You know all those reports about how the iPad is the tablet to have, and how Android tablets are lagging pathetically behind?

Well, that’s because those reports are basically coming from developed countries like the United States and the like.

But when it comes to developing countries, particularly those in the ASEAN region, apparently Android tablets are doing mighty well. And we’re not talking Kindle tablets here.

GfK Asia, the Singapore-based market research arm of GfK Retail and Technology, has just released the results of its tablet survey of six emerging economies in the ASEAN region, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The result? Turns out that two out of every three tablets being sold in these countries are Android tablets, such that 70 percent of the tablet market is eaten up by Android devices. And the market is still consistently growing.

It’s no surprise that the primary driver of sales would be price as Android tablets of all sorts and breeds can be had for below 10,000 pesos. And I suspect that it’s the 7-inch tablets, likely from lesser-known brands, that are fueling this sales frenzy.

It’s actually consistent with what I’ve been seeing around town. More and more people are carrying 7-inch tablets to work, school and to coffee shops. Often it’s the higher end Samsung Galaxy Tabs, but for the college set even generic tablets are making headway.

Hey, if it spreads technology to the greater numbers, then I’m all for it.

You can read about the report on the GfK site.

Art

Art is a long-time editor for a number of technology publications. He is a Palanca-winning writer whose day job is to try to be as serious as possible while being a management consultant and lecturer. His favorite noodles: chapchae.

More Posts - Website