The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max makes an immediate impression with its 13.3-inch display and 3:2 aspect ratio. The larger screen provides noticeably more workspace, yet the tablet remains surprisingly portable at just 5.67mm thick and 653g. Despite its size, it does not feel like a device that needs to stay on a desk.
The model tested here is the Soft Light Edition. Unlike a standard display designed to deliver higher brightness and more vivid colors, the soft light panel is better suited to extended viewing. This gives the 13.3-inch tablet a clearer focus on productivity, reading, and long sessions.
However, the large display is not necessarily the most interesting part of the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max. The bigger question is how Xiaomi intends users to take advantage of such a large tablet.
Flagship Performance in a Slim Body
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is the first tablet to feature the Xiaomi Xring O3 chip, bringing the company’s flagship-level processor to a tablet form factor. Fitting such a powerful chip into a body measuring only 5.67mm thick makes the device particularly interesting from a hardware perspective.
However, the Xring O3 is not simply about achieving higher benchmark scores or faster gaming performance. Its real value becomes more apparent when combined with the tablet’s large display and software features.
The HyperOS 4 experience introduces large-screen features such as improved multitasking and multi-window functionality. When paired with the floating keyboard and touchpad, the Pad 9 Pro Max starts to feel less like a traditional tablet and more like a flexible productivity device.
Apps such as WPS Office and CapCut also benefit from the additional screen space, giving users more room to work with documents, timelines, and multiple applications. The inclusion of DP-in video input further expands the tablet’s potential use cases, allowing the large display to serve purposes beyond conventional tablet tasks.
This is what makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max particularly interesting. Its appeal is not simply based on having a 13.3-inch screen or a powerful processor. Instead, Xiaomi appears to be exploring how hardware, software, and accessories can work together to make a large tablet genuinely useful.
During my experience with the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max, the main question was not how powerful the Xring O3 could be. Instead, I wanted to see whether the combination of the Xiaomi Xring O3, 13.3-inch display, HyperOS 4, keyboard, touchpad, and other accessories could unlock the full potential of a large-screen tablet.
That approach makes the Pad 9 Pro Max more than simply a bigger tablet. It is an attempt to create a device that can adapt to productivity, entertainment, creative work, and other everyday scenarios. The rest of the review will explore whether Xiaomi has successfully achieved that goal.
Design and Screen
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max features a large 13.3-inch LCD display with a 3408 × 2272 resolution, delivering a sharp 3.4K viewing experience at 308 PPI. It also supports a 144Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, animations, and everyday navigation feel noticeably smoother.
One of the display’s standout features is its 3:2 aspect ratio. Compared with the more common 16:10 format, the taller screen provides additional vertical space, which is particularly useful for browsing websites, reading documents, and working with productivity apps. The panel also supports the P3 wide color gamut, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, while its peak brightness reaches 1,000 nits. As a result, the display is well suited to both office tasks and multimedia consumption.
The model featured in this review comes in a deep wine-red finish inspired by the Burgundy wine region of France. Its color sits between bright and dark red, giving the tablet a distinctive appearance without looking overly flashy. The overall finish feels refined and premium.
At just 653g, the tablet made an immediate impression with its relatively light weight. Considering its 13.3-inch display, it feels considerably easier to carry than a typical laptop of a similar screen size.
Flip the tablet over and you’ll find an all-metal unibody construction that gives it a sturdy and premium feel. The Xiaomi logo sits in the center, while the camera module is positioned toward the upper-right corner. Three metal contact points can be found near the opposite side for connecting the optional floating keyboard.
These three circular contacts allow the keyboard to attach directly to the tablet. Once the magnetic connection is made, the keyboard is ready to use without requiring additional pairing or complicated setup. It’s a simple but practical design for users who frequently switch between tablet and laptop-style workflows.
The rear camera module uses a rounded rectangular design and houses a 50MP main camera. The upper portion of the module also carries the “XRING” branding, highlighting Xiaomi’s in-house Xuanjie chip platform and giving the rear design a distinctive touch.
Along one side of the tablet, you’ll find the speakers and a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. The port supports DP-in video input and can handle output of up to 3.4K at 120Hz. This expands the tablet’s versatility, allowing it to work as a secondary display when connected to a laptop or as a larger gaming screen when paired with devices such as a Nintendo Switch.
The opposite edge houses the power button, another speaker, and microphone openings. Xiaomi has also added a “Dolby Vision · Atmos” marking to the chassis, reflecting support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies.
Floating Keyboard
The accompanying Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max floating keyboard attaches magnetically and holds the tablet securely in place. Once connected, it is immediately ready for use, allowing the tablet to transition quickly from a traditional touchscreen device into a laptop-style workstation.
With the 13.3-inch display paired with a physical keyboard, tasks such as writing documents, responding to messages, and handling other productivity work become much more comfortable. The setup gives the tablet a laptop-like experience while retaining the flexibility of a detachable design.
The keyboard uses large 16mm keycaps with approximately 1mm of key travel. During typing, the keys provide clear feedback and a relatively crisp response, making the layout more familiar to users accustomed to conventional laptop or desktop keyboards.
The integrated touchpad uses a linear motor to provide tactile feedback and supports multiple gesture shortcuts. This makes navigation more convenient when the tablet is being used in laptop mode without relying heavily on the touchscreen.
The rear of the keyboard cover follows the tablet’s overall material and color scheme, creating a cohesive look when the two are attached. When closed, the cover sits firmly against the tablet and maintains a clean, integrated appearance.
Slim Design and Battery
At only 5.67mm thick, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max has an exceptionally slim profile for a device of this size. From the side, its thin body gives it an almost plate-like appearance. More impressively, Xiaomi has managed to fit a large 12,000mAh battery and its flagship Xring O3 chip into this slim chassis.
