Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.

Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.

From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.

But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?

Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!

NBA 2K26 is more than just a roster update. With sweeping changes across gameplay, player creation, and even how MyTEAM works, this year’s release is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in the series. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new before you buy in.

Gameplay gets a serious upgrade

At the center of NBA 2K26 is ProPLAY™, a motion system powered by real NBA footage. The result: footwork looks sharper, players move more naturally, and that old “ice skating” feel has been cut down.

Shooting, post moves, and layups have been refined, with added customization options. The AI also plays smarter on both ends of the floor, and even rebounding now comes with timing feedback.

The MyPLAYER Builder is more detailed than ever

Creating your player isn’t guesswork anymore. The new Animation Glossary lets you preview signature moves and check requirements before committing. You can now build by badges—choosing abilities first and letting the game shape your stats around them.

Build Templates based on NBA stars, pro builds, and even community submissions offer a starting point, while the new Scouting Report clearly lays out your strengths and weaknesses.

Add to that new Badge Perks, reworked Takeover mechanics, and questlines that let builds specialize, and the mode feels deeper than before.

MyNBA and MyGM lean into story

For franchise mode fans, 30 new storylines aim to keep long seasons from getting repetitive. Dynamic Banners spotlight key achievements, the simulation system has been refined, and there’s more support for online playoffs.

MyTEAM finally mixes things up

The biggest change in MyTEAM is the ability to run NBA and WNBA players on the same squad. That means all-time legends from both leagues can share the floor, creating new fantasy matchups that haven’t been possible in past games.

The W gets a stronger push

A closer look at these W superstars in #NBA2K26 💫 pic.twitter.com/ICi9FtQaj3

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 15, 2025

Women’s basketball continues to expand in 2K26. The W mode keeps its focus on progression and going up against WNBA stars, but the integration into MyTEAM suggests a more central role for the league this year.

Presentation feels closer to the real thing

A new voice is joining the commentary team! 🎙️@legsESPN is ready to bring his extensive hoops knowledge and excitement to #NBA2K26 🔥 pic.twitter.com/B090p3zbEZ

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 26, 2025

Arenas, crowd reactions, and broadcast packages have been updated again. The focus is on making each game feel like a proper event, not just a match you play through.

Worth an early purchase? 

We can’t really say for sure as we haven’t played the game. But these early presentations suggest that NBA 2K26 brings upgrades that go beyond cosmetic changes. The new motion system makes gameplay more realistic, the player builder has added depth, and MyTEAM finally gets a shake-up with WNBA integration. If you’ve been waiting for something fresh in the series, this might be the year worth jumping back in.

NBA 2K26 preorder

Players can now preorder NBA 2K26, which is available in four editions. Here’s what they’ll be getting when they preorder via the PlayStation Store.

Standard Edition

• 2x MyTEAM Promo Packs
• MyPLAYER Gamerplate
• 10,000 VC

Superstar Edition

•  Everything from Standard Edition
• 100,000 VC
• Up to 7-Day Early Access
• Full Series 1 Team Selection
• Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack
• 5x Series 1 Packs
• 2-Hour 2XP Coin
• 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts
• 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts
• 2-Hour 2XP Coin
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cover Jersey

Leave No Doubt Edition

• Everything from Superstar Edition, but with 135,000 VC
• Puffer Jacket on top of MyCAREER Content inclusions
• Leave No Doubt Promo Pack on top of MyTEAM inclusions (1x Galaxy Opal Player Card in December 2025; 1x Invincible Player Card in May 2026)
• Season 1 Pro Pass
• Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes)