budget tablet, with the REDMI Pad 2 9.7-inch recently appearing in the GSMA IMEI database, signaling an imminent unveiling likely in early 2026. The listing of three model numbers suggests multiple variants tailored for different regions, aiming to balance portability and affordability in the competitive tablet market.
While Xiaomi has yet to reveal official specs, the tablet is expected to feature a 9.7-inch display, a size increasingly rare as many manufacturers lean toward 10-inch or larger screens. This smaller form factor indicates Xiaomi is targeting users wanting a more compact device for casual browsing, reading, or media consumption without the bulk of mid-size tablets.
The three model codes-2604ERP4DG, 2604ERP4DC, and 2604ERP4DI-are likely indicators of global, Chinese, and Indian market variants, respectively. This nuanced regional strategy reflects Xiaomi’s approach of customizing product offerings and sometimes branding across different territories. In fact, the international version might be rebranded as the POCO C Pad, continuing Xiaomi’s trend of repurposing hardware under different sub-brands to capture varied market segments.
Connectivity options will probably include both Wi-Fi-only and 4G LTE models, catering to users with diverse needs for mobile data access. The inclusion of cellular connectivity in budget tablets, while not new, strengthens Xiaomi’s portfolio against emerging rivals who also blend portability and connectivity but often overlook affordable LTE models.
Historical Xiaomi device codes starting with ”2603” or ”2604” have preceded product launches in the first quarter of the year. If these historical patterns hold, the REDMI Pad 2 9.7-inch will likely be revealed around March or April 2026. This timing could give Xiaomi a head start ahead of a crowded spring tablet release season from competitors such as Samsung and Amazon.
Notably absent from the current information are details about the chip, battery, cameras, or software enhancements. These will ultimately determine if the REDMI Pad 2 can stand out beyond its size and price. Given Xiaomi’s focus on delivering high value at budget price points, it will be interesting to see if the company can offer competitive hardware to match the rising expectations for tablets in this segment.