The tablet also comes with a 120W fast-charging adapter. According to Xiaomi’s official figures, the 12,000mAh battery can reach a full 100% charge in approximately 53 minutes. We will put that claim to the test later in the review to see how the real-world charging performance compares with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Hardware and Performance
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is the first Xiaomi tablet to feature the company’s third-generation self-developed Xring O3 chipset. The processor uses a 10-core all-big-core CPU architecture and a 16-core Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, giving it hardware specifications that are closer to desktop-class performance.
As Xiaomi’s most powerful tablet chipset to date, the Xring O3 achieved more than 5.22 million points in AnTuTu V11 under low-temperature laboratory conditions. In our own testing, we used the latest version of AnTuTu in a 25°C environment, where the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max reached 5.53 million points. This puts the tablet firmly among the highest-performing Android tablets.
Thermal Performance and Cooling
To maintain sustained performance, Xiaomi has equipped the Pad 9 Pro Max with a 3,038 mm² vapor chamber (VC) cooling plate and a massive 10,112 mm² graphite heat-spreading layer. The tablet’s 13.3-inch chassis also provides additional internal space for its cooling hardware.
The key question is whether this thermal design can prevent performance from dropping during extended gaming sessions. To find out, we tested three demanding mainstream games under high-performance settings.
1. Honor of Kings
For Honor of Kings, we enabled Performance Mode and selected the highest available graphics quality and frame-rate settings.
During a standard 5v5 match, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max delivered an average frame rate of 144.22 fps, while the 1% Low frame rate reached 134.3 fps. The frame-rate curve remained remarkably stable throughout the test.
The large 13.3-inch display provides a clear advantage for MOBA games. The wider screen gives players more room to view the battlefield, while the larger interface makes controls and on-screen information easier to see. However, the tablet’s size also makes it less comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
For longer gaming sessions, placing the tablet on a stand is a more practical solution. This is one of the main compromises of using a large-screen tablet for gaming.
Average power consumption during the test was 4.6W, with power consumption per frame measured at 31.9mW.
The highest surface temperature reached 31.9°C on the front and 31.5°C on the rear, showing that the cooling system kept temperatures under control.
2. Genshin Impact
For Genshin Impact, we enabled Performance Mode and frame interpolation. We then ran through Sumeru City for 10 minutes using the highest graphics settings.
Sumeru City is a demanding area because of its dense combination of NPCs, buildings, vegetation, and other environmental elements. This makes it a useful scenario for evaluating sustained GPU performance.
After 10 minutes of gameplay, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max achieved an average frame rate of 119.7 fps, while the 1% Low figure reached 94.9 fps. Overall, the tablet maintained performance close to a consistent 120 fps.
Average power consumption was 5.98W, while power consumption per frame was 49.98mW.
The highest temperature recorded on the front was 35°C, while the rear reached 33.6°C.
One of the more interesting features of the Xring O3 is its integrated AI rendering capability. The GPU includes eight AI rendering acceleration units that support 3.2K super-resolution and 120fps frame interpolation at the same time.
In practical terms, this allows the tablet to improve image sharpness and frame-rate smoothness without relying on a separate discrete graphics processor.
We also tested the feature directly in Genshin Impact. After opening the game toolbox, enabling Display Enhancement, and turning on super resolution, the visual quality became noticeably sharper. Fine details such as Keqing’s hair, clothing patterns, and textures on the stone walls appeared clearer, while distant building edges looked less blurred.
3. Honkai: Star Rail
For Honkai: Star Rail, we again enabled Performance Mode and frame interpolation. The game was tested for 10 minutes at the highest graphics settings while exploring the Golden Hour area.
After the 10-minute test, the average frame rate reached 119.27 fps, while the 1% Low frame rate was 74.1 fps. Performance remained generally stable, although frame-rate fluctuations became more noticeable during the second half of the test. Even so, the overall result remained within a reasonable range for demanding gameplay.
Average power consumption was 7.92W, with power consumption per frame reaching 66.37mW.
The highest temperature measured on the front was 34.9°C, while the rear reached 33.6°C.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max demonstrates strong sustained gaming performance across all three tests. Its Xring O3 chipset, large cooling system, and spacious 13.3-inch chassis work together to maintain high frame rates without excessive surface temperatures.
The tablet is particularly well suited to players who prefer a large display and high refresh-rate gaming. Its main limitation is physical size: while the 13.3-inch panel improves visibility and immersion, holding such a large tablet for long gaming sessions can become uncomfortable.
For users who primarily game with the tablet supported on a desk or stand, however, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max offers a compelling combination of large-screen immersion, high frame rates, and strong thermal performance.
Productivity Experience
The Xring O3 showed impressive results in gaming, but raw performance is only part of what makes a premium tablet useful. For a device positioned as a large-screen productivity flagship, the more important question is whether its processor, 13.3-inch display, and Surge OS 4 can make everyday work faster and more convenient.
After spending time with the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max, its productivity features make a stronger impression than benchmark numbers alone.
A 13.3-Inch Display Designed for Productivity
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max features a 13.3-inch display with a 3408 × 2272 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. While the specifications are impressive, the real advantage becomes clear during office work.
When using WPS to write documents, the taller 3:2 screen shows more vertical content than a typical 16:10 tablet display. This means less scrolling when reading or editing long documents.
The Soft Light Edition is particularly useful outdoors. Its anti-glare treatment noticeably reduces reflections under strong lighting, making the display more comfortable to view during extended work sessions.
1. Six Apps Can Run at the Same Time
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max supports up to six application windows simultaneously. A four-finger pinch gesture opens the panoramic view, allowing all active windows to be displayed together and resized or repositioned as needed.
