Category: Tablets

  • Oscal Pad 100: Affordable Dual-SIM Tablet with Android 15 Launch

    Oscal Pad 100: Affordable Dual-SIM Tablet with Android 15 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oscal Pad 100 is a large Android tablet designed as a laptop alternative with a 12-inch screen and a resolution of 1,200 x 2,000.
    2. It features the Unisoc Tiger T615 processor, supports LTE with dual SIM capability, but does not support 5G.
    3. The tablet comes with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM and has 256 GB of internal storage that cannot be expanded if using a second SIM card.
    4. Camera specifications include a 16 MP main camera on the back and an 8 MP front camera, with a built-in 9,000 mAh battery that supports 18-watt charging.
    5. The Oscal Pad 100 is priced at approximately $160 and is set to launch on February 17.


    Besides rugged smartphones and tablets, Blackview also has a line of more traditional mobile devices under the Oscal name. The Pad 100 is a new, fairly large Android tablet that aims to serve as a laptop alternative when used with an optional keyboard and stand case. It’s just 8 mm (0.3 in) thick and weighs 610 g (1.3 lb), featuring a 12-inch screen with a resolution of 1,200 x 2,000. While it comes with a stylus, it seems the Oscal Pad 100 won’t support pressure sensitivity, as this feature isn’t mentioned.

    Operating System and Performance

    Even though Oscal is launching the Pad 100 with the newest Android version, buyers shouldn’t expect many significant OS updates in the future. The device is powered by a Unisoc Tiger T615, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. This SoC includes a cellular modem that works with various LTE bands but lacks 5G support. The tablet can take up to two SIM cards, which makes it easy for users to switch on and off a work phone number. However, with only two slots available, the 256 GB UFS 2.2 internal storage can’t be expanded if a second SIM card is in use. Depending on the model chosen, the Pad 100 comes with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM.

    Camera and Battery

    On the back of the device, there’s a 16 MP main camera, while the front features an 8 MP camera. The tablet has a built-in battery with a capacity of 9,000 mAh that can be charged at speeds of up to 18 watts. The Oscal Pad 100 is priced at roughly $160 and is set to launch on February 17, appearing to be a direct import for the time being.

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  • Wacom Intuos Pro Tablets: Perfect for Artists and Designers

    Wacom Intuos Pro Tablets: Perfect for Artists and Designers

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Models for Professionals: Wacom has launched three new Intuos Pro pen tablets designed for creative professionals, compatible with both Mac and Windows systems.

    2. Enhanced Stylus Features: The new Wacom Pro Pen 3 stylus offers improved accuracy, 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and a tilt range of +/- 60 degrees, along with customizable nibs for personalized drawing.

    3. Customizable Controls: The tablets feature programmable keys and dials, allowing artists to tailor inputs for specific applications, improving workflow efficiency.

    4. Pricing and Options: The Intuos Pro tablets are priced between $249.95 and $499.95, with alternatives like the Cintiq drawing tablets available for those who prefer screens integrated into their drawing tools.

    5. Focus on Creative Flow: The redesigned Intuos Pro line emphasizes a balance between work and creativity, enhancing user experience and precision for a smoother creative process.


    Wacom has introduced three new Intuos Pro pen drawing tablets aimed at creative professionals such as 3D designers, graphic artists, and digital illustrators. These tablets are compatible with both Mac and Windows systems and can connect via USB or Bluetooth, boasting a wireless usage time of up to 16 hours.

    Enhanced Accuracy and New Stylus

    The Intuos Pro digitizer has been improved for greater accuracy, now coming with the innovative Wacom Pro Pen 3 stylus that features three side buttons. This pen is battery-free and supports 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity along with a tilt range of +/- 60 degrees. This allows artists to achieve a variety of brush strokes—both thin and wide—on the 16:9 aspect ratio drawing surface. The option of swappable nibs provides artists with the ability to personalize their drawing experience.

    Customizable Controls for Efficiency

    The small Intuos Pro model includes five programmable keys and one dial, while the medium and large models offer ten programmable keys and two dials. Every input can be tailored to specific applications, enabling users to perform custom actions like resizing the pen or making selections, reducing the need to rely on a mouse or keyboard during their creative process.

