Envision a life devoid of Google – without the familiar apps and conveniences, and the customary operating system you're accustomed to on your devices. Huawei has certainly contemplated this scenario. Despite the challenge of imagining a connected device without Google's suite of apps and its recognizable operating system, one of the titans in the realm of electronic devices appears to be thriving without it. The evidence lies in the usage of the Huawei MatePad 11.5” S PaperMatte Edition, a device brimming with features that compensate amply for the absence of Google apps and the fact that it runs on HarmonyOS, Huawei's proprietary reimagining of Google's dominant OS.
Let's delve into the specifications: This Huawei tablet boasts an 11.5-inch display. Beneath its exterior, available in three color options, lies Huawei's own Kirin 9000Wl chipset, replacing the typical Qualcomm or MediaTek processors. This is due to ongoing issues with US authorities, which have restricted Huawei's access to many global suppliers. Nonetheless, Huawei's self-developed components are impressive. Paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, the MatePad delivers robust speed and performance.
Photography is managed by a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. No tablet can rival a smartphone, let alone a dedicated camera, in image quality, and this Huawei model is no exception. The rear camera produces acceptable images in bright conditions, but its performance in low-light is subpar. The front camera, primarily for video calls, performs adequately, providing clear and detailed videos.
A standout feature is the integrated speakers, four in total, optimized with Huawei's Histen 9.0 software. The audio output is detailed, musical, and bass-rich, surpassing most tablets. The volume is sufficiently high for enjoying music or streaming content without disappointment. Battery life is respectable, lasting several days with moderate use, though it drains faster with continuous audio playback.
The MatePad's screen is a highlight, featuring a 2.8K resolution and a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth visuals. The PaperMatte finish minimizes reflections and glare, making it resistant to smudges and fingerprints. The 500 nits of brightness, combined with the matte surface, ensures vibrant and clear display in various lighting conditions.
The stylus input, particularly the M-Pencil, is a boon for artists and creatives, offering near-zero latency and 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity. Coupled with Huawei's GoPaint app, the MatePad is an excellent tool for illustration and digital painting. For note-takers, Huawei includes its Note and Notepad apps, compatible with the M-Pencil and the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, which magnetically attaches to the tablet, transforming it into a mini-laptop.
Despite the absence of Google services and a minor inconvenience with the keyboard design, the Huawei MatePad 11.5” S PaperMatte Edition, priced at Dh1,499, offers exceptional value with its bundled accessories and robust features.