I tested this feature while planning a weekend trip to Shanghai Disneyland. I used Xiaohongshu to browse travel recommendations, Gaode Maps to check the route from Zhengzhou to Shanghai, Flightradar24 to compare flight information, QQ to communicate with my friend, the Disney store to check ticket prices, and the calculator to work out the overall budget.
With all six applications open, switching between them remained responsive, with no obvious stuttering. This is where the multi-core capability of the Xring O3 becomes useful in everyday productivity rather than simply in benchmarks.
For normal work, four windows feel more comfortable. Six windows are better when you need to compare several sources at once, such as when researching, shopping, planning a trip, or managing multiple work tasks.
2. Full-Featured WPS Brings a Desktop-Like Office Experience
Android tablets have traditionally offered a more limited WPS experience compared with desktop computers. Large spreadsheets could become sluggish when scrolling, while long documents sometimes suffered from delays when zooming or navigating.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max takes a different approach with a full-featured version of WPS designed for the tablet. Xiaomi states that its performance is more than 20% higher than the previous container-based version, while scrolling through large spreadsheets, scaling lengthy documents, and rendering complex presentations have also been optimized.
In practical use, large Excel spreadsheets containing tens of thousands of rows remained smooth while scrolling. The brief delays that can occur on less powerful tablets were much less noticeable.
Adding the floating keyboard and touchpad makes the experience even closer to using a traditional computer. Document editing, navigation, and text input feel familiar enough for extended office sessions.
The built-in Lingxi AI features add another layer of convenience. Users can generate presentations, analyze Excel data, and create text content with AI-assisted commands, reducing the amount of repetitive work required for common office tasks.
3. CapCut Pro Makes Large-Screen Video Editing More Practical
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max comes with CapCut Pro pre-installed. Its interface provides a familiar editing environment, while the 13.3-inch display gives the timeline, media library, preview window, and editing controls more room than a smartphone.
The larger canvas makes dragging clips, adjusting effects, and managing multiple layers considerably easier.
Even with several video tracks, filters, transitions, and effects active, playback remained smooth during testing. This highlights one of the biggest advantages of combining a powerful processor with a large display: the goal is not simply achieving a high benchmark score, but maintaining a responsive experience during real work.
I also tested video export performance. A 30-second 4K video file measuring 113MB took less than 15 seconds to export from the moment the process was started. That makes the tablet particularly useful for creators who need to edit and share footage quickly while traveling or working away from a desk.
4. AI Features: Super Xiao Ai and Cross-Device File Management
Surge OS 4 introduces an expert mode for Super Xiao Ai that goes beyond basic question-and-answer functions. It can understand more complicated instructions, divide them into multiple tasks, and perform operations across different applications.
4.1 Cross-Device AI File Management
One of the more useful AI features is the ability to access files across tablets, smartphones, and computers using natural-language commands.
Instead of manually opening a file manager and transferring documents, users can simply tell Xiao Ai what they need. During testing, a request to send an order-data spreadsheet from a computer to the tablet prompted the system to locate the relevant file and transfer it to the Pad.
The process took only a few seconds and removed several manual steps from the workflow.
4.2 Super Xiao Ai Expert Mode
Expert Mode becomes more interesting when handling multi-step tasks. For testing, a six-minute meeting recording was used with a simple instruction: organize the latest recording, create notes, and prepare a PowerPoint presentation.
Super Xiao Ai automatically processed the recording, created structured meeting minutes, identified the main ideas, and summarized the advantages and risks of the five startup plans discussed during the meeting.
It then generated an 11-page business-style presentation containing a cover page, meeting overview, plan details, comparison information, and an action flow. After reviewing the generated content, the presentation could be created with a confirmation. The system can also generate interactive web pages, data dashboards, and other structured office content from basic instructions.
4.3 AI Notes Turn Recordings Into Structured Summaries
The AI Notes feature can automatically transcribe meeting recordings and turn them into organized summaries.
In one test, a six-minute recording was converted into approximately 660 words of structured notes. The result included the key discussion points, the five solutions mentioned during the meeting, and the final conclusion.
Different processing modes, including key-point summaries, meeting minutes, proofreading, and simplified content, provide additional flexibility.
AI can also answer questions about previously recorded meetings, making it easier to find information without manually searching through every note.
5. DP-In Could Be One of the Tablet’s Most Useful Features
DP-In is arguably one of the most interesting features of the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max. Using a full-featured USB-C cable, the tablet can function as an external display and portable second monitor, supporting input of up to 3.4K at 120Hz.
Because the connection does not depend on Wi-Fi, it can also be useful in environments where wireless connectivity is unreliable.
5.1 Use the Pad as a Portable Second Monitor
I connected the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max to a laptop and used it as a secondary display. Text remained sharp, and moving application windows between the two screens felt responsive.
A dual-screen setup is particularly useful for office work. For example, the laptop can display the main document while the Pad shows reference materials, communication apps, or meeting information.
The tablet also works with Mac devices and supports multiple HiDPI display modes, making it more flexible for different desktop setups.
5.2 Turn a Handheld Console Into a Larger Gaming Setup
DP-In can also expand the display of a handheld gaming device.
After connecting a handheld console, the 13.3-inch screen provided a much larger viewing area than the console’s built-in display. During testing with the SFC version of Chrono Trigger, the larger panel made the pixel graphics easier to appreciate and the dialogue easier to read.
This setup offers a portable alternative to carrying a separate desktop monitor when you want a larger gaming screen.
5.3 Use the Pad as a Portable Drawing Display
When connected to a PC and paired with the Xiaomi Focus Stylus Pro, the Pad can also function as a digital drawing display.
The stylus supports up to 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. Its gesture controls can be used to access the color palette, adjust brush settings, and change brush thickness, making common drawing operations easier to access.
