Compact Android tablets often force you to choose between serious performance and something that does not require its own backpack. OPPO decided that was an unnecessary compromise and launched the OPPO Pad Mini in China on April 21, 2026. Then again, that was before Apple made people realize that a phone can unfold into a small tablet.
I know. Huawei was the first to do that. And both Samsung and Xiaomi also make phones that unfold into a proper tablet aspect ratio. But as always, it takes an Apple product to cause the real ripple. It is just how it is. Anyhoo, moving on…
Oppo’s little slab packs an 8.8-inch 2.5K OLED display with a resolution of 2,520 x 1,680 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate spanning 60 to 144 Hz, 10-bit color, and DCI-P3 coverage. Peak outdoor brightness is rated at around 1,600 nits, so the “Mini” part clearly applies only to its physical size.
Under the hood is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, accompanied by Adreno 829 graphics, up to 12 GB of memory, and as much as 512 GB of UFS 4.1 storage. That is a rather unreasonable amount of muscle for something measuring just 194.38 x 132.38 x 5.39 mm (7.65 x 5.21 x 0.21 in) and weighing around 279 g (9.84 oz).
There is also a Soft Light Edition for readers, note-takers, or anyone who prefers fewer reflections. That version is marginally thicker and heavier at 5.46 mm (0.22 in) and 282 g (9.95 oz). Your arms should survive the additional three grams.
Despite its skinny frame, the Pad Mini squeezes in an 8,000 mAh battery rated for around 19.5 hours of video playback. Its 67 W wired charging can refill the battery in approximately 74 minutes, saving you from the overnight charging ritual. Camera duties fall to a 13 MP unit at the rear and an 8 MP camera up front.
ColorOS 16 supplies PC-class WPS Office and CapCut, Panoramic Free Window multitasking, file management, keyboard and mouse sharing, AI note-taking, translation, and recording summaries. Compatible OPPO phones can also share their 5G connection and synchronize calls and text messages with the tablet.
The OPPO Pad Mini launched in China with prices starting at 3,699 yuan [CH] (about US$550) for the 8 GB and 256 GB model. OPPO also offers 12 GB configurations and the Soft Light Edition. It remains listed on OPPO’s Chinese website, but official availability beyond China remains unclear. The iPad mini and Legion Y700 therefore do not have to panic everywhere just yet.
Images: Oppo [CH].
