Huawei’s long-rumored compact tablet has finally made its appearance.
A blogger known as “Chao Wei Jie” today revealed actual images of the Huawei MatePad mini. While only the rear of the device is shown， it’s evident that the tablet boasts a compact form factor， likely with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a dual rear camera setup. This move by Huawei to enter the small tablet market with a premium device suggests a strategy to cater to users who prioritize portability without compromising on performance and display quality.
Reports indicate that the MatePad mini will feature an 8.8-inch OLED display， making it one of the smallest， if not the smallest， mainstream tablets available. This diminutive screen size is a significant advantage for users who frequently carry their devices on the go， offering enhanced portability and a more comfortable one-handed grip， a feature often lacking in larger tablets.
The device is expected to come in two core configurations. The Wi-Fi version will be powered by the Kirin T92 chipset， while the cellular variant will utilize the Kirin 9020. The latter will support SIM card insertion， with the key difference between the two primarily being the presence or absence of a cellular modem. This differentiated chipset approach allows Huawei to target different user segments and price points within the small tablet category.
The core specifications include a CPU configuration comprising one Cortex-A78 based “Tai Shan” large core running at 2.5GHz， three “Tai Shan” medium cores at 2.15GHz， and four 1.6GHz small cores. Graphics processing will be handled by an integrated Maleoon 920 GPU clocked at 840MHz. This configuration suggests a focus on delivering a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming， despite the compact form factor.
Furthermore， similar to its larger counterparts， the MatePad mini is said to offer two display options: a standard version and a “soft light” screen. The latter presumably aims to reduce eye strain for extended reading or viewing sessions， a thoughtful inclusion for a device likely to be used in various environments.
Industry sources suggest that the official unveiling of the MatePad mini is highly probable on September 4th， where it is expected to be announced alongside Huawei’s new tri-fold smartphone. This aligns with Huawei’s strategy of launching multiple innovative products during key events， creating a buzz and showcasing their technological prowess.
Considering its overall specifications， this compact tablet is undoubtedly positioned as a flagship device. Early estimates place its starting price in the range of 3499 to 3999 yuan. This pricing strategy places it in direct competition with Huawei’s own larger MatePad Pro 12.2-inch， which launched recently at a starting price of 3999 yuan and also features the Kirin 9020 series chipset. The introduction of a smaller， potentially more affordable flagship tablet indicates Huawei’s ambition to capture a wider audience within the premium tablet market， offering a high-performance option for those who value a more manageable form factor.
