HMD’s Upcoming Tablet Gets a Familiar Formula With Smarter Upgrades

HMD T21 2nd Edition leak points to a familiar Android tablet with more RAM and storage

HMD appears to be preparing a refreshed version of its T21 tablet for 2026, and early specifications suggest the new model will be more of a practical update than a major redesign. Expected to launch as the HMD T21 2nd Edition, the tablet looks set to keep the same core hardware as the previous version while adding newer software and expanded memory options.

The original HMD T21 arrived in 2024 as the company’s first tablet under its own branding. However, it was largely based on the earlier Nokia T21 design. Now, the upcoming 2nd Edition seems to follow the same approach, offering a nearly identical experience with a few useful upgrades for buyers who want more storage, more RAM, and a newer Android version out of the box.

According to leaked details, the HMD T21 2nd Edition will feature a 10.36-inch IPS display with a 2K resolution. The screen is also expected to support stylus input, which could make the tablet useful for note-taking, sketching, reading, studying, and light productivity tasks.

Powering the tablet is said to be the Unisoc T7225 chipset. This processor is believed to be closely related to the Tiger T612 used in earlier T21 models, meaning users should expect similar performance. That makes the device more suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, attending video calls, reading documents, and running basic apps rather than demanding gaming or heavy multitasking.

One of the main changes appears to be memory and storage. HMD is expected to offer the T21 2nd Edition in two versions: one with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and another with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The higher-end model should feel more comfortable for multitasking and app switching, especially compared with the older configuration.

The tablet is also expected to include a microSD card slot, allowing storage expansion by up to 512GB. That will be helpful for users who want to keep movies, music, documents, ebooks, offline maps, and other files stored locally.

For cameras, the HMD T21 2nd Edition is said to include an 8MP sensor on the front and another 8MP camera on the back. While these cameras are unlikely to replace a smartphone camera, they should be enough for video calls, online classes, scanning documents, and casual photos.

Audio features may include dual speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual microphones, and Nokia OZO audio support. The headphone jack is a welcome addition for users who still prefer wired earphones, especially for school, work, travel, or media consumption.

Connectivity options are expected to include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, 4G LTE, and NFC. The inclusion of LTE should make the tablet more useful on the go, allowing users to stay connected without relying only on Wi-Fi networks.

Battery life should be another strong point. The HMD T21 2nd Edition is expected to come with an 8,200mAh battery, the same capacity as its predecessor. It is also said to support 18W wired charging. While that charging speed is not especially fast by modern standards, the large battery should help the tablet last through long streaming sessions, browsing, reading, or workdays.

The leaked specifications also mention an IP52 rating. This means the tablet should offer limited protection against dust and light splashes, though it should not be treated as waterproof.

On the software side, the HMD T21 2nd Edition is expected to ship with Android 15 and be “Ready for Android 16.” That could be one of the bigger reasons to consider the new model over the previous version, especially for users who care about newer software, security updates, and long-term usability.

There is still no confirmed information about color options. Previous T21 models were available in a single color, so HMD may choose a similar approach for the new edition rather than offering multiple finishes.

At the moment, HMD has not officially announced the T21 2nd Edition, and pricing remains unknown. Based on the leaked specifications, this tablet may appeal most to buyers looking for an affordable Android tablet with a large display, LTE support, expandable storage, stylus compatibility, and a big battery.

However, if the final price is significantly higher than the current HMD T21, some buyers may prefer the older model, especially if they do not need Android 15, additional RAM, or extra built-in storage. The previous HMD T21 has been available for around $149.99, making it a potentially better value if the new edition launches with only minor improvements.