Huawei MatePad 11.5 Review: A Solid Contender with a Software Shortcoming
At a Glance
Expert’s Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
#### Pros
– Premium, lightweight build
– Excellent matt display
– Long battery life
– Smooth stylus support
#### Cons
– No Google services
– Limited app availability
– Occasional keyboard glitches
– No fingerprint scanner
Our Verdict
Huawei’s latest MatePad impresses with a sharp display, responsive stylus, and robust battery life, but its restricted app ecosystem makes it a challenge for users not fully onboard with HarmonyOS.
Design & Build
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 strikes a balance between sleek design and sturdy build quality. Despite its slim profile, the device feels premium in hand, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The absence of a headphone jack is notable, although the tablet’s overall port selection remains functional.
Screen & Speakers
The 11.5-inch LCD panel boasts an impressive resolution and color balance, offering a viewing experience superior to many Android tablets. Coupled with a 120Hz refresh rate, the display excels in delivering crisp visuals. Audio quality from the quad-speaker setup is loud and clear, enhancing multimedia consumption.
Specs & Performance
With 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, the MatePad performs well across various tasks. While Huawei hasn’t officially disclosed the chipset, reports suggest a capable configuration that handles everyday usage and multitasking effectively.
Cameras
Although not a primary focus, the MatePad’s 13MP rear camera delivers decent performance, capturing details with reasonable accuracy. The front-facing 8MP camera is suitable for video calls, providing clear visuals.
Battery Life & Charging
A significant improvement in battery capacity sets the MatePad apart, offering a substantial 10,100mAh for prolonged usage. Fast-charging capabilities further enhance convenience, although users might need to invest in compatible accessories for optimal charging speeds.
Software & Apps
The Achilles’ heel of the MatePad lies in its software ecosystem. HarmonyOS, while functional, lacks Google services, posing challenges for users reliant on popular apps. Workarounds exist, but they require technical know-how and can be cumbersome, limiting the tablet’s appeal in Western markets.
Price & Availability
Priced competitively, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 is available directly from Huawei and Amazon, catering to users willing to navigate its software limitations. However, for mainstream consumers, the compromises in app availability may deter widespread adoption.
Should You Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5?
While the MatePad excels in hardware design and performance, its software constraints hinder a seamless user experience. Unless Huawei addresses the software gap or enhances its ecosystem’s appeal, the MatePad remains better suited for tech-savvy users willing to overlook its limitations.
Specs
– Operating System: HarmonyOS 4.3
– Display: 11.5-inch, 1600 x 2456, 120Hz TFT LCD
– Processor: Kirin 8020
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 128GB or 256GB
– Cameras: 13MP rear, 8MP front
– Battery: 10,100mAh
– Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
– Charging: 40W wired, 5W reverse wired
– Dimensions: 262.6 × 177.5 × 6.1mm
– Weight: 515g
– Colors: Violet, Space Gray
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 offers a compelling blend of design, performance, and battery life, marred only by its software limitations. As Huawei continues to refine its ecosystem, future iterations of the MatePad could potentially bridge this gap and appeal to a broader audience.