I tested the setup with Drawing World Pro. The pen response was responsive, while the 13.3-inch canvas provided enough space for drawing and annotation work. For users who regularly create illustrations or annotate documents while traveling, this setup can be more convenient than carrying a dedicated graphics tablet.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max can also connect directly to mainstream cameras. With compatible photo-editing software, photos can be transferred to the tablet for quick editing and output without first moving them to another computer.
Beyond traditional productivity, the tablet can also serve as a rear entertainment and control screen in supported Xiaomi vehicles, including the SU7 and YU7. Depending on the vehicle configuration, users can access functions such as air conditioning, seat controls, music, and navigation. Child-space and anti-motion-sickness features further expand its potential for passengers.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for any large-screen tablet, especially a 13.3-inch flagship model. A bigger display and powerful hardware can consume more power, making battery capacity and charging speed key factors in the overall user experience.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max addresses this with a large 12,000mAh battery and support for 120W fast charging. While these specifications look impressive, real-world battery performance is a better measure of how well the tablet handles demanding tasks.
Battery Life Test
To evaluate the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max’s endurance, we used BatteryDog, a battery testing tool developed by Fast Technology. The test combines several demanding scenarios to simulate typical daily use, including CPU-intensive workloads, multi-threaded processing, AI recognition, image browsing, video playback, and web browsing.
For consistency, the display brightness was set to 50%, automatic brightness was disabled, and the volume was fixed at 30% throughout the test. These settings help reduce external variables and provide more reliable results.
The test results provide a clearer picture of how the 12,000mAh battery performs under a mixed workload. For a tablet with a 13.3-inch display and flagship-level hardware, endurance under sustained use is particularly important, as it determines how long users can work, stream videos, browse the web, or handle demanding applications before needing to recharge.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration for a large-screen tablet, especially when it combines a high-resolution display with flagship-level performance. The larger display and more powerful hardware can naturally lead to higher power consumption.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max addresses this with a 12,000mAh battery and 120W fast charging. While these specifications are impressive, real-world performance is more important. Here is how the tablet performed in our battery and charging tests.
1. Battery Life Test
We used BatteryDog, a testing tool from Fast Technology, to evaluate the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max under a range of simulated everyday workloads. The test included CPU-intensive tasks, multi-threaded processing, AI recognition, image browsing, video playback, and web browsing.
To maintain consistent testing conditions, the display brightness was fixed at 50%, automatic brightness was disabled, and the volume was set to 30%.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max lasted 11 hours and 2 minutes, dropping from 100% to 20% battery capacity during the test. Based on this result, the tablet’s estimated full battery endurance is approximately 13 hours and 47 minutes.
The tablet also maintained a relatively low peak temperature of 35.3°C throughout the test, indicating good control over both heat and power consumption.
For a device featuring the Xring O3 flagship chipset and a 13.3-inch 3.4K high-refresh-rate display, this is a strong result. The combination of a large 12,000mAh battery and the chipset’s power-efficiency optimizations allows the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max to provide enough endurance for a full day of typical use.
2. Charging Test
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max was also tested with its included 120W fast charger. We performed the test with the screen turned off to measure the charging performance under controlled conditions.
The results were impressive. The tablet charged from 1% to 25% in just 10 minutes, reached 63% after 30 minutes, and completed a full charge in approximately 57 minutes.
Considering the tablet’s large 12,000mAh battery, reaching a full charge in under an hour is particularly useful for users who need to quickly prepare the device before heading out.
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max also supports 27W wired reverse charging, allowing it to provide emergency power to a smartphone or other compatible device. Although 27W is considerably lower than the tablet’s own 120W charging speed, the feature can still be useful when another device needs a quick power boost.
Overall, the combination of a 12,000mAh battery, nearly 14 hours of estimated endurance, and 120W fast charging makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max well suited to users who want both long battery life and fast recharge times from a large-screen flagship tablet.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max shows that a larger tablet display can offer more than simply extra screen space. After using the device, it becomes clear that the real advantage of its 13.3-inch panel comes from how Xiaomi integrates the display with the hardware and software.
A bigger screen alone does not necessarily make a tablet more useful. However, when the additional space is combined with productivity features, multitasking, creative tools, and support for external devices, the experience becomes significantly more practical.
This is where the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max stands out.
The Xring O3 chip provides a strong performance foundation, but Xiaomi has designed the tablet around more than gaming and everyday performance. The 13.3-inch display works alongside Surge OS 4, a keyboard, and a range of software features to create a more desktop-like experience.
Features such as multi-window support, full-featured WPS, CapCut, AI tools, and DP-in make better use of the large display. Instead of simply showing larger versions of the same content, the screen provides additional room for office tasks, creative projects, and multitasking.
DP-In Adds Another Dimension
One of the most useful features is DP-in, which expands how the tablet can be used. The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max can connect to a computer and serve as a secondary display. It can also work with gaming devices or be used as a digital display when paired with a stylus.
This makes the 13.3-inch screen more than a tablet display. It can become a portable workspace, secondary monitor, or entertainment screen depending on the situation.
For users who frequently switch between a laptop, desktop, gaming device, and tablet, this flexibility could be one of the tablet’s biggest advantages.
Is the Large Size a Problem?
The 13.3-inch form factor does have one obvious drawback: portability in the traditional tablet sense. Its larger body makes it less comfortable to hold for extended periods, particularly when using it without a stand.
For gaming, reading, or watching videos for a long time, placing the tablet on a desk or stand is likely to be more comfortable. However, this limitation matters less for users who primarily want a large workspace for office tasks, creative work, or multitasking.
In other words, the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max is not designed to compete with smaller tablets purely on portability. Its strength lies in providing a much larger working area while retaining the flexibility of a tablet.
TheXiaomi Pad 9 Pro Maxis not aimed at users who simply want the biggest tablet possible. Instead, it makes more sense for people who can take advantage of a large display and want one device that can combine tablet functionality, productivity features, creative tools, and secondary-screen capabilities.
