Huawei MatePad 10.4 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 is a sleek and powerful tablet that offers an immersive experience for users. With its stunning 10.4-inch display and slim bezels, the MatePad 10.4 provides a visually captivating experience for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games.

Under the hood, the MatePad 10.4 is powered by a Kirin 810 chipset, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. It also boasts a large battery capacity, allowing for hours of uninterrupted usage.

One of the standout features of the MatePad 10.4 is its M-Pencil compatibility, which enables users to unleash their creativity and take notes with precision. Additionally, the tablet comes with a variety of productivity and entertainment features, including Huawei's AppGallery, which provides access to a vast range of apps.

The MatePad 10.4 is available in different variants, offering users the choice to select the one that suits their needs and budget. With its impressive features and competitive pricing, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 is definitely worth considering for anyone in search of a powerful and versatile tablet.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 showcases a sleek and modern design that exudes a premium look and feel. With thin black screen bezels, this tablet offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Its metal frame, although not unibody, adds a touch of robustness to the device. The back panel, however, is made of plastic, which slightly compromises the overall build quality. Weighing in at 450g, the MatePad 10.4 is within the average weight range for tablets, ensuring portability without sacrificing sturdiness.

The tablet features a 10.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. While it may not boast an AMOLED panel, the screen offers good brightness levels and is fully laminated. The physical buttons and controls, including the power button and volume rocker, are conveniently placed on the sides of the device. A USB C 2.0 port is available for connectivity, allowing for the attachment of external accessories such as SSDs. However, it is worth noting that external monitors are not supported. Unfortunately, a headphone jack is absent, but users have the option to expand storage using a microSD card.

In terms of ergonomics, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 provides a comfortable grip, making it suitable for one-handed usability. The tablet's dimensions and form factor contribute to its overall portability. The finishing touches on the design, such as the placement of the front-facing camera in the center during landscape view, enhance the user experience. Overall, the MatePad 10.4 impresses with its sleek design and premium aesthetics, although the use of plastic for the back panel may be seen as a compromise on durability.

Display

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 features a 10.4-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 2,000 x 1,200 pixels. The display offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a wider viewing experience. The LCD technology used in the display ensures good color accuracy and vibrancy, making visuals appear lifelike. With a maximum brightness of 470 nits, the screen offers decent outdoor visibility, although it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight.

The touch responsiveness of the display is smooth and accurate, allowing for precise interaction with the tablet. While there is no specific mention of display protection, it is advisable to use a screen protector to prevent scratches and smudges.

The MatePad 10.4 does not mention the use of Gorilla Glass, which is a commonly used protective glass for smartphone displays. However, it is likely that the tablet incorporates some form of durable glass to protect the screen.

The pixel density of the display is not specified, but given the resolution and screen size, it should offer satisfactory sharpness and detail. The tablet does not mention a high refresh rate or HDR support, which are features found in more premium displays.

The MatePad 10.4 offers wide viewing angles, allowing for comfortable viewing from different positions. It is unclear whether the display has an anti-reflective coating, which could improve visibility in bright environments.

There is no mention of a notch design, indicating that the tablet has a traditional bezel design. The screen-to-body ratio is not specified, but it appears to have thin bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Additional features such as always-on display, blue light filter, and adaptive brightness are not mentioned, so it is unclear if these features are present. Screen calibration options are also not specified, but the display is likely calibrated to provide accurate colors out of the box.

Performance

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 boasts a strong performance thanks to its powerful chipset and GPU. Powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 810 octa-core processor, this tablet delivers impressive processing power for multitasking, app loading speeds, and smooth user experience. The CPU benchmarks and synthetic benchmarks showcase its efficient performance, while the GPU benchmarks highlight its graphics capabilities.

In terms of gaming performance, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 does not disappoint. With the Mali-G52 MP6 GPU, it provides excellent graphics scores and delivers a satisfying gaming experience. The tablet handles demanding games with ease, ensuring lag-free gameplay and immersive visuals. Gaming benchmarks further demonstrate its ability to handle resource-intensive games and maintain high frame rates.

The overall system optimization of the Huawei MatePad 10.4 contributes to its stellar performance. The tablet efficiently manages thermal management, preventing overheating during prolonged use. This ensures that the device maintains its high performance levels even during extended gaming sessions or resource-heavy tasks.

Benchmark tests confirm the impressive performance metrics of the Huawei MatePad 10.4, showcasing its processor efficiency and GPU efficiency. The tablet excels in both CPU and GPU benchmarks, surpassing expectations for a mid-range device. Whether it's running demanding applications or handling graphics-intensive tasks, the MatePad 10.4 delivers a smooth and lag-free performance.

In summary, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 offers exceptional performance with its powerful chipset, GPU, and system optimization. It excels in CPU and GPU benchmarks, delivering a smooth user experience and handling resource-intensive tasks effortlessly. Gamers will appreciate its gaming capabilities, as it provides high graphics scores and ensures a lag-free gaming experience. Overall, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 is a reliable and efficient tablet for those seeking a high-performance device.

Software and User Interface

The software of the Huawei MatePad 10.4 is powered by HarmonyOS 2, the latest operating system from Huawei. This tablet offers a user-friendly interface and a seamless experience for multitasking, entertainment, and productivity. HarmonyOS 2 brings a range of features and customization options to enhance the user experience.

One notable aspect of the software is the absence of Google Play Services, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. However, Huawei has integrated its own app store and offers a wide range of pre-installed applications to compensate for the lack of Google services. These built-in apps cover various categories, including productivity, entertainment, and gaming.

