Speculated to launch next month, the iPad Mini 4 could be looking at a rival in the new Microsoft Surface tablet -- not the long-rumored Surface Pro 4, but a variation of the Surface Pro 3, recent reports suggested.

The Digital Journal wrote, "Microsoft is reporting to be building a new variant of its popular Surface Pro 3 tablet that will be a lower-end replacement to the Windows RT Surface 2 of September 2013."

"The new tablet will run full Windows though and is designed to fill a range gap," the outlet added.

According to the Inquisitr, many people are convinced that this device is the Surface Mini, once touted to release alongside the Surface Pro 3.

As reported, the new Surface is pegged to run a full version of Windows, including an Intel Atom or Core M processor that provides enough power. Interestingly, the Digital Journal is convinced that the hardware will ship fanless.

As the device appears to be a lower-end replacement, it may not find competition in the highly-anticipated iPad Pro (aka iPad Air Plus). Instead, the Inquisitr said it's rivaling the iPad Mini 4. The new Apple tablet is expected to hit the market the earliest in September.

The iPad Mini 4 is assumed to draw much of its design inspiration from the 6.1 mm-thick iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 3, yet another rumored iDevice, is believed to come with a thinner profile.

In terms of specs, the new iPad Mini is rumored to pack an A8 or A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 802.11 ac Wi-Fi support. That being said, the device looks to address fast browsing on top of other features. However, as these specs are unofficial, they're best taken with right amounts of salt.

In terms of price, Gotta Be Mobile predicted that the iPad Mini 4 starts at $399, citing the possibility of the iPad Mini 3 dropping to $299 and the iPad Mini 2 to $249.

Unveiled in October 2014, the iPad Mini 3 is said to be a flop for not upgrading anything else beside the inclusion of Touch ID and a gold color option.

Expected to ship with Windows 8.1, the new Surface device is believed to take off its wraps next month, The Verge reported. It is said to make an appearance at Microsoft's Build conference.

Reportedly, the device may be upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft's much-awaited operating system. The software appears to unite all things Microsoft, from Lumia smartphones to Xbox systems. The Lumia 1030, for instance, may become the company's first flagship running the system.

What do you think about Apple and Microsoft competing at lower-end tablets? Would you pick an iPad Mini 4 or a Surface Mini? Sound off in the comments section.