Huawei MatePad 11 (2023) 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 11 is a tablet that has been making waves in the market since its release on March 31, 2023. Boasting of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, 120Hz IPS LCD display, and a 13MP rear camera, this tablet has been touted by many as a worthy competitor to the likes of the iPad Pro. As a team of tech enthusiasts, we decided to take a closer look at the Huawei MatePad 11 to see if it truly lives up to its expectations.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei MatePad 11 boasts a sleek and modern appearance with its slim and lightweight design. Measuring at 253.7 x 165.3 x 7.2 mm and weighing only 480g, this tablet is easy to carry and hold for extended periods of time without causing hand fatigue. The device comes in four colors - black, blue, white and purple - which adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The tablet's body is made of high-quality materials, making it durable and sturdy. The back panel has a soft matte finish that provides a secure grip and prevents fingerprints and smudges. The front panel features a large 11.0 inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which offers vibrant and sharp colors, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth and fluid animations.

The Huawei MatePad 11 also supports stylus input, which is a great addition for users who prefer taking notes or drawing. The stylus attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, and the tablet provides a convenient slot for users to store the stylus when not in use.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 11's design and build quality are impressive and well thought out. Its sleek and modern appearance, lightweight design, and durable materials make it a pleasure to use and hold. The stylus support is also a nice touch, providing additional functionality for users who need it.

Display

The Huawei MatePad 11 boasts a large 11.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. This gives the tablet an impressive pixel density of around 275 pixels per inch, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 83.1% is also worth noting, as it allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the display on the Huawei MatePad 11 does not disappoint. Colors are vivid and punchy, with excellent contrast levels that make images and videos pop. The viewing angles are also quite good, with no noticeable distortion or color shift when viewed from different angles.

One standout feature of the Huawei MatePad 11's display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This means that the screen refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in ultra-smooth scrolling and animations. This feature is particularly useful for gamers or anyone who wants a more fluid and responsive user experience.

In terms of outdoor visibility, the display on the Huawei MatePad 11 is bright enough to be used in most lighting conditions. However, direct sunlight may cause some visibility issues, as the screen does not get quite bright enough to combat harsh glare.

Finally, the touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are excellent. The screen registers inputs quickly and accurately, making it easy to navigate through menus and apps. Overall, the display on the Huawei MatePad 11 is one of its strongest features and is sure to impress even the most discerning users.

Performance

The Huawei MatePad 11 is powered by a Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) chipset, which is an upgrade from its predecessor's Snapdragon 865 5G chipset. It features an octa-core processor, with 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585, which provides a smooth and responsive experience for users.

The device comes in three variants with different storage and RAM options: 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, and 256GB 8GB RAM. The higher RAM options are particularly useful for multitasking and running demanding apps with ease.

In terms of gaming, the Adreno 650 GPU allows for smooth and seamless gameplay, even for high-end games. The device also has impressive benchmark scores, surpassing some of its competitors in the tablet market.

Real-world usage confirms that the MatePad 11 is a fast and reliable device, with no noticeable lag or slowdown when switching between apps or performing tasks. The tablet also has a dedicated microSDXC card slot, which allows for expandable storage up to 1TB, giving users plenty of space for their files and media.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 11's performance is impressive, providing a smooth and responsive experience for users, whether they are multitasking, gaming, or performing other demanding tasks.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei MatePad 11 runs on the latest HarmonyOS 3.1, which offers a seamless and intuitive user experience. The operating system is highly customizable, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both novice and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the MatePad 11 is its ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, thanks to its Multi-Window feature. This allows users to multitask seamlessly, making the device ideal for productivity and entertainment purposes alike. Moreover, the device comes with pre-installed apps that are useful for day-to-day tasks, such as a file manager, calendar, and notepad.

The device also comes equipped with a range of customization options, including themes, wallpapers, and font styles. Additionally, the device supports Huawei's proprietary AppGallery, which offers a wide range of apps and games for users to choose from. The AppGallery is constantly updated, ensuring that users have access to the latest apps and games.

While the device does come with some pre-installed apps, these can be uninstalled or disabled if desired. This helps to reduce clutter on the device and ensures that users have more storage space for their own apps and content.

In terms of updates and software support, Huawei has committed to providing regular updates for the MatePad 11. This ensures that users will have access to the latest features and security updates, keeping their device secure and up-to-date.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Huawei MatePad 11 are highly impressive, offering a seamless and intuitive experience for users. With its customizable features, powerful multitasking capabilities, and robust app ecosystem, the MatePad 11 is a strong contender in the tablet market.

