The Huawei MatePad 11.5″ offers a compelling package for budget-minded tablet users who prioritize productivity. Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
The MatePad 11.5″ boasts a sleek and slim design with a matte aluminum unibody that feels sturdy and comfortable to hold. While it lacks the variety in colors seen with some competitors, the gray finish exudes a professional air. Build quality is excellent, with minimal flex and a reassuringly solid construction.
Display
Huawei MatePad 11.5
Description
The Huawei MatePad 11.5" shines as a productivity tablet at a competitive price. It offers a beautiful display, solid performance, and long battery lifePositives
- Huge 7700 mAh battery capacity.
- Comes with 22.5W fast charging support.
- Stylus support is available.
- Four Stereo speakers .
- Amazing chipset performance.
- FHD display with 120Hz refresh rate.
Negatives
- No fingerprint reader or face unlock.
- No reverse or wireless charging support.
- No Sim connectivity.
- Comes with a low camera setup.
- No 4K video recording support.
The 11.5-inch LCD display offers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth, enhancing the overall responsiveness. While some users might miss the deeper blacks of OLED panels, the MatePad’s screen delivers excellent color accuracy and brightness for everyday tasks and indoor use. However, visibility under direct sunlight can be a challenge.
Performance
The MatePad 11.5″ is powered by the mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This combination delivers capable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. Don’t expect it to be a gaming powerhouse, but it handles most games decently at medium settings.
Software
Here’s where things get interesting. The MatePad runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 3.1, which offers a user-friendly interface reminiscent of Android. However, the biggest drawback is the lack of Google Play Store access by default. While there are workarounds to install essential apps, it can be a cumbersome process for some users. Huawei’s AppGallery offers a growing selection, but it might not have all the apps you’re accustomed to.
Cameras
The cameras on the MatePad are basic and suitable for casual video calls but not ideal for capturing high-quality photos or videos.
Battery Life
The MatePad 11.5″ boasts a long-lasting battery that can easily handle a full day of moderate use on a single charge.
Other Features
The tablet supports an optional M-Pencil stylus for note-taking and creative tasks, and a keyboard attachment can transform it into a more laptop-like productivity machine.
Verdict
The Huawei MatePad 11.5″ shines as a productivity tablet at a competitive price. It offers a beautiful display, solid performance, and long battery life. However, the lack of Google Play Store access by default can be a significant hurdle for some users. If you can work around that limitation or primarily rely on web apps, the MatePad 11.5″ presents a compelling value proposition. But if seamless access to the vast library of Google Play Store apps is essential, you might want to consider alternative tablets.