Its 13.3-inch display is therefore more than a size upgrade. Combined with the Xring O3 chip, Surge OS 4, multitasking features, and DP-in, it gives the tablet a broader range of practical uses.
That is what makes the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max interesting: it is not just a tablet with enough power to handle work. It is a tablet designed to become a more capable part of a user’s everyday workspace.
While smartphones from other major brands continue to creep up in price year after year, the value proposition of the Poco F9 Pro is even more impressive.
It's not much of an upgrade, but the Pixel 11 continues Google's tradition of offering phones with clean software and impressive cameras at a reasonable price.
Inspired Enterprise: How NASA, the Smithsonian, and the Aerospace Community Helped Launch Star Trek by Glen E. Swanson and Foreword by Margaret A. Weitekamp of the Air and Space Museum; 2025; 288 pages (Hardcover); $35.00 Put aside the issue of cranky sliding doors on the USS Enterprise. Level out those pointy Spock ears and discount […]
The Oscar- and Emmy-nominated documentarist Nanette Burstein working with co-screenwriter and editor Tal Ben-David, brings to life the story of Carl Sagan. The new National Geographic documentary film, Carl Sagan: We Are Made Of Star Stuff, made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. The 53rd Telluride Film Festival was held September 4 through […]
The BenQ MA320UG combines a spacious 32-inch 4K panel, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and extensive Thunderbolt connectivity to deliver a compelling Studio Display alternative.
In the August 2026 MacVoices Update, Chuck outlines how a little time off slowed down some projects, reviews new episode artwork designed to better communicate each show’s subject, discusses why feedback is so important to what you hear and see, and delivers the Support Report form the month. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26245.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices […]
If you’re a MacBook Air or MacBook Neo owner, there’s one accessory that I consider an absolute must-have; a USB-C hub. Why? Because it considerably expands the port options available to you, it’s not cumbersome, and the good news is that they’re also pretty cheap at around $25. What’s not to like? A good USB-C ... Read More
I dove into Big Walk with no expectations at all. I’d seen trailers leading up to the launch and knew that it was a co-op puzzle game from House House, the makers of Untitled Goose Game, but that was about it. And because most of my gaming is done solo, I initially tuned out most of the game’s post-launch headlines. Still, Big Walk is published by Panic, which has a great track record for finding and publishing great indie games, so I decided to give it a try earlier this week. And you know what? I love it.
Big Walk is about as low-key as a puzzle game gets in the best possible way. Co-op is the only mode, so you’ll need to coordinate a time to play it with a friend or group. One person takes the lead, setting up the session and inviting the others. The process is far simpler than trying to find a time that works for everyone in your group.
As players join, you’re dropped into a space to wait for the others and explore a little. This lobby space is where you’ll learn the game’s controls, too. Big Walk supports keyboard and mouse input as well as a controller, which is what I used, playing on an M4 Max MacBook Pro.
Once you get your bearings, it’s time to exit the lobby and start exploring. That exploration is core to what Big Walk is all about. You aren’t told what to do, but there are just enough clues to push you forward, figuring out the goals on your own without too much trouble.
I played using AirPods Pro 3, and the game made great use of their mics and speakers, simulating the environments we were in. Closed spaces were echoey, and speech was distant and faint when we were separated. Sound even becomes part of the mechanic in some puzzles, such as an early one where you have to look through an open window to hear each other properly and help guide the other player’s actions.
That cooperation is the key part of the game’s loop. You may see how to solve Big Walk’s puzzles on your own, but implementing the solution will require you and a companion to work together.
The togetherness of it all extends beyond the puzzles, too. Big Walk’s environment (at least in the early stages) is mountainous with large rocks and trees that make it possible to get separated from others. Add to that day and night cycles where it’s almost impossible to see where you’re going at night without a light, and you have every incentive not to wander off on your own without a plan for how to reconnect.
I’ve played through Big Walk’s first couple of sections, and it was a blast. The puzzles were clever and challenging without being frustrating, but most of all, I enjoyed working through them with someone else. There’s no time pressure or monsters lurking around corners – just puzzles and a chance to chat.
Ultimately, that’s what makes Big Walk work. It’s a good hang built against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape and low-key, fun challenges. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Samsung has largely defined the foldable phone category, but it's no longer alone in releasing flexible devices. Google, Motorola, and a raft of Chinese OEMs have their own take on this form factor. Is the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra really "ultra" enough to remain on top?
This phone doesn't have the wide frame of the new Z Fold 8, instead matching the approximate size and shape of the company’s last few tablet-style foldables. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a big leap, but it continues Samsung's pattern of iterative foldable improvements. At this point, there's very little left to improve. The compromises of going with a foldable over a regular flat phone have largely been erased with the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Well, except for the price.
Flatter and a little better
Foldables used to be real pocket-busters, almost like carrying two phones glued together. Samsung has successively shaved a few millimeters off every year, taking a leap last year with the Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is even a bit slimmer than that phone, but the difference is basically imperceptible. It still has the same buttons in the same places, including a fingerprint sensor in the power button.
1. Introduction: Cooling Is Usually Reserved for Gaming Flagships, But Mid-Range Phones Need It More
There are plenty of smartphones in the 2,000-yuan price range that focus on stacking specifications, but very few invest in advanced cooling systems.
Looking across the market, phones in this price segment are usually competing on performance, cameras, and fast charging. Cooling solutions are often mentioned only briefly—or ignored completely.
It is not because cooling is unimportant. The reason is simple: with limited costs, manufacturers usually spend their budget on features that users can immediately notice.
However, overheating and performance throttling are exactly the problems that trouble mid-range smartphone users the most.
