Nokia and HTC both are reportedly evaluating plans to launch Windows RT-based tablets powered by ARM processors beginning in the third quarter of 2013. Nokia is expected to roll out a 10-inch model initially, while HTC is said to be interesting in the launch of 7- and 12-inch models, according to industry sources.

Although Apple's share in the tablet segment has slid a bit, it remains difficult for smartphone vendors to claw market share from Apple, especially since the Android-based tablet sector has entered a price war, and the penetration rates of Windows 8 and Windows RT devices are lower than expected.

HTC's previous attempts to enter the Android tablet market with the launch of its 7-inch HTC Flyer and 10-inch HTC Jetstream in 2011 were not successful due to uncompetitive prices and a lack of differentiation, the sources indicated.

Nokia originally planned to launch Windows RT-based tablets by the end of 2012 but canceled to focus on the Windows Phone 8 (WP8) market, the sources revealed.

It will be also difficult for smartphone vendors to compete effectively with PC brands such as Acer, Asustek Computer and Lenovo in the Android- and Windows 8/RT-based tablet market due to disadvantages in purchasing power from components, the sources commented.