Huawei MatePad 11.5 Review: iPad Rival That’s Missing a Trick
Huawei has released its latest tablet, the MatePad 11.5, targeting students and professionals as the back-to-school season approaches. This tablet promises to handle note-taking, essay-writing, and entertainment with ease. Competing against the entry-level Apple iPad and mid-range Android tablets like the Xiaomi Pad 7, the MatePad 11.5 has a lot to offer.
Design & Build:
The MatePad 11.5 boasts a slim profile at just 6.1mm thick, with a weight of 515g for a premium feel. The matt finish in Violet or Space Gray resists fingerprints and reduces glare when used outdoors. The port selection includes USB-C for charging and data, although there’s no headphone jack. Biometric security is handled by fast face unlock, but there’s no fingerprint scanner. The Smart Keyboard case is comfortable for typing, but occasional software glitches can be frustrating.
Screen & Speakers:
The 11.5-inch LCD panel now features a resolution of 2456×1600, offering crisp text and detailed images. The adaptive refresh rate peaks at 120Hz for smooth scrolling. The display’s color balance is superior to other Android tablets, providing a realistic picture quality. The quad-speaker setup delivers loud and clear audio, filling a room without distortion.
Specs & Performance:
The MatePad 11.5 comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The octo-core Kirin 8020 chipset ensures responsive performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
Cameras:
While cameras are not a tablet’s main feature, the MatePad’s 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera deliver decent performance for video calls and casual photography. The rear camera captures details well, while the front camera is clean and clear.
Battery Life & Charging:
The MatePad 11.5 boasts a substantial 10,100mAh battery, providing a full day of use. With a compatible 40W charger, fast-charging capabilities are available, although the included power brick may not deliver the fastest charging speeds.
Software & Apps:
Running on HarmonyOS, the MatePad lacks Google services, making essential apps like Gmail and YouTube unavailable. Third-party workarounds are necessary to access popular Android apps. HarmonyOS itself runs smoothly, with additional features like the GoPaint app for digital artists and the Notes app for students.
Price & Availability:
Priced at £349 without the keyboard and £399 with one, the MatePad 11.5 is competitively priced. However, the lack of Google apps may be a deal-breaker for some users.
In conclusion, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 offers impressive hardware with a sharp display, strong battery life, and responsive performance. However, its software limitations, including the absence of Google services, may deter mainstream users. Until Huawei addresses these issues, the MatePad 11.5 remains a device better suited for tech-savvy users willing to navigate its software challenges.