Examples include:
A phone becoming too hot to hold while navigating outdoors in summer
Gaming frame rates dropping from 60fps to 40fps after half an hour
The device overheating while charging and being used at the same time
Reduced battery lifespan caused by long-term heat exposure
OPPO K15 is a practical all-round smartphone that brings an active cooling fan system into the 2K price segment.
OPPO K15 Review: 8000mAh Battery + Active Cooling Fan Makes It the Most Practical 2K Phone
The OPPO K15 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor, OPPO’s Tidal Engine optimization system, an 8000mAh large-capacity battery, and IP69 flagship-level water resistance.
It also features:
Three 50MP cameras
A large 5000mAh-class imaging system
Active cooling fan
Long-lasting battery performance
The phone aims to solve two of the biggest complaints among mid-range smartphone users:
Overheating
Running out of battery
Honestly, I did not have very high expectations for cooling performance on a 2K-range smartphone. With cost limitations, simply keeping temperatures under control is already considered good enough.
However, OPPO added an active cooling fan this time, making me curious:
Is the cooling fan just a marketing gimmick, or can it actually reduce temperatures?
Active Cooling Fan: More Than Just a Marketing Feature
The OPPO K15 uses a new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, featuring a built-in micro cooling fan.
According to OPPO, the cooling system can:
Reduce temperature by 5°C within 5 minutes
Keep fan noise as low as 30dB during full-speed operation
The fan is integrated with the rear camera module design. Thanks to this approach, the back cover remains completely flat without a large camera bump.
The entire phone is only:
8.27mm thick
This means the cooling system does not negatively affect the grip or overall feel.
After completing temperature tests, I found that the fan performed better than expected.
Adding a cooling fan to a 2K-range smartphone reminds me of installing a turbocharger on an economy car—not to make it a racing machine, but to ensure it does not lose power when climbing uphill.
For flagship gaming phones, cooling is about achieving peak performance.
For mid-range phones, cooling is about maintaining stable performance during daily use.
Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Designed for All-Day Use
The OPPO K15 features an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, providing enough endurance for heavy daily usage.
It supports:
80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
UFCS universal fast charging protocol
PPS charging protocol
Bypass charging
Wired reverse charging
The bypass charging feature allows power to directly supply the motherboard instead of continuously charging the battery during gaming sessions.
This helps:
Reduce heat generation
Protect battery health
Improve long-term durability
The reverse charging function also allows the phone to act as an emergency power source for accessories such as:
Earbuds
Smartwatches
Other small devices
Camera System: Three 50MP Cameras in the 2K Segment
The OPPO K15 features three 50MP cameras:
Rear main camera
Ultra-wide-angle camera
Front selfie camera
The main camera includes:
1/2-inch large sensor
f/1.88 aperture
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
The ultra-wide-angle camera offers:
143.3° ultra-wide field of view
The front camera supports:
50MP resolution
Autofocus (AF)
For a phone in the 2K price segment, this camera configuration is quite generous.
Durability: IP69/IP68/IP66 Protection and Military-Grade Testing
The OPPO K15 focuses heavily on durability.
It supports:
IP69 waterproof rating
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP66 protection
Eight military-standard durability tests
The phone also features:
Crystal Shield glass protection
Metal middle frame
The combination makes it more resistant to:
Drops
Water exposure
Dust
Extreme environments
2. Design Review: Cloud Pattern Back Cover with Hidden Cooling Fan
The OPPO K15 features a 6.59-inch centered punch-hole flat display.
The rounded corners and narrow bezels provide a comfortable viewing experience.
The display supports:
1.5K resolution
120Hz refresh rate
Daily activities such as:
Watching videos
Switching apps
Scrolling webpages
all feel smooth and responsive.
The front panel uses high-strength Crystal Shield glass, while the back cover has a smooth texture that reduces fingerprints.
Colors and Rear Design
The OPPO K15 comes in two colors:
Speed White
Wind Gray
The review unit is the Speed White version, featuring a unique cloud-pattern texture.
When light reflects across the surface, it creates a flowing storm-like visual effect.
At the bottom of the back panel is the text:
“ACTIVE COOLING, MASTER THE WIND”
This highlights the phone’s cooling identity without making the design look aggressive.
Camera Module and Cooling Fan Integration
The rear camera module is one of the most distinctive parts of the phone.
It uses:
A square silver camera base
Four corner screws
Industrial-style design elements
Layout:
Top left: Main camera
Top right: Ultra-wide camera
Bottom left: Cooling fan air intake
Bottom right: Flash
The fan and camera system are integrated into one flat module.
Despite including an internal fan, the phone remains:
8.27mm thick
Comfortable to hold
Free from a large camera bump
This design is clever because many flagship phones now have large protruding camera modules, while the OPPO K15 maintains a cleaner back design.
3. Cooling Test: The Active Fan Actually Works — Overheating and Throttling Become Less of a Concern
When people think of smartphones with built-in cooling fans, gaming flagships usually come to mind.
However, for users in the 2K price segment, long-term stable performance is arguably more important.
Common scenarios such as:
Outdoor navigation under strong sunlight
Long gaming sessions
Recording videos for extended periods
Using the phone while charging
can easily cause mid-range phones to heat up and reduce performance.
The OPPO K15 features the new-generation Wind Cooling Engine, which uses a three-layer cooling solution:
Large-area VC vapor chamber
The VC cooling plate quickly spreads heat away from the processor area.
High-conductivity graphite layer
The graphite material helps transfer heat more efficiently throughout the body.
Built-in micro cooling fan
The active fan pulls hot air away through the exhaust outlet, actively accelerating heat dissipation.
The key difference is that this is active cooling, not traditional passive cooling.
The fan is physically running, and heat is actively being removed.
Temperature Reduction Test
First, we used the AnTuTu stress test to push the OPPO K15 into a high-load state.
