Apple has been long rumored to release a large tablet (a larger than the regular Apple iPad, which measures 9.7-inches in diagonal for its screen) with a display size around 12-inches or so, but, this year isn’t the year either for such a slate from the Cupertino-based company. Instead, Apple unveiled the iPad Air 2, a much thinner offering than its predecessor, and the iPad Mini with Retina Display’s successor, which is basically a very small update, only bringing the fingerprint scanner to the home button on the smaller iPad.

However, Android manufacturers are likely looking into larger tablet markets, and, Sony in particular takes the headline in this recent report. A 12-inch tablet branded by Sony is expected to land early next year; the report claims an announcement of such a product is possible in the first quarter of the year 2015. Luckily, the first quarter of 2015 is also a time when not one, but two major shows are taking place: the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (January 2015), and the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (March 2015), and our best bet is indeed MWC (in case Sony doesn’t hold a special press event).

The information comes from “Taiwan-based supply chain makers”, who also claim that other manufacturers are also likely to unveil larger tablets in the same period of time. Whether the 12-inch Sony tablet rumored will be part of the Xperia Tablet line-up, or another family of product, is yet unknown. It is also unknown whether said tablet will be powered by Android, or Windows. Same sources mention that the upcoming mega tablet will feature “high-end specifications and come with a stylus, targeting mainly markets that have demand for graphics-related applications”. This might be a good candidate for a powerful Windows-powered slate, but Android managed to already prove that it plays well with a stylus (thanks to Samsung and its Galaxy Note line-up).

How big is too big when it comes to tablets? What size do you think represents the sweet spot? Will a 12-inch tablet sacrifice portability for screen real-estate? Let us know of your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: DigiTimes