The Huawei MatePad series (2020) offers powerful features at competitive prices, catering to a wide range of users. These slightly outdated devices still deliver excellent performance for productivity, entertainment, and creative tasks. In this post, we’ll explore the key highlights, accessory support, and compare these devices with their competitors, while also helping you decide who is right for these devices.
Summary of Detailed Specifications
Table 1: Huawei MatePad Wi-Fi Models (2020)
| Model | Huawei MatePad 10.4 (2020) Wi-Fi | Huawei MatePad 10.8 (2020) Wi-Fi | Huawei MatePad 10.8 (2020) 5G | Huawei MatePad 5G (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $279.99 | $499.99 | $849.99 | $699.99 |
| Release Date | April 23, 2020 | July 30, 2020 | July 29, 2020 | September 15, 2020 |
| Operating System | HarmonyOS 2 | HarmonyOS 2 | HarmonyOS 2 | HarmonyOS 2 |
| Chipset | Kirin 810 | Kirin 990 | Kirin 990 5G | Kirin 820 5G |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.27 GHz & 6×1.88 GHz) | Octa-core (2×2.86 GHz & 2×2.36 GHz) | Octa-core (2×2.86 GHz & 2×2.36 GHz) | Octa-core (1×2.36 GHz & 3×2.22 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Mali-G76 MP16 | Mali-G76 MP16 | Mali-G57 MP6 |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 64GB | 256GB | 128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB |
| Display Size | 10.4 inches | 10.8 inches | 10.8 inches | 10.4 inches |
| Resolution | 2000×1200 | 2560×1600 | 2560×1600 | 2000×1200 |
| Main Camera | 8 MP wide | 13 MP wide | 13 MP wide | 8 MP wide |
| Battery Capacity | 7250 mAh | 7250 mAh | 7250 mAh | 7250 mAh |
| Weight | 450g | 500g | 485g | 485g |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 154.9 x 7.4 mm | 246 x 159 x 7.2 mm | 257 x 175.9 x 7.2 mm | 246 x 159 x 7.2 mm |
| Colors Available | Gray | Gray | Gray | Gray |
Key Highlights of the Huawei MatePad Series (2020)
- Powerful Kirin Processors:
- The MatePad series is equipped with Kirin chipsets, from the Kirin 810 in the MatePad 10.4 to the high-performance Kirin 990 5G in the MatePad 10.8 5G. These processors ensure smooth performance in tasks ranging from multitasking and media consumption to gaming and content creation.
- Large High-Resolution Displays:
- With display sizes ranging from 10.4 inches to 10.8 inches and resolutions up to 2560×1600, the MatePad series offers sharp visuals for watching videos, reading, or drawing. The IPS LCD panels deliver vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Long Battery Life with Fast Charging:
- All MatePad models feature a 7250mAh battery, providing long-lasting power to keep you productive throughout the day. Additionally, they support fast charging (up to 40W in certain models), minimizing downtime and keeping you going when you need it most.
- 5G Connectivity:
- Select models, such as the Huawei MatePad 10.8 5G and MatePad 5G, support 5G connectivity, enabling users to take advantage of ultra-fast internet speeds for streaming, remote work, and gaming, especially useful for users who need reliable connectivity on the go.
- Huawei M-Pencil and Keyboard Support:
- The MatePad series is compatible with the Huawei M-Pencil, perfect for creative users who want to draw, design, or take notes. The tablets also support keyboard covers, transforming them into productivity powerhouses for professionals and students alike.
- Multi-Window and Kids Mode:
- With Multi-Window functionality, the MatePad series makes multitasking seamless, allowing users to open multiple apps simultaneously. The Kids Mode offers parental controls and safe browsing for younger users, making these tablets family-friendly.
Supported Accessories
- Huawei M-Pencil:
- The Huawei M-Pencil offers a responsive and precise drawing experience, ideal for artists, designers, and students. It attaches magnetically to the MatePad for convenient storage and wireless charging.
