Huawei MatePad 11.5S Review: A Game-Changing Tablet

Huawei MatePad 11.5S Review: A Game-Changing Tablet

Huawei's smartphones have been extremely popular, especially the Mate series, which has been a runaway success in terms of sales and popularity. However, what's often overlooked is the impressive performance of Huawei's tablets, particularly the MatePad series. According to IDC, Huawei's tablet market share reached 32.3% in 2024, surpassing Apple and becoming the national leader.

The Huawei MatePad 11.5S has been a significant contributor to this success, triggering a buying frenzy upon its release. With over 50,000 reviews on (link unavailable) and a staggering 97% positive rating, this tablet has proven to be a game-changer. Powered by the Kirin 9000 series, this tablet offers an unbeatable price-performance ratio, starting at just ¥1999 (approximately $280 USD). With the 2025 national subsidy policy, the price drops to ¥1699 (approximately $240 USD), making it an even more attractive option.

In terms of design, the Huawei MatePad 11.5S boasts a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, featuring an all-metal body that weighs just 510g and measures 6.3mm thick. The tablet is available in three colors: Deep Space Gray, Frost Silver, and Lake Blue. The latter is particularly striking, offering a refreshing and eye-catching hue.

The Huawei MatePad 11.5S comes in two variants: the Lingdong edition and the Rongguang edition. Although the Rongguang edition is ¥400 (approximately $55 USD) more expensive, it offers significant upgrades in terms of screen and processor performance. If budget permits, it's highly recommended to opt for the Rongguang edition, as the enhanced experience it provides makes the extra cost well worth it.

The tablet features an 11.5-inch LCD screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, boasting a resolution of 2800×1840 and supporting a 144Hz refresh rate. The Rongguang edition takes it up a notch with Huawei's Cloud-Chi technology, which provides better anti-glare and eye protection. While the screen may appear slightly hazy at first glance, its anti-glare capabilities become apparent in outdoor or backlit environments, offering a noticeable improvement over regular screens.

The processor performance also varies significantly between the two versions. The Lingdong edition is equipped with the Kirin 9000WM, while the Rongguang edition features the Kirin 9000WL. Although the difference may seem minor, the actual performance gap is substantial. The Kirin 9000WM has been likened to a high-power Snapdragon 778G, which can lead to noticeable frame drops during daily use. In contrast, the Kirin 9000WL is comparable to a low-power Snapdragon 888, offering a much smoother experience, making the extra ¥400 well worth the investment.

Battery life is another area where the Huawei MatePad 11.5S excels, thanks to its large 8800mAh battery. The tablet also comes with a 33W charger, and it's worth noting that it supports 66W wired charging, allowing for rapid recharging with a separately purchased 66W charger.

In terms of system functionality, the Huawei MatePad 11.5S runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, providing a seamless and responsive experience. The system also prioritizes security and privacy protection. As evident from its product page, Huawei positions this tablet as a learning device for young people. It supports PC-level applications like WPS Office, CAJViewer, and Eitaa, making it an ideal tool for learning and creativity when paired with the magnetic keyboard and StarStylus.

The Super Transfer Station feature, which integrates with PC-level WPS Office, greatly enhances document processing convenience. Huawei's proprietary Tian Sheng Hui Hua APP offers a user experience comparable to that of a well-known brand, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy writing and drawing.

So, what do you think of the Huawei MatePad 11.5S? Is it a good value? Would you consider purchasing one?