There is a new product in the middle class of tablets — Huawei introduced the MatePad 11.5”S PaperMatte version (MatePad 11.5 inches with a matte “paper” screen). And if externally the gadget differs little from its predecessor, then there are many changes inside. Let's get acquainted with the new tablet model in the review.
Design
MatePad 11.5”S is made in the same design as last year’s HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 — it has classic tablet shapes, easy-to-use screen frames and relatively light weight. The latter is 510 grams, so holding the tablet with one hand for a long time is quite possible.
The back panel is made of metal. Externally, it is enlivened by the mirrored HUAWEI inscription and the peephole of the single camera. The frame of the case remains aluminum, the screen is covered with tempered glass. This year, Huawei decided to expand the color palette available for the tablet — now it is not only gray, but also silver and purple.
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«Paper» screen
Huawei continues to develop its discovery, which distinguishes the company's tablets from the market — these are the so-called «paper» screens. These versions receive the PaperMatte prefix in their name. This is the tablet that fell into our hands.
The essence of the technology is the use of glass covering the matrix with a special etching — with its help a matte effect is achieved. Unlike films, the image does not glare and is free of various distortions.
The matrix has also changed significantly — now it is an 11.5-inch IPS panel, the resolution of which has increased to 1840×2800 pixels. That is, the pixel density is now 291 versus 229 ppi. Finally, the image refresh rate has increased — now it has become 144 Hz, ensuring a smooth picture.
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“Paper-like” and high-quality IPS matrix make the tablet an interesting solution with from the point of view of reading and working with documents — from experience of use, we can say that, firstly, the eyes with such a screen actually get less tired; secondly, it also glares less under the rays of the sun.
MatePad 11.5″S supports the 3rd generation HUAWEI M-Pencil stylus. The pen has not only become more sensitive (it is now sensitive to more than 10 thousand pressure levels), but also received NearLink wireless technology, which, according to the manufacturer, provides a more stable connection and reduces latency.
Performance and software
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A significant innovation compared to its predecessor is its hardware platform — now it is an eight-core Kirin 9000WL, a processor of HUAWEI's own design.
In general, it provides the same level of performance as the predecessor chip — for example, the tablet scores more than 600 thousand points in the AnTuTu benchmark. The tablet feels like a fast device; it doesn’t give in even to graphics-heavy games.
MatePad 11.5”S runs on HUAWEI’s own OS – Harmony OS 4.2, which was introduced in the spring of 2024. This version brought a number of improvements and innovations aimed at improving the user interface, security, application management and some other aspects of the device. For example, interactive design themes have appeared.
There are also familiar functions like “Superdevices” for integration with other HUAWEI gadgets or SuperHub (SuperHub) for transferring files between them. The AppGallery application store, which is filled with a variety of software, deserves special attention. And, of course, it is still possible to install third-party apk files — the system checks each one before installation, identifying malicious software.
By the way, the GoPaint application is also available for the tablet — this combination was appreciated by students and professors of the V.I. Surikov, as well as Russian artists. With the 3rd generation M-Pencil on the MatePad 11.5″S, you can create and draw like a pro.
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Communications and camera
The tablet is available in a single memory version of 8/256 GB. SIM card support is not provided in this model. But Wi-Fi here is version 6 — but to appreciate all its advantages, you need to connect to a compatible access point. Bluetooth here is standard 5.2.
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But there was no place for an audio jack in the tablet — the fashion of recent years has reached large devices, and users increasingly prefer wireless headphones. But if you wish, you can connect the adapter to USB Type-C (type C) 3.0 and use your favorite wired “ears”.
In terms of photo and video shooting capabilities, the MatePad 11.5”S has not changed compared to last year’s model — the main camera is 13 MP and the front camera is 8 MP. The latter, for obvious reasons, is even more important in a tablet, because it provides video communication and can record videos in a maximum resolution of 1080p.
Sound, autonomy and keyboard case
The tablet has a stereo system with four speakers. HUAWEI Histen 9.0 audio processing allows you to switch to optimal sound effects depending on your settings and surrounding environment. The sound from the MatePad 11.5”S is pleasing to the ear, with dominant low frequencies.
The new product has dramatically increased the battery capacity: from 7700 to 8800 mAh. Battery life depends on usage scenarios — in “bedside” mode, the tablet can work for a week on one charge, but at maximum performance it will have to be charged every day. By the way, a 22.5 W power supply is included here, with its help the MatePad is charged from 0 to 100% in about four hours.
Together with the MatePad 11.5”S, HUAWEI also supplies the proprietary HUAWEI smart magnetic keyboard with support NearLink technology. It allows you to turn your tablet into a laptop. By the way, it is also transformable — the keyboard can be detached from the case with a slight movement, and can also be used at a distance from the tablet.
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Total
Huawei managed to carefully update last year's model, enhancing its attractive aspects. And “tricks” like a “paper-like” screen, a keyboard case and a stylus make the tablet a real workstation that can replace an ultrabook.
The cost of the new product will be 35,999 rubles for the PaperMatte 256 GB version. A set of a tablet and a smart keyboard will cost 44,999 rubles, regardless of the color («lilac» or «space gray»).
Advertising, Huawei Tech Company LLC, OGRN 1027739023212, Moscow, Krylatskaya st., 17, bldg. 2, erid: F7NfYUJCUneLs2ar2X4x