    When using the Intuos Pro, artists create their work on the tablet while viewing it on their computer monitor. This method may take some time to master, as artists are not looking directly at the pen while they draw. This technique has been employed in the industry for years, including at major companies like Disney, before the advent of pen displays, monitors with pen functionality, and touchscreen tablets with pen capabilities.

    Pricing and Alternatives

    The Wacom Intuos Pro is priced at $249.95 for the small version, $379.95 for the medium, and $499.95 for the large model. These can be purchased from the Wacom eStore and soon from Amazon’s Wacom store. For those who prefer not to draw on a flat surface while glancing at a monitor, Wacom offers the Cintiq drawing tablets with built-in screens, which allow artists to view their artwork directly beneath the pen.

    Wacom, Wacom press release, Wacom on YouTube

    Wacom Revamps Its Iconic Intuos Pro Pen Tablet for a Superior Workflow
    News from Wacom Technology Corporation
    Feb 12, 2025, 11:00 ET

    The latest Intuos Pro enhances Wacom’s pen performance and introduces new efficiency levels suited for modern creative tasks.

    PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The premium digital tablet, known among the top illustrators, photo editors, videographers, and 3D sculptors, now aligns seamlessly with today’s advanced creative applications thanks to its revamped design, which includes tactile controls and the industry-leading Pro Pen 3.

    The Balance of Work and Creativity

    Creating is your work … and Flow is the essence of that creativity. Feel the ideal balance between Work and Flow with the Intuos Pro, our flagship series of professional pen tablets. The newly redesigned Intuos Pro line offers a heightened level of precision and control, fostering an intuitive creative journey that allows ideas to flow smoothly and effectively.

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  • Xiaomi Pad 7 Nano Texture Display Launching in India on Feb 18

    Xiaomi Pad 7 Nano Texture Display Launching in India on Feb 18

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and Pricing: The Xiaomi Pad 7 Nano Texture Display Edition will be launched in India on February 18, 2025, priced at ₹32,999, with a ₹1,000 discount for selected bank transactions.

    2. Nano Texture Display: The tablet features a Nano Texture Display that reduces glare by 99% and reflectivity by 65%, enhancing visibility, especially outdoors.

    3. Specifications: It has an 11.2-inch CrystalRes display with 3.2K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage, along with an 8,850mAh battery and 45W Turbocharging.

    4. Camera and Features: The device includes a 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, Workstation Mode for multitasking, and supports NFC-enabled Tap to Share.

    5. Optional Accessories and Colors: The tablet is available in Graphite Grey, Sage Green, and Mirage Purple, with optional accessories like the Focus Pen and Focus Keyboard for separate purchase.


    Xiaomi has revealed that the Pad 7 Nano Texture Display Edition will be launched in India on February 18, 2025. This tablet can be purchased on Amazon, mi.com, and at Xiaomi retail outlets for a price of ₹32,999. Customers can also benefit from a ₹1,000 discount with selected bank transactions.

    Features of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Nano Texture Display Edition

    The new Pad 7 is equipped with a Nano Texture Display, which is specifically designed to lessen glare and enhance visibility, particularly in outdoor settings. The screen incorporates a nanometer-scale textured surface that diffuses light, thereby minimizing reflections. Additionally, an anti-reflective coating boosts clarity. According to Xiaomi, this innovative technology decreases glare by 99% and reduces reflectivity by 65%, making it more pleasant for prolonged usage while lowering eye fatigue.

    Specifications and Performance

    This tablet boasts an 11.2-inch CrystalRes display featuring a 3.2K resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and a brightness level of 800 nits HBM. It also has HydroTouch technology, allowing it to respond effectively even when used with wet hands, and it holds a TUV Rheinland Triple certification for minimizing blue light exposure. The Pad 7 Nano Texture Edition operates on a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, combined with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 and is powered by an 8,850mAh battery that supports 45W Turbocharging. Weighing in at 500g and measuring 6.18mm in thickness, this tablet is quite portable.