Camera

The Huawei MatePad 11 boasts an impressive 13 MP rear camera with a wide f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and LED flash. The camera performs well in various lighting conditions, producing sharp and detailed images with accurate colors. Even in low-light situations, the camera manages to capture bright and clear shots, thanks to its advanced image processing algorithms.

The camera also offers a range of features, such as HDR and panorama modes, allowing users to take stunning landscape shots with ease. The zoom capabilities and image stabilization are also noteworthy, as they enable users to capture distant subjects without losing clarity or focus.

The video recording quality is equally impressive, with the camera capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at 30fps. The footage is smooth and stable, thanks to the camera's built-in stabilization technology.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. It performs well in various lighting conditions, producing clear and detailed selfies with accurate colors. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it ideal for video calls and vlogging.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 11's camera is a standout feature, offering exceptional image and video quality, a range of features, and advanced zoom and stabilization capabilities. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, this tablet's camera is sure to impress.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Huawei MatePad 11 comes with a variety of connectivity and networking options that cater to different use cases. The tablet does not support cellular connectivity, so users will need to connect to Wi-Fi or use a mobile hotspot to access the internet on-the-go.

In terms of Wi-Fi capabilities, the MatePad 11 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which provides faster and more stable connections compared to previous versions. The tablet also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing users to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

For local file transfer and device charging, the MatePad 11 features a USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support. The tablet does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, so users will need to use a USB-C to headphone adapter or connect to a Bluetooth-enabled audio device.

The MatePad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE, enabling users to connect to wireless headphones, speakers, and other devices. Unfortunately, the tablet does not support NFC for mobile payments or other close-range communication.

The tablet also lacks GPS and cellular network compatibility, so users will need to rely on external GPS devices or Wi-Fi positioning services for location-based applications.

Overall, the MatePad 11's connectivity and networking options are comprehensive, with support for the latest Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth 5.1. However, the lack of cellular connectivity and NFC may be a drawback for some users.

Additional Features

The Huawei MatePad 11 is packed with a number of impressive additional features that add to the overall user experience. One of the standout features is the tablet's water and dust resistance, which ensures durability and longevity for those who take their device on the go.

Another notable feature is the tablet's expandable storage options, with support for microSDXC cards up to 1TB. This means users can store an abundance of photos, videos, and documents without worrying about running out of space.

The audio quality on the MatePad 11 is also top-notch, with the tablet being tuned by Harman Kardon. The four stereo speakers deliver a clear and immersive sound experience, making it perfect for watching movies or listening to music.

The tablet also features a USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support, which allows for the connection of external devices such as keyboards, mice, and storage drives. This adds to the versatility of the device and makes it easier to get work done on the go.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 11 impresses with its additional features. From water and dust resistance to expandable storage options and top-notch audio quality, this tablet is designed to cater to the needs of the modern user.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When it comes to comparing the Huawei MatePad 11 with other related phones, there are a few devices that come to mind. One of the main competitors of the MatePad 11 is the Apple iPad Air (2022). Both devices offer similar screen sizes and resolutions, and both run on powerful processors that can handle demanding tasks with ease. However, the MatePad 11 has a higher refresh rate, which makes for smoother scrolling and better gaming performance.

Another device that could be compared to the MatePad 11 is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Like the MatePad 11, the Tab S7 FE has a large screen and a fast processor, but it also comes with a stylus for taking notes and drawing. However, the MatePad 11 has a higher resolution display and better color accuracy, which makes it a better choice for media consumption.

Finally, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is another device that could be compared to the MatePad 11. Both devices have similar specs, but the P12 Pro has a larger battery and better speakers. However, the MatePad 11 has a higher refresh rate display and a more user-friendly interface thanks to HarmonyOS 3.1.

Overall, the Huawei MatePad 11 is a strong contender in the tablet market, offering powerful performance and a high-quality display that makes it stand out from the competition.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei MatePad 11 is an impressive tablet that boasts a range of features and specifications that make it a desirable choice for many users. Its sleek design and build quality, combined with its powerful processor, ample storage options, and beautiful display, make it a great device for both work and play. However, its lack of cellular connectivity and limited sensor availability may be a drawback for some users.

The HarmonyOS 3.1 operating system and user-friendly interface make for a smooth and enjoyable user experience, while the camera and audio performance are both solid. The battery life is also commendable, with fast charging options available.

In comparison to other tablets in its price range, the Huawei MatePad 11 holds its own and offers some unique features, such as its soft light technology. Its pricing at around 300 EUR also makes it a more affordable option compared to some of its competitors.

Overall, we highly recommend the Huawei MatePad 11 for those in search of a powerful, yet affordable tablet that delivers on both performance and design. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, the Huawei MatePad 11 is definitely worth considering.