After continuous full-load operation:
Front temperature reached: 45.5°C
Rear temperature reached: 46.5°C
At this point, the phone felt noticeably hot in the hand.
Then we activated the cooling fan.
After 7 minutes:
Front temperature dropped to 40.9°C
Rear temperature dropped to 40.2°C
The phone changed from hot to only slightly warm.
After waiting 12 minutes:
Front temperature: 38.8°C
Rear temperature: 36.5°C
Compared with the peak temperature of 46.5°C, the rear temperature dropped by approximately 10°C.
The thermal imaging results clearly showed that heat was being transferred away through the fan system.
The temperature around the cooling fan area was noticeably lower than other parts of the phone, proving that the fan was actively removing heat.
High-Energy Outdoor Mode
The OPPO K15 also includes a High-Energy Outdoor Mode, which can be enabled through the accessibility settings.
Once activated, the system automatically:
Starts the cooling fan
Optimizes temperature control
Keeps the phone operating within a stable performance range
This mode also includes several practical outdoor improvements:
Enhanced Screen Brightness
The display automatically increases brightness, making it easier to see under direct sunlight.
Improved Voice Volume
When Bluetooth devices are disconnected, the phone automatically switches to the speaker and increases volume.
Extended Screen Timeout
The display stays active longer, preventing interruptions during:
Navigation
Outdoor work
Long-term map usage
Quick Access Optimization
Frequently used applications can be pinned to a shortcut bar for faster switching.
There are also desktop shortcut cards that allow one-tap access to important functions.
The combination of cooling assistance and outdoor optimization makes the OPPO K15 more convenient for real-world use.
The purpose of active cooling in a 2K smartphone is not chasing the highest benchmark score.
It is about maintaining stable performance during long gaming sessions, navigation, and video recording.
Other phones compete for peak performance.
The OPPO K15 focuses on staying stable for longer.
4. Performance Test: Dimensity 7360 SUPER + Tidal Engine Focus on Stability
The OPPO K15 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 SUPER processor.
Although positioned as a mid-range chipset, OPPO has added its own Tidal Engine optimization system to improve long-term performance.
The phone also features:
4950mm² VC vapor chamber
High-conductivity graphite cooling layer
Built-in active cooling fan
This combination provides a strong thermal foundation for a phone in this price category.
To evaluate real-world performance, we tested two popular mobile games.
Gaming Test 1: Honor of Kings
For Honor of Kings, we set:
Frame rate: Ultra-high
Graphics quality: HD
Performance mode: Enabled
During a full 5v5 match:
Results:
Average frame rate: 90.72 FPS
Frame fluctuation index: 0.22
The phone maintained smooth performance throughout the match.
Whether during:
Large team fights
High-density skill effects
Tower battles
there were no obvious frame drops or visible lag.
Average power consumption:
3.34W
Energy consumption per frame:
36.8mW
After enabling the cooling fan in smart variable-speed mode, temperatures remained well controlled.
Gaming Test 2: PUBG Mobile
For PUBG Mobile, settings were:
Graphics: Smooth
Frame rate: Extreme (60 FPS)
Mode: Classic Squad Battle
During the entire match:
Landing
Rotating zones
Fighting enemies
Final circle battles
the frame rate remained around 60 FPS.
There were no common mid-range phone issues such as:
Sudden frame drops when entering the zone
Delayed aiming response
Stuttering during combat
Average power consumption:
2.84W
Energy consumption per frame:
47.5mW
The cooling fan helped maintain stable temperature during the gaming session.
5. Camera Review: Three 50MP Cameras Deliver Strong Image Quality
The OPPO K15 represents a major improvement in imaging for the K series.
It features three 50MP cameras:
Main camera
Ultra-wide camera
Front camera
The main camera includes:
1/2-inch large sensor
f/1.88 aperture
OIS optical stabilization
The ultra-wide camera provides:
143.3° ultra-wide field of view
Unlike many mid-range phones where secondary cameras are mainly for marketing, the OPPO K15 gives more attention to practical photography.
Main Camera Experience
The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight scenes.
Strengths include:
Good detail retention
Natural colors
Strong dynamic range
Stable handheld shooting thanks to OIS
Photos maintain good clarity even when zooming into details.
The large sensor also helps improve:
Low-light performance
Background separation
Night photography quality
Ultra-Wide Camera Experience
The 143.3° ultra-wide camera is useful for:
Architecture photography
Landscape shots
Group photos
Travel scenes
The wider perspective allows users to capture more content in a single frame.
Night Photography
The main camera’s large sensor and optical stabilization help improve nighttime shooting.
Night photos show:
Better light control
Reduced motion blur
Improved shadow details
For a mid-range smartphone, the camera performance is above average.
6. Battery and Charging: 8000mAh Battery Easily Lasts a Full Day, 80W Flash Charging Keeps You Going
Battery life is one of the strongest selling points of the OPPO K15.
The phone comes with an 8000mAh Glacier Battery, which is significantly larger than the batteries commonly found in mainstream smartphones.
For users who rely heavily on their phones every day, such as:
Outdoor workers
Travelers
Navigation users
Mobile gamers
Video streamers
the large battery capacity provides a clear advantage.
Battery Life Test
To evaluate real-world endurance, we used the Battery Dog testing tool developed by Kuai Technology.
The test simulated typical daily usage scenarios, including:
CPU high-load operation
Multi-thread processing
AI recognition
Image browsing
Video playback
Web browsing
Testing conditions:
Screen brightness: 50%
Auto brightness: Disabled
Volume: 30%
The results showed:
The OPPO K15 lasted:
14 hours and 33 minutes from 100% battery down to 20%.
Based on this result, the theoretical full battery endurance is approximately:
18 hours of continuous usage.
This result matches the expectations of an 8000mAh battery and demonstrates the phone’s excellent endurance.
