OnePlus is making significant waves in the tablet market this year, and according to recent rumors, they might be preparing to launch a device specifically targeting mobile gamers. A new compact gaming tablet is reportedly in testing, hinting at a strategic move to diversify their growing tablet portfolio.
Rumored Specs Point to Gaming Prowess
Reliable tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo (as noted by NotebookCheck) has shared key details about this unannounced device. The rumored tablet is said to feature an 8.x-inch display, suggesting a highly portable form factor ideal for on-the-go gaming sessions. More importantly for performance enthusiasts, the leak indicates a sharp 3K resolution paired with an exceptionally high 165Hz refresh rate. These display specifications point directly towards a device designed to deliver smooth, detailed visuals crucial for competitive and fast-paced gaming.
The design is described simply as “geeky and simple,” which could mean OnePlus is prioritizing functional elements like cooling and ergonomics for long gaming sessions over flashy aesthetics.
Targeting the Compact Gaming Market
This combination of a compact screen size and a high refresh rate positions the rumored tablet as a direct challenger in the niche but growing compact gaming tablet market. Devices like the Lenovo Legion Y700 and the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro currently occupy this space, offering powerful performance in a smaller, more portable package compared to standard tablets. If accurate, the OnePlus tablet could heat up competition in this segment.
This move by OnePlus to target specific tablet niches like gaming aligns with broader industry efforts to make Android a more formidable and versatile platform across different form factors, including tablets, aiming to offer compelling alternatives to established players in the market.
OnePlus’s Expanding Tablet Presence
The introduction of a dedicated gaming tablet would significantly round out OnePlus’s tablet offerings. The company’s recently launched OnePlus Pad 3, while highly praised for its elite performance, vibrant 144Hz display, and strong battery life, features a larger 13.2-inch screen and is primarily positioned as a productivity and entertainment hub. OnePlus is also set to unveil a more budget-friendly Pad Lite at its Summer Launch event on July 8th.
Adding a smaller, high-refresh-rate tablet specifically focused on gaming would provide consumers with a distinct, performance-oriented option, catering to users who prioritize gaming power and portability above all else.
Availability Remains Unclear
While the rumors provide exciting potential specifications, details regarding the tablet’s name and official release timeline are still unknown. The tipster indicates the device is still in the testing phase and is explicitly not among the five products scheduled for the July 8th launch event. This suggests we might have to wait until later in the year for more official information, assuming testing proceeds successfully and the product makes it to market.
For now, the leak provides a tantalizing glimpse into OnePlus’s potential plans to expand its tablet ambitions into the competitive arena of compact gaming devices.
