Chuwi"s new Windows 10 mini-tablet, the Hi8 Pro, went on sale today, but the Chinese manufacturer has another device lined up for launch running Microsoft"s new OS. Pre-orders of the Hi12 opened earlier this month, but it will begin shipping on January 28.
The Hi12 features a 12-inch touchscreen with 2160x1440px resolution - identical in size and resolution to Microsoft"s Surface Pro 3. However, it will cost a good deal less than that device, which isn"t too surprising, given that many of its specs aren"t quite as high-end as those of the Microsoft tablet:
- 12-inch IPS LCD with 2160x1440px resolution (216ppi pixel density)
- Quad-core Intel Atom (Cherry Trail) x5-Z8300 processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage (plus microSD card support up to 128GB)
- 5MP rear camera
- 2MP front-facing camera
- HDMI-out
- 1 x USB 2.0 + 1 x USB 3.0 port; both with Type-A connector
- 1 x microUSB port
- Bluetooth 4.0
- WiDi (wireless display) support
- 11000mAh battery
- 297 x 203 x 8.9mm; 852g
Chuwi says that you can expect up to eight hours of battery life from the tablet, which will be sold in both black/gray and white/gold color options. Notably, however, the Hi12 doesn"t include any USB Type-C ports, unlike the smaller Hi8 Pro.
A keyboard that attaches to the device via a magnetic connector will also be offered at some point, although it"s not yet clear exactly when that accessory will go on sale, or how much it will cost when it does.
Chuwi told Neowin today that its suggested retail price for the Hi12 tablet itself is $299 USD, but AliExpress.com is now selling it for $271.90, plus shipping (from less than $7 to the United States). GearBest also has the black/grey model listed at the even lower "presale price" of just $249.99 (including free shipping options), but that price could potentially increase once the pre-order period closes in the next few hours.