    Camera and Additional Features

    The device is outfitted with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. It also supports a Workstation Mode for improved multitasking, AI-based app optimizations, and NFC-enabled Tap to Share for seamless file transfers. Additionally, it features quad Dolby Atmos speakers and has an IP52 rating, indicating its resistance to dust and water.

    Optional accessories, such as the Focus Pen and Focus Keyboard, are available for separate purchase. The tablet is offered in three color options: Graphite Grey, Sage Green, and Mirage Purple. Pre-orders will begin on February 18 at 12 PM IST. This edition serves as a premium choice in comparison to the standard Pad 7, which lacks the nano texture display and was launched last month.

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  • Huawei Surpasses Apple as China’s Tablet Market Grows 4.3% in 2024

    Huawei Surpasses Apple as China’s Tablet Market Grows 4.3% in 2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. China’s tablet market shipments reached 29.85 million units in 2024, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year, despite a slight decline in Q4.
    2. Huawei retained its leadership position in the tablet market, bolstered by innovative product releases like the MatePad 11.5 2024 and MatePad Pro 13.2.
    3. Apple faced challenges with declining shipments in Q4, though improvements were seen with the refreshed iPad Mini and iPad Air; the high cost of the iPad Pro hurt sales.
    4. Xiaomi experienced a strong 41% increase in Q4 shipments, securing the third spot due to the launch of Xiaomi Pad 7 and 7 Pro and active subsidy participation.
    5. Honor and Lenovo were tied for fourth place, with Honor growing through new product launches and Lenovo benefiting from product updates and discounts.


    China’s tablet market saw a bounce back in 2024, with total shipments hitting 29.85 million units, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the previous year, as reported by IDC. Although the fourth quarter of 2024 experienced a slight decline due to inventory challenges, the overall trend in the market was positive, paving the way for growth in 2025.

    Huawei Remains on Top

    Huawei reinforced its leadership, taking the lead in both the quarterly and yearly market shares. Even with a minor slowdown in shipments during Q4, innovative product releases like the MatePad 11.5 2024, priced at 1,500 yuan ($205), and the premium MatePad Pro 13.2 helped maintain its stronghold. Additionally, Huawei continued to dominate in the commercial market, overcoming earlier supply issues.

    Apple Faces Challenges

    Apple, in second place, dealt with ongoing declines in shipments during Q4, although the rate of decline showed signs of improvement. The refreshed iPad Mini along with the consistently performing iPad Air played crucial roles in this. However, the high cost of the iPad Pro negatively affected overall sales figures.

    Xiaomi’s Impressive Surge

    Xiaomi made a significant impact, grabbing the third spot with a striking 41% increase in Q4 shipments year-on-year. The debut of the Xiaomi Pad 7 and 7 Pro, along with active involvement in subsidy programs, contributed greatly to this impressive growth.

    Honor and Lenovo Compete for Fourth

    In Q4, Honor and Lenovo found themselves tied for the fourth position. Honor’s substantial growth was attributed to various new product launches across different pricing tiers, while Lenovo’s success came from updating its product line and offering discounts, especially in the compact flagship and AI-driven sectors.

    Looking ahead, IDC expects the market to keep growing in 2025 due to new product innovations, wider applications, and government subsidies. Nevertheless, they warn of possible market fluctuations linked to the subsidy program, encouraging companies to adopt adaptable strategies. The market is set for more changes, with local brands gaining strength and competition becoming fiercer.


  • Apple Sells 57 Million iPads in 2024, Loses Market Share to Xiaomi, Huawei

    Apple Sells 57 Million iPads in 2024, Loses Market Share to Xiaomi, Huawei

    According to new data from Canalys, a total of 147.6 million tablets were shipped globally in 2024, marking a 9.2% increase from last year. This growth is the first seen in the tablet market since 2020. Canalys points to a rise in upgrades among corporate users as the main reason for this growth, while sales to regular consumers have reportedly only increased slightly.

    Xiaomi’s Remarkable Success

    Xiaomi has emerged as a big player in the tablet market, selling an impressive 9.2 million units in 2024, which is a staggering 73.1% increase compared to the previous year. This success has made Xiaomi the fifth-largest tablet maker worldwide, pushing Amazon down a spot. Lenovo and Huawei each sold over 10 million tablets, with increases of 12% and 29.3% respectively, compared to last year. Thanks to this robust growth, Huawei has now surpassed Lenovo, capturing a global market share of 7.3%. The top two leaders continue to dominate, commanding a combined 57.4% of the market.

