Chinese Tablet Market Heats Up as Giants Eye iPad Mini Niche
Huawei, Honor, and Others Reportedly Eyeing Compact Tablet Segment
The compact tablet market, long dominated by Apple’s iPad mini, is poised for a shake-up. Following recent launches from Lenovo and Redmi, reports suggest major Chinese tech players like Huawei, Honor, and even OUGS are gearing up to enter the fray.
New Entrants Signal Fierce Competition
This anticipated influx of new devices signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Industry insiders suggest that alongside Xiaomi’s REDMI brand, Huawei is actively developing its own compact tablet. Leaks also point to potential future projects from iQOO, Honor, and OPPO/OnePlus.
Huawei’s ‘Mate mini’ Rumored for Late 2025 Launch
Whispers suggest Huawei’s upcoming compact tablet, potentially dubbed the “Mate mini,” could feature an 8.8-inch display, mirroring specifications rumored for the REDMI K Pad. If these reports hold true, the device might also include cellular connectivity and could debut by the end of the third quarter.
Other brands are anticipated to reveal their new flagship compact tablets early next year. These devices are expected to emphasize high-performance processors, sleek, thin designs, and versatile functionality, aiming to capture a significant share of the market.
The current premium compact tablet market sees devices like the S8 Elite, powered by Dimensity 9400+ platforms, priced around RMB 2,700. The introduction of additional flagship models is likely to drive prices down further.
The global tablet market saw shipments reach approximately 33.7 million units in the first quarter of 2024, according to IDC. This indicates a robust demand for tablet devices across various form factors.
