Huawei has recently unveiled its latest addition to the tablet market, the MatePad Pro, positioning it as a strong competitor to high-end devices like the iPad Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series. The new tablet showcases cutting-edge technology, most notably its dual-layer OLED display, reminiscent of the Tandem OLED technology in the iPad Pro.
This advanced screen technology enables the MatePad Pro to achieve an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits, significantly enhancing its visual performance.
The 12-inch display of the MatePad Pro boasts a 2.8K resolution and supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Huawei claims the screen covers the P3 color gamut, incorporates flicker reduction technology for eye protection, and offers 33% improved energy efficiency.
These features deliver a premium viewing experience while considering user comfort and device longevity.
Catering to creative professionals, the MatePad Pro comes equipped with the Tianshenghuihua app, which now includes an expanded selection of digital brushes. Additionally, an “AI portrait” mode has been introduced to assist novice users in creating artwork.
The tablet’s performance is driven by Huawei’s proprietary Kirin 9010W processor, with configuration options extending up to 16 GB of RAM and a generous 1 TB of internal storage in its top-tier models.
Powering the device is a substantial 10,000mAh battery, supported by 100W fast charging capability for quick power replenishment. In terms of imaging, the MatePad Pro features a 13MP primary camera sensor, complemented by an 8MP front-facing camera suitable for selfies and video conferencing.
With this combination of high-end specifications and creative tools, Huawei aims to establish the MatePad Pro as a versatile and powerful option in the premium tablet market.
MatePad Air was also announced.
Alongside its high-end MatePad Pro, Huawei has introduced the MatePad Air as a more budget-friendly alternative in its tablet lineup. Despite its “Air” moniker, the device weighs 555 grams, slightly heavier than its Pro counterpart, which comes in at 508 grams.
However, the MatePad Air boasts an impressively slim profile at 5.9 mm thick, edging out even the iPad Air’s 6.1 mm thickness.
The MatePad Air offers more modest hardware configurations, with options up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Its display utilizes IPS technology with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, a step down from the dual-layer OLED found in the Pro model.
Nevertheless, it retains several key features of its premium sibling, including a 12-inch screen with 2.8K resolution and P3 color gamut support. A notable variant, the Soft Light version, features an anti-glare screen designed to mimic the feel of writing on paper.
In terms of imaging capabilities, the MatePad Air maintains parity with the Pro model, sporting a 13 MP primary camera and an 8 MP front-facing camera. The device is powered by a robust 10,000 mAh battery, which supports a slightly lower 66W fast charging than the Pro’s 100W capability.
It’s worth noting that, like other recent Huawei devices, these new tablets do not run on the Android operating system. Instead, they feature Huawei’s proprietary Harmony OS 4.2 with its own app ecosystem. This distinction sets Huawei’s tablets apart, offering users a unique software experience distinct from the more common Android-based alternatives.
Prices and availability
The two tablets were presented in China, and there is no forecast for sales in other countries yet. The official prices for each model are listed below:
- Huawei MatePad Pro (12 + 256 GB): 4,299 yuan (about R$ 3,443 in direct conversion)
- Huawei MatePad Pro (16GB + 1TB): 8,299 yuan (~R$6,646)
- Huawei MatePad Air (8 + 256 GB): 2,999 yuan (~R$2,402)
- Huawei MatePad Air (12 + 256 GB): 3,299 yuan (~R$2,642)
- Huawei MatePad Air Soft Light (12 + 256 GB): 3,599 yuan (~R$2,882)
- Huawei MatePad Air Soft Light (12 +512 GB): 3,999 yuan (~R$3,202)
