Compact Android tablets are about to make a big comeback, and two of the most talked-about names in the space are getting ready to join the wave. According to a recent tip shared by Digital Chat Station, OnePlus and Oppo are both planning to launch new compact tablets in the first half of the year, signaling growing demand for smaller, easier-to-carry slates that don’t sacrifice performance.
They won’t be alone. The same leak points to more compact tablets arriving within the same timeframe from Xiaomi and RedMagic. On Xiaomi’s side, the Redmi K Pad 2 is said to be on the way, while RedMagic is expected to introduce the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro. If it follows the brand’s usual strategy, the RedMagic model may also roll out globally under a different name, with “RedMagic Astra 2” mentioned as the likely international branding.
When it comes to timing, Oppo looks set to move first. The report suggests Oppo’s compact tablet could launch in China as soon as next month, although the exact day hasn’t been pinned down yet. What’s also still up in the air is the display technology—there’s no confirmed word on whether Oppo will go with an LCD or an OLED screen. That said, speculation is leaning toward a more premium approach, because the device is rumored to use a flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. If Oppo is truly aiming for a top-tier positioning, an OLED panel would make sense, but for now it remains unconfirmed.
OnePlus, meanwhile, appears to be taking a slightly different route. The company’s compact tablet has been floated under the tentative name “OnePlus Pad Mini,” and while there’s no precise launch window yet beyond the “first half of the year” claim, early chatter suggests it may not be as aggressive as Oppo’s model. Instead of the Elite-tier chip, the OnePlus Pad Mini is rumored to use the more affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which could indicate a strategy focused on balancing performance and price in the small-tablet category.
If these leaks pan out, buyers looking for a powerful small Android tablet will have more choices than they’ve had in years—ranging from gaming-focused hardware to more mainstream compact options from major phone brands. With multiple launches expected before mid-year, the compact tablet market could get very competitive very quickly.
