In a significant development for the Indian tech industry, China-based smartphone giant OnePlus has partnered with BPL (British Physical Laboratories) to manufacture its upcoming premium tablets in India. The move is expected to boost local manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and give OnePlus an edge in the growing tablet market dominated by Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series.
OnePlus Expands Beyond Smartphones
OnePlus, best known for its flagship smartphones, has been aggressively diversifying its product portfolio in recent years. From smart TVs to wearables and audio products, the company has been making steady inroads into different consumer electronics categories.
With this latest partnership, OnePlus is now aiming to strengthen its presence in the premium tablet segment. The upcoming device is expected to combine high-end specifications, sleek design, and competitive pricing — a formula that OnePlus has used successfully with its smartphones.
Why BPL is a Strategic Partner
BPL, a well-established Indian electronics brand, brings decades of experience in manufacturing and a strong presence in the Indian market. By partnering with BPL, OnePlus is looking to leverage its local production facilities, expertise, and supply chain.
This collaboration will not only help OnePlus reduce costs but also align with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which encourages global companies to manufacture domestically. Industry experts believe this move will also give OnePlus better pricing flexibility compared to importing tablets from China.
Premium Tablet Market in India on the Rise
The Indian tablet market has seen a steady rise in demand over the last three years, driven by remote work, online education, and digital entertainment consumption. While Apple dominates the high-end category with its iPad lineup, Samsung and Lenovo cater to both mid-range and premium users.
By entering this space with a premium offering, OnePlus aims to tap into a growing consumer base that wants flagship-level features without paying Apple’s premium price tag. Analysts suggest that if OnePlus can deliver strong performance and seamless integration with its ecosystem, it could emerge as a serious challenger in the tablet market.
Expected Features of the OnePlus Premium Tablet
Although official details about the upcoming tablet remain under wraps, leaks and industry reports hint at:
Large high-resolution AMOLED display with slim bezels
Flagship-grade processor for smooth multitasking and gaming
Premium design with metal unibody finish
OxygenOS optimized for tablets with multitasking features
Fast charging and long-lasting battery
5G connectivity support for future-ready performance
If these features materialize, OnePlus could position its tablet as a true alternative to the iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, but at a more competitive price.
A Boost to Indian Manufacturing
The partnership between OnePlus and BPL also highlights the growing importance of India as a manufacturing hub for global tech brands. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi are already producing a significant portion of their devices in India, and OnePlus joining this trend further strengthens the country’s role in global electronics supply chains.
Moreover, this move could create new job opportunities and enhance local R&D capabilities, giving Indian consumers access to premium technology with faster availability and potentially lower prices.
What This Means for Consumers
For Indian buyers, this development is highly promising. A premium OnePlus tablet made in India could bring world-class features at a relatively affordable price point compared to imported alternatives. Additionally, after-sales support and servicing are likely to be faster and more reliable due to local manufacturing and collaboration with BPL.
Conclusion
OnePlus’s decision to partner with BPL for tablet manufacturing marks a major step in its India strategy. By combining OnePlus’s global brand power with BPL’s local expertise, the companies aim to disrupt the premium tablet market and offer Indian consumers a compelling alternative to Apple and Samsung.
With the official launch expected in the coming months, all eyes will be on OnePlus to see whether it can replicate its smartphone success in the tablet segment.