As large-size smartphones are becoming increasingly popular in the market, shipments of tablets, particularly smaller-size units, are expected to be affected, according to market observers.

　　As smartphone sizes are increasingly similar to small-size tablets and as tablets are finding it hard to make breakthroughs in functions and technology that smartphones otherwise do not possess, the tablet market is beginning to show signs of maturity.

　　Tablet vendors have attempted to add calling functions to their lower-size units but as handset vendors release 5- to 7-inch products it is increasingly difficult to draw the line between tablets and smartphones, which appears to be giving smartphones an advantage.

　　Additionally, telecom providers in places such as China are providing subsidies for large-size smartphones while neglecting similar offers for tablets.

　　Tablet vendors find advantages in the 9-inch and above segment due to size differentiation, but may find it hard in the future as notebook vendors continue to release detachable notebooks with touch functions at prices similar to tablets.

　　Touch panel supply chain sources meanwhile revealed they expect most orders to come from smartphones in the future.