Xiaomi Pad 9: So much tablet for the money, but one detail is an everyday annoyance

However, everyday use also reveals a weakness that frequently bothers us: As with its predecessor, Xiaomi has omitted a fingerprint sensor. On paper, this might seem like a minor detail for a tablet. In practice, however, the missing sensor is a significant drawback even on the Xiaomi Pad 9. 

Anyone who does not want to use insecure 2D facial recognition has to enter a PIN or password every time they unlock the mid-range tablet. Although facial recognition via the front camera is convenient, it did not always work reliably in our testing. A PIN is required particularly in poor lighting or when the tablet is lying on a desk. These small interruptions add up, especially for users who frequently unlock their tablet throughout the day, such as when moving between classes at university. 

The lack of a fingerprint sensor is also frustrating when using security-sensitive apps. The basic camera-based recognition is so insecure that it is not even permitted for sensitive applications such as banking apps or password managers. 

At a time when even entry-level smartphones costing less than $200 have a reliable fingerprint sensor in the power button, its absence from a mid-range tablet simply feels outdated to us. Anyone who places particular importance on convenience and quick authentication can take a look at our review of the Pro Max model.