For normal users, the OPPO K15 can easily handle:
A full day of heavy usage
Long outdoor navigation
Extended gaming sessions
Continuous video playback
without worrying about battery anxiety.
80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging Experience
The OPPO K15 supports:
80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
UFCS universal fast charging
PPS fast charging protocol
We tested charging with the included 80W charger.
Starting from:
1% battery
Charging results:
Charging Time
Battery Level
5 minutes
11%
10 minutes
18%
30 minutes
43%
60 minutes
81%
80 minutes
100%
Although the phone uses a large 8000mAh battery, it can still reach a full charge within around 80 minutes.
This provides a good balance between battery capacity and charging speed.
Bypass Charging: Better for Long Gaming Sessions
The OPPO K15 supports bypass charging, which is especially useful for gamers.
When enabled:
Power goes directly to the motherboard
Battery charging is reduced
Heat generation is lowered
Battery aging is minimized
This means users can keep playing games while connected to power without constantly stressing the battery.
For people who often:
Play games while charging
Watch videos for long periods
Use the phone as a stationary entertainment device
this feature is very practical.
Wired Reverse Charging
The OPPO K15 also supports wired reverse charging.
The phone can temporarily act as a power bank for devices such as:
Wireless earbuds
Smartwatches
Other smartphones
When traveling, this feature provides an emergency power solution without carrying an additional charger.
7. Special Features: IP69 Protection, Breathing Light, NFC and Infrared
Beyond cooling, performance, and battery life, the OPPO K15 also includes many practical features that improve everyday experience.
IP69 Protection: Designed for Tough Environments
The OPPO K15 supports:
IP69 waterproof protection
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP66 protection
It also passed eight military-standard durability tests covering:
High temperature
Low temperature
Rain exposure
Dust environments
Drop resistance
This makes the phone suitable for more demanding environments.
Water Resistance Test
During testing, we played Douyin videos on the OPPO K15 while placing it under running water.
The results:
Video playback continued normally
Touch controls remained responsive
Wet fingers could still operate the screen
The phone remained fully functional after exposure to water.
While IP69 protection does not mean users should intentionally abuse their devices, it provides additional confidence for:
The rear panel includes OPPO’s Mist Shadow Breathing Light system.
Users can customize:
Full lighting area
Strip lighting
Fan lighting
Lighting effects include:
Flowing effects
Breathing effects
Always-on mode
Flashing effects
The fan lighting also supports:
Breathing mode
Constant lighting
Flashing mode
Multiple colors are available.
At night, the lighting can synchronize with music, creating a gaming-style atmosphere.
Unlike inexpensive RGB lighting effects, the implementation feels more refined.
Users can also configure:
Activation time
Lighting behavior
Automatic disabling when the phone is in a pocket
Mountain-Sea Communication Technology: Better Signal in Weak Areas
The OPPO K15 includes OPPO’s self-developed Mountain-Sea Communication Technology.
The system uses:
360° surround antenna design
Multi-source signal optimization algorithms
It is designed to improve connectivity in difficult environments such as:
Underground parking areas
Elevators
Buildings with weak signals
During testing in an underground parking area:
Network results:
Ping latency: 37ms
Download speed: 8.37Mbps
Upload speed: 16.12Mbps
The phone maintained stable connectivity without obvious disconnections.
Dual-Frequency GPS: Faster and More Accurate Positioning
The OPPO K15 is equipped with:
Dual-frequency GPS
Flagship-level sensors
Multi-source positioning algorithms
During navigation testing with Amap:
Location locking was fast
Navigation started quickly
Position accuracy remained stable
The real-time navigation interface showed:
26 BeiDou satellites assisting positioning
Even in complex environments such as:
Urban streets
Tunnels
Underground parking areas
the positioning performance remained reliable.
8. Final Verdict: A Smartphone That Solves Real Problems
At the beginning of this review, the question was:
Is the cooling fan on a 2K-range smartphone just a gimmick, or does it really work?
After testing, the answer is clear:
It works.
During the AnTuTu stress test:
Rear temperature reached 46.5°C
After activating the fan for 12 minutes, it dropped to 36.5°C
A temperature reduction of around 10°C was confirmed through thermal imaging.
The active cooling fan is the feature that truly separates the OPPO K15 from other phones in the same price range.
Many smartphones offer:
Large batteries
Water resistance
Fast charging
But fewer combine these features with an integrated cooling fan.
OPPO K15 Key Strengths
The phone delivers:
8000mAh large battery Active cooling fan IP69/IP68/IP66 protection Stable gaming performance 80W fast charging Three 50MP cameras 120Hz 1.5K display Dual-frequency GPS Strong signal performance
Who Should Buy the OPPO K15?
The OPPO K15 is especially suitable for users who care about:
Long battery life
Stable performance
Outdoor usage
Gaming without overheating
Durability
Practical everyday features
However, users who want:
Maximum gaming frame rates
Flagship-level processor performance
may prefer higher-end gaming smartphones.
The Dimensity 7360 SUPER is not designed to chase extreme benchmark records. Instead, it focuses on delivering stable performance over long periods.
Final Conclusion
Many smartphones in the 2K price range compete by making their specification sheets look impressive.
Instead of only chasing higher numbers, it focuses on solving real user problems:
A phone that does not become uncomfortable when hot
A battery that lasts all day
A device that remains reliable outdoors
A smartphone that can handle daily challenges
The built-in cooling fan is like adding a turbocharger to an economy car—not for racing, but to prevent losing power when climbing a hill.
After testing, the OPPO K15 proves that it can:
Stay cool under pressure
Maintain stable performance
Last through demanding usage
Survive tougher environments
For users looking for a practical, durable, and reliable smartphone in the 2K price segment, the OPPO K15 is one of the most complete choices available.
OPPO K15: A truly practical smartphone built for real-world use.
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