    Samsung and Apple in the Race

    Samsung holds onto second place, achieving an 8.2% growth and a market share of 18.8% with 27.8 million Galaxy Tabs sold. Meanwhile, Apple experienced slower growth, selling only 5.3% more tablets in 2024 than in the previous year. This underperformance compared to the overall market resulted in a decrease in Apple’s market share by 1.4 percentage points, bringing it down to 38.6%. One contributing factor to this situation is the significant price hike for the latest iPad Pro, while the entry-level iPad has not seen any updates since 2022.

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  • Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus: Global Launch with US Discounts Available

    Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus: Global Launch with US Discounts Available

    Lenovo has begun the global shipment of the Yoga Tab Plus, which was showcased last month at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This tablet is designed to compete with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, currently priced at $849 on Amazon, alongside other premium Android tablets. It features a 12.7-inch display with a resolution of 3K and a refresh rate of 144 Hz, offering impressive peak brightness of up to 900 nits.

    Hardware Specifications

    The Yoga Tab Plus is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and comes with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 8533 MT/s. Additionally, it houses a substantial 10,200 mAh battery that supports 45 W wired charging. However, there are some discrepancies between the current specifications and what Lenovo had announced prior to CES 2025.

    Storage Options and Pricing

    Notably, the tablet is currently only available in a 256 GB storage variant, contrary to earlier reports of a 512 GB option. This storage capacity can be found across Europe, the US, and the UK at the time of writing. In the United States, Lenovo is offering the Yoga Tab Plus at a reduced price of $599, reflecting a $100 discount, and this offer also includes a keyboard and stylus that Lenovo initially intended to sell separately.

    Availability in Different Regions

    In the UK, the Yoga Tab Plus is priced at £669, also inclusive of the same accessories. On the other hand, in the Eurozone, the tablet is listed for €699, and if customers want the keyboard and stylus bundle, it will cost an additional €100. For more detailed information about the hardware, please refer to our original launch article and check the links below for store listings by region.

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  • Cubot Tab 70: Android Tablet with Dual-SIM and GNSS Features

    Cubot Tab 70: Android Tablet with Dual-SIM and GNSS Features

    Cubot has been quite active lately, expanding its lineup of smartphones and tablets, some of which we’ve already reviewed. Now, the company is set to launch a new tablet: The Tab 70 is not designed as a premium device, as it runs on Android 14 and is equipped with a simple Unisoc T616 SoC featuring two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. This processor is paired with 6 GB of RAM, which can be augmented using the 128 GB internal storage or a memory card. Users will need to decide between a dual-SIM configuration or extra storage since there isn’t a third slot for cards. Even though it lacks 5G support, the tablet does work with various LTE bands.

    Display and Build

    The Tab 70 sports a 10.95-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels. It has a slim profile, measuring just 8.1 mm (0.3 in) thick and weighing 555 g (19.6 oz). The tablet is powered by a substantial 8,200 mAh battery and includes a built-in GNSS module that supports GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou, making it suitable for navigation. For photography, there’s an 8 MP camera on the front and a 16 MP main camera along with a 2 MP macro lens on the rear.

    Pricing and Availability

    Cubot hasn’t shared specific details regarding the price or when the tablet will be available, but it’s expected to be reasonably priced. For more information, you can check out the official product page.

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  • Colorsoft Teardown: Scratches on Kindle Display Under Microscope

    Colorsoft Teardown: Scratches on Kindle Display Under Microscope

    The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is a new e-reader priced at $279 on Amazon. This device is designed to be waterproof and boasts a battery life of up to eight weeks. It features a 7-inch e-ink display that can show colors, a first for Kindle devices, which previously only displayed grayscale. Popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything recently reviewed this latest Kindle in an in-depth teardown video that you can watch below. In the video, he examines the subpixels, which come in red, green, and blue, using a microscope.

