Apple has dominated the high-end compact tablet space for years, but a new Android-powered device is stepping up to challenge the iPad mini on its own terms.
Announced alongside the Find X9 Ultra, the Oppo Pad Mini features an 8.8-inch 2.5K OLED display (2520 x 1680 pixels) with a 3:2 aspect ratio. This near-square format mirrors the iPad mini’s design, making it highly suitable for reading, note-taking, content consumption, and other productivity tasks.
OppoWhy the Oppo Pad Mini Deserves Comparison with the iPad mini
The device boasts incredibly slim bezels measuring just 2.99 mm, and the display reaches a peak brightness of 1,600 nits with a variable refresh rate ranging from 60 to 144 Hz. An optional matte finish version is available, offering a paper-like texture that the iPad mini does not provide.
While Apple equips its mini with an A17 Pro chip, the Oppo Pad Mini is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3nm) chipset combined with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, which I believe is a very competent setup.
For those curious, the Snapdragon processor delivers superior multi-core performance, while its single-core capabilities are on par with the A17 Pro. Furthermore, the type of memory and storage used should make the Oppo tablet feel noticeably more responsive and agile.
OppoHow Does It Compare in Portability and Battery Life?
Weighing in at just 279 grams and measuring 5.39mm in thickness, the Oppo Pad Mini is built for easy carrying, fitting comfortably into larger pockets and small bags. In comparison, the iPad mini weighs 293 grams and is 6.3mm thick.
The 8,000 mAh battery supports 67W fast charging, reaching a full charge in about an hour, a feature the iPad mini lacks. Pricing begins at CNY 3,199, approximately $470 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, climbing to around $590 for the version with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
While sales of this iPad mini alternative start on April 24, 2026, it will not be available in the United States, at least initially. To me, Oppo’s move into the premium small-screen tablet market indicates that Android manufacturers are taking this category very seriously.
Prakhar Khanna / TechgeeksCurrently, the Oppo Pad Mini is not a direct rival to the iPad mini, mainly due to its limited US availability. However, if and when it launches in that region, it could capture a significant portion of the iPad mini’s market share, offering Android users a premium experience in a compact size without a steep price tag.