- Keyboard Cover:
- The Keyboard Cover transforms the MatePad into a productivity machine, making it easier to type out documents, emails, and notes. The POGO pin connector allows for easy attachment without the need for Bluetooth pairing or separate charging.
- Multi-Screen Collaboration:
- The Multi-Screen Collaboration feature allows you to link your Huawei smartphone with your MatePad, enabling seamless sharing of files, texts, and images. This feature is especially useful for those using multiple Huawei devices.
- USB-C Connectivity:
- The USB-C 3.1 port supports fast data transfer, charging, and connection to external devices like displays or external storage, making the MatePad series a versatile option for professionals.
Comparison with Competitors
Apple iPad Air 4 (2020):
- Performance: The iPad Air 4 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster than the Kirin 810 and even the Kirin 990. It offers better performance for heavy multitasking and creative applications.
- Display: Both devices offer high-resolution displays, but the True Tone display on the iPad Air provides better color accuracy, making it superior for professional creatives.
- Accessories: The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Magic Keyboard, but these come at a higher cost compared to Huawei’s more affordable accessories.
- Price: The iPad Air is generally more expensive than the MatePad series, offering premium performance but at a higher price point.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 (2019):
- Performance: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 uses the Snapdragon 855 processor, which is comparable to the Kirin 990 in performance. Both tablets handle productivity and entertainment tasks well.
- Display: The Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy Tab S6 offers better contrast and deeper blacks compared to the IPS LCD of the MatePad series, giving Samsung the edge in display quality.
- Accessories: Like the MatePad, the Galaxy Tab S6 supports a stylus (S-Pen) and keyboard, but Samsung’s S-Pen is included, whereas Huawei’s M-Pencil is sold separately.
- Price: The Galaxy Tab S6 is similarly priced to the higher-end MatePad models, but offers a better display and includes the stylus.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2020):
- Performance: The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro features the Snapdragon 730G chipset, which is slightly less powerful than the Kirin 990 but sufficient for media consumption and casual productivity tasks.
- Display: The OLED display on the Tab P11 Pro delivers better color contrast than the MatePad’s IPS LCD screens.
- Accessories: Like Huawei, Lenovo offers a keyboard and stylus support, but the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is generally more budget-friendly.
- Price: The Tab P11 Pro is a cheaper alternative, but lacks the 5G support and higher performance of the MatePad 10.8 5G model.
Who is Right for the Huawei MatePad Series?
- Creative Professionals:
- The Huawei M-Pencil support and high-resolution displays make the MatePad series perfect for artists, designers, and creative users who need a tablet for sketching, drawing, or taking notes.
- Students and Office Workers:
- With keyboard cover support and Multi-Window functionality, the MatePad series is a great choice for students and professionals who need a device for productivity, note-taking, and multitasking.
- Families:
- The Kids Mode makes the MatePad series a family-friendly device, providing a safe browsing experience for children, while parents can still use the tablet for work or entertainment.
- Media Consumers:
- For users who primarily watch videos, browse the web, or read on their tablets, the long battery life, sharp displays, and powerful processors make the MatePad series ideal for entertainment purposes.
- Travelers and Remote Workers:
- The 5G-enabled MatePad models are perfect for remote workers and frequent travelers who need fast and reliable internet connectivity, making it a great option for working on the go.
Conclusion
The Huawei MatePad 2020 series offers a great balance between performance, versatility, and affordability, making it a compelling option for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a creative professional looking for a tablet that supports Huawei M-Pencil for drawing and designing, a student or office worker in need of a keyboard for productivity, or a media enthusiast who values a high-resolution display and long battery life, the MatePad series has something for everyone.
The 5G connectivity on select models adds a modern touch, ensuring fast internet speeds for users who are constantly on the go. Compared to competitors like the iPad Air 4, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, and Lenovo Tab P11 Pro, the MatePad holds its own, offering competitive features at a more affordable price point.
Ultimately, the MatePad 2020 series stands out as a solid choice for those seeking a versatile tablet that performs well in various tasks, all while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. Whether for work, creativity, or entertainment, these slightly outdated devices remain relevant and effective in today’s tablet market.