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| A close-up of Xiaomi's next Black Shark gaming tablet with its battery information too. |
Xiaomi’s gaming-focused sub-brand, Black Shark, appears to be preparing a significant hardware refresh. Following the recent launch of the GS3 Ultra smartwatch, our sources now point to an upcoming gaming tablet that could reshape expectations for portable play. Interestingly, this device seems to be a strategic rebrand of an existing Xiaomi tablet—but with notable adjustments tailored for gamers.
From MediaTek to Snapdragon: A Performance Leap
Black Shark already offers the Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro in its lineup, but these models are built around MediaTek’s Helio chipsets, which are capable but not class-leading for high-intensity gaming. The new, currently unnamed tablet is set to change that narrative entirely.
According to exclusive information obtained by XiaomiTime, the device will harness the power of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. This is the same chip that drives the flagship-tier Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, which currently retails for around $529 on Amazon. Early benchmark comparisons suggest this move will grant Black Shark’s next tablet a staggering ~1.42x performance uplift over the current Black Shark Pad 7 Pro. For gamers, this translates to smoother frame rates, faster load times, and superior handling of demanding titles.
More Than Just a Rebrand: Key Specifications Revealed
While the foundation is similar to the Pad 7 Pro, Black Shark’s version is not a simple copy-paste job. It will reportedly come equipped with a robust 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring ample resources for multitasking and game libraries.
However, one puzzling change involves the battery system. Our leak indicates a smaller rated capacity of 7,300 mAh (with a typical capacity likely around 7,500 mAh at launch). More surprisingly, wired charging speed is expected to drop significantly from 45W to just 20W. This is a curious trade-off for a gaming device, where users often prioritize either all-day endurance or quick top-ups between sessions.
For an in-depth look at the exclusive live images and further leaked details about this Qualcomm-powered Black Shark tablet, visit the full report on XiaomiTime: Exclusive: Black Shark’s First Tablet with a Qualcomm SoC is Coming.
Market Positioning and Availability
This strategic rebrand allows Black Shark to quickly deploy a high-performance tablet by leveraging Xiaomi’s existing R&D and supply chain for the Pad 7 Pro. By aligning with a proven flagship design but adjusting key specs, Black Shark can target the core gaming audience more directly without starting from scratch.
The move also creates a clearer performance hierarchy within Black Shark’s own ecosystem, distancing this new Snapdragon model from its more modest Helio-powered siblings.
For those interested in the current model that inspired this device, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro is available on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
While launch timing and official naming remain under wraps, the leaked details paint a picture of a potent gaming tablet ready to compete in the high-performance segment. The shift to a flagship Snapdragon chipset is a major win for potential buyers, though the reduced battery charging speed raises questions about the overall user experience.
Gamers seeking a powerful Android tablet should keep a close eye on Black Shark’s upcoming announcements. If priced competitively, this device could become a compelling alternative in a market eager for more dedicated gaming slates.
Stay tuned to XiaomiTime for the latest updates, official launch details, and hands-on reviews as this story develops.
