Xiaomi Unexpectedly Raises Tablet Prices in China

Xiaomi has quietly increased the prices of its tablets in China, catching many buyers by surprise. The price hike currently appears to be limited to the Chinese market and mainly affects Xiaomi’s latest tablet lineup, including both premium and budget models.

According to the latest information, the increase ranges between $15 and $30, depending on the device. While this may not seem significant for high-end tablets, it has a noticeable impact on budget-focused models—especially considering that Xiaomi devices are usually priced much lower in China compared to global markets.

Which Tablets Are Affected?

The price revision applies to the Xiaomi Pad 8 series and all variants of the Redmi Pad 2.

• The base version of Xiaomi Pad 8 now starts at 2,299 yuan, up from its earlier price of 2,199 yuan.
• The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro has also seen a similar adjustment, with its starting price increasing from 2,799 yuan to 2,899 yuan.

For premium tablets like these, the increase is relatively small and is unlikely to affect buying decisions significantly.

Redmi Pad 2 Sees a Sharp Increase

The more impactful change is seen in the budget segment. The Redmi Pad 2 has become 200 yuan more expensive across all configurations. This translates to roughly $30, which is a substantial jump for an entry-level tablet.

For the base variant, this increase amounts to nearly a 20% price hike, making it much more noticeable for cost-conscious buyers. Since Redmi tablets are often chosen for their value-for-money appeal, this change could influence purchasing decisions in the budget category.

Why Is This Important?

Xiaomi rarely raises prices without introducing new hardware or features, which is why this move stands out. Although no official explanation has been provided yet, the increase could be linked to:

• Rising component and manufacturing costs
• Supply chain adjustments
• Market strategy changes in China

For now, the price hike seems limited to China, and there is no confirmation on whether global prices will be affected.

While premium Xiaomi tablets remain competitively priced, the noticeable increase in budget models like the Redmi Pad 2 may concern buyers. If the trend expands to other regions, it could mark a shift in Xiaomi’s long-standing pricing strategy. Users outside China will be watching closely to see if similar adjustments appear in global markets.