The software also supports multi-screen collaboration, allowing users to seamlessly switch between their Huawei MatePad and other Huawei devices. This feature enables users to share files, mirror screens, and even extend their desktop to the tablet. It provides a convenient and integrated experience for those who use multiple devices in their daily routines.

In terms of customization, users can personalize their MatePad experience by adjusting settings, choosing wallpapers, and organizing their apps. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and find what they need.

While some users may find the lack of Google Play Services disappointing, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 offers a robust software experience with its user-friendly interface, customization options, and a wide range of pre-installed apps.

Camera

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera that offers decent image quality for various photography scenarios. The camera has a wide aperture and a focal length that allows for capturing detailed shots with good sharpness. The sensor size of the camera ensures that it performs well in different lighting conditions, including both daylight and low-light situations. The device also features image stabilization, which helps in reducing camera shake and producing clearer images.

In terms of image quality, the MatePad 10.4 captures photos with natural colors and good dynamic range. It performs well in both indoor and outdoor photography, delivering satisfactory results in different environments. The camera's low-light performance is commendable, thanks to its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities. Additionally, the tablet offers a night mode feature that further enhances low-light photography by optimizing exposure and reducing noise.

The camera software of the MatePad 10.4 includes a range of features such as portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing users to explore different photography styles and capture stunning shots. The tablet also supports pro mode, which enables manual adjustments for advanced users who prefer to fine-tune their camera settings. AI scene recognition is another handy feature that automatically detects and optimizes settings based on the scene being captured.

When it comes to video recording, the MatePad 10.4 supports 4K video capture, ensuring high-resolution footage. The tablet also offers video stabilization, which minimizes shaky footage and delivers smoother videos. Slow-motion video and time-lapse modes are available, providing users with creative options for capturing unique moments. The device supports various video formats, offering flexibility in terms of compatibility with different platforms and devices.

Battery Life

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 comes with a decent battery that offers good battery life and capacity. It is equipped with a 7250mAh battery, which provides enough power for extended usage. The tablet also supports fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. It has a good screen-on time and standby time, ensuring that you can use the tablet for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery. The device also has power efficiency and optimization features to help conserve battery life and improve overall performance. While it does not support wireless charging options, the fast charging capability makes up for it. The battery performance and optimization on the MatePad 10.4 are reliable, offering a good balance between battery usage and efficiency. The tablet's battery drain is minimal, and the battery backup is sufficient for most users' needs. Overall, the battery capacity and performance of the Huawei MatePad 10.4 are commendable, providing a reliable and long-lasting battery experience.

Connectivity and Networking

The Huawei MatePad 10.4 offers a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless communication and internet access. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, which allows for fast and stable wireless internet connections. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.1 for effortless pairing with other compatible devices and enables wireless data transfer. The tablet also includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, providing a convenient and universal connection option.

In terms of network compatibility, the MatePad 10.4 supports LTE, allowing users to access high-speed mobile data connections. It also has dual SIM capabilities, which means users can use two different SIM cards simultaneously, offering flexibility and convenience for managing personal and work-related connections.

The tablet also features GPS, which enables accurate location tracking and navigation services. This is particularly useful when using mapping applications or navigating unfamiliar areas.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, LTE, dual SIM, and GPS. These features ensure users can stay connected, access high-speed internet, transfer data wirelessly, and navigate with ease.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Huawei MatePad 10.4 with other related gadgets in the market, several aspects come into play. Let's take a closer look at the side by side comparison and evaluate its position in the market.

In terms of design and build quality, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 features a thin, black bezel and a metal frame. However, it is worth noting that the back of the tablet is made of plastic, which may not provide the same high-end feel as some competitors. The tablet weighs around 450g, which is fairly standard for its category.

When it comes to cameras and speakers, the MatePad 10.4 stands out with its four speakers, two on each shorter side. This is a notable advantage considering that other popular tablets like Apple and Samsung typically require a higher price point to offer four speakers. The sound quality of the MatePad 10.4 is comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e, which is a more expensive mid-range tablet.

The display of the MatePad 10.4 is a 10.4-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. Although this is a bit unusual, it is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in terms of display specs. The screen is fully laminated and offers good brightness, but it should be noted that it lacks support for HD streaming on platforms like Netflix due to its Widevine level of L3.

In terms of hardware and performance, the MatePad 10.4 delivers fast internal hardware, ensuring smooth operation for most tasks. However, it is important to mention that the tablet does not come with pre-installed Google services, which may be a significant drawback for users who heavily rely on apps from the Google Play Store.

When considering the overall market positioning, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 competes with other tablets in its price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and the Apple iPad 10.2. Each of these tablets has its own unique features, specifications, and pricing strategies. The MatePad 10.4 offers a good value for money proposition, but the absence of Google services may hinder its appeal to some users.

In terms of competitive advantage, Huawei differentiates itself with its design, four-speaker setup, and overall performance. However, the lack of Google services may limit its market share and appeal, especially in regions where these services are widely used. It will be interesting

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 is a tablet that offers a compelling package with its premium design, four speakers, and fast internal hardware. The display, while not as vibrant as an AMOLED panel, still provides a good viewing experience with its high resolution and fully laminated screen. The inclusion of the Huawei M Pencil adds versatility to the tablet, although the availability of the charger can be confusing. However, the major drawback of the MatePad 10.4 is the absence of Google Play Store and Google Services, which limits its functionality and access to popular apps. Despite its impressive features, this flaw makes it difficult to recommend the MatePad 10.4 to potential buyers.