Huawei’s tablet has an excellent display and it’s great for note-taking and illustration — but a lack of Google apps makes it a tough sell
Best Prices Today: Huawei 11.5in MatePad PaperMatte
The Huawei MatePad returns for 2025, aiming to be the go-to option for students and professionals alike as September rolls around. It can handle note-taking, essay-writing, and late-night streaming without breaking a sweat.
On paper, it’s pitched squarely against the entry-level Apple iPad and mid-range Android rivals such as the Xiaomi Pad 7. And in many ways, it holds its own. The matt, paper-like display is a pleasure to use, the M-Pencil stylus glides naturally across the surface, and battery life is more than enough for a full day’s work. Cameras are decent for video calls, and the build quality feels reassuringly premium.
But once again, Huawei’s software ecosystem remains the sticking point. The absence of Google services and gaps in app availability create a barrier for anyone who isn’t willing to tinker with third-party workarounds, and ultimately makes this tablet a tough sell for potential users in Europe.Design & Build
No headphone jack
Two-part smart keyboard
No trackpad
Huawei has slimmed the MatePad down to just 6.1mm, while adding a touch of weight – now 515g versus last year’s 499g. The extra heft means that it feels more premium in hand, and the matt finish, available in Violet or Space Gray, resists fingerprints without feeling cheap. It also means the tablet has reduced glare when used in the sun, while the clean lines keep it looking sharp, whether on a desk or coffee table.
Port selection is minimal but functional: USB-C for charging and data (though the included USB-C to USB-A cable feels outdated), plus the usual power and volume controls. Unfortunately, there’s no headphone jack.
Biometrics are handled by fast face unlock only – there’s no fingerprint scanner unless you step up to the MatePad Pro. It works reliably in good light but can be less dependable in dim conditions.
The included Smart Keyboard case come in two parts: a magnetic kickstand cover, and a detachable keyboard (with no trackpad). It’s comfortable for long typing sessions, though the fixed viewing angle and occasional software hiccups – such as the on-screen keyboard refusing to appear when the physical keyboard is disconnected – are frustrating.
Stylus storage is also less elegant than on the Pro model, with only a magnetic clip that leaves the M-Pencil exposed and easy to lose.Screen & Speakers
Excellent resolution and colour balance
120Hz refresh rate
Impressive audio
The 11.5-inch LCD panel has seen a subtle but welcome bump in resolution to 2456×1600, up from 2200×1440 last year. Text looks crisp, images have finer detail, and the adaptive refresh rate still peaks at 120Hz, keeping scrolling smooth.
The Huawei’s high resolution and colour balance is noticeably better than other Android tablets. Watching a nature documentary, the MatePad captures the texture of an ibex’s fur with nuance, while other Chinese manufacturers sometimes err on unnaturally brightening the palette in an attempt to make their displays seem more impressive. The MatePad avoids this pitfall, controlling the whites for a more realistic picture.
At the other end of the spectrum, the MatePad captures the rain-soaked leather of the caped crusader’s costume in The Batman (2022) with an inky depth that is difficult for competitors to match.