    Subpixel Structure

    The subpixels appear as squares rather than the typical strips found in LCD screens. The colored e-ink screen uses a color filter that assigns a specific hue to each subpixel. This innovation causes the pixel density to decrease from 300 PPI to 150 PPI when displaying colored images. The microscope revealed that the surface of the Kindle Colorsoft is rougher than that of an Apple iPad Pro, which has a nano-texture glass that minimizes reflections.

    Material and Durability Concerns

    Notably, the display surface is made of plastic instead of glass. This means it can get scratched when it comes into contact with something that rates a 3 on the Mohs hardness scale. Because of this, using a screen protector is advisable. Additionally, the overall body of the Kindle Colorsoft is plastic and doesn’t offer much resistance to scratches. On the plus side, the Kindle Colorsoft passed JerryRig’s bend test with good results. Inside, the device shows significant empty space, indicating that there could have been room for a larger battery, yet it still maintains the claimed eight-week battery life under regular use.

    Repairability and Conclusion

    The conclusion of the video is particularly intriguing as JerryRigEverything removes the color filter from the black and white e-ink panel, showing how the colors originate from the extra panel layer. Interestingly, some repairs seem to be straightforward due to the back being attached with clips, allowing easy access to replace the battery, for instance.

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  • Microsoft Surface Pro: New 2-in-1 with 3:2 Display and Intel Processors

    Microsoft Surface Pro: New 2-in-1 with 3:2 Display and Intel Processors

    Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Pro 11th Intel Edition at the AI Tour event today in New York City, instead of the anticipated Surface Pro 12 for Business. This new model marks the third Surface Pro launch in just one year, following the releases of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Pro 11 last spring.

    Processor Details

    As predicted, the latest Surface Pro is equipped with Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, available in Core Ultra 5 236V, Core Ultra 5 238V, Core Ultra 7 266V, and Core Ultra 7 268V versions. It’s worth mentioning that while all these processors use the same Lion Cove P and Skymont E CPU cores, Intel differentiates the ‘6V’ and ‘8V’ models with 16 GB and 32 GB of RAM, respectively. The Core Ultra 5 variants also include Intel’s Arc Graphics 130V integrated GPU, which is not as powerful as the Arc Graphics 140V found in the Core Ultra 7 versions.

    Features and Specifications

    In addition, the new Surface Pro carries over many features from the Surface Pro 11 (currently priced at $989.99 on Amazon), including an optional OLED display. However, this latest version comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, not the ARM version, and introduces an NFC chip for the first time. Microsoft claims that the battery life can last up to 14 hours, although the specific capacity details have not been disclosed yet.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Surface Pro 11th Edition Intel is available starting at $1,499.99 and will start shipping on February 18. Interestingly, today’s Surface Pro launch also aligns with a refresh of the Surface Laptop and a new USB 4 dock, which we have discussed in detail through their respective links.

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  • Honor Pad X9a Visits TDRA: New Tablet Launch Imminent

    Honor Pad X9a Visits TDRA: New Tablet Launch Imminent

    Honor could be in the process of developing a new budget-friendly tablet. The Honor Pad X9a has recently been observed on a certification site in the UAE, suggesting that a launch might be imminent. Here’s what we know so far.

    Honor Pad X9a Certified on TDRA

    Last month, the Honor Pad V9 was seen on the TDRA certification platform, and now the Honor Pad X9a has also made an appearance. It carries the model number ELN2-W29. According to the certification database, the Honor Pad X9a is a WiFi-only variant. Unfortunately, TDRA did not provide any additional information regarding its specifications, design, or when it might be officially released.

    Honor Pad X8a: A Look Back

    As the name implies, the Pad X9a seems to be the next iteration following the Honor Pad X8a, which was launched last year. We can anticipate some enhancements in the upcoming model. For context, the Honor Pad X8a features a tall 11-inch TFT LCD screen with Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 680 SoC, combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

    Battery and Camera Specs

    This tablet is driven by an impressive 8,300mAh battery, all contained within a sleek 7.25mm body that weighs 495 grams. For photography, it offers a 5MP camera on the back and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies. The Pad X8a also includes a quad-speaker system for a superior audio experience. In September 2024, the company launched a special edition of the tablet called the Honor Pad X8a Nadal Kids.