In my extensive testing of the Huawei MatePad Pro 11, I found that Huawei delivers an impressive, feature-rich tablet that balances performance and aesthetics effectively, although with some notable caveats. The device targets users who seek powerful multimedia capabilities and productivity features within a sleek design, making it a compelling alternative in the premium tablet market.
Design and Build Quality
Upon first glance, the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 immediately strikes me with its modern, sleek appearance. The tablet sports a slim profile measuring just 5.9mm thick, making it one of the thinnest tablets currently available. Its metal unibody design feels premium and sturdy in hand, with rounded corners and minimal bezels that enhance its contemporary look.
The weight is also a standout, comfortably light enough at just under 450 grams to hold for extended periods without strain, making it ideal for media consumption or productivity on the go. However, despite its excellent build quality, the tablet lacks any official water or dust resistance rating, which may pose durability concerns for some users.
Display Quality
The MatePad Pro 11 features an 11-inch OLED display boasting a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, providing vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent overall clarity. In my usage, multimedia content like movies and games appeared remarkably sharp and vivid, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate is another commendable addition, providing smooth scrolling and responsive interactions, particularly noticeable during gaming and general navigation.
Despite its many strengths, the highly reflective screen posed some visibility issues under direct sunlight. Additionally, users sensitive to PWM (pulse-width modulation) flickering might notice minor discomfort due to Huawei’s chosen OLED technology, although personally, I found this rarely noticeable during everyday use.
Performance and Hardware
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset, the MatePad Pro 11 consistently delivered robust performance during my tests. Multitasking, high-definition video playback, and resource-intensive applications ran smoothly without any significant lag or stutter. Combined with up to 8GB of RAM, the device easily handled complex tasks and productivity workflows, closely rivaling other premium tablets such as those I've reviewed like the Honor Pad 8.
Gaming performance was notably strong; high-end titles ran seamlessly at high graphical settings. However, extensive gaming sessions occasionally led to minor thermal throttling, causing slight performance dips.
Audio Quality
The audio setup on the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 was genuinely impressive, featuring six built-in speakers tuned by Huawei’s Histen audio technology. Audio quality remained clear and immersive, making it highly suitable for multimedia consumption, gaming, and even casual music listening. Dialogue clarity and audio separation during video streaming were especially remarkable, closely matching standalone speaker experiences.
Still, audiophiles might notice a slight lack of bass depth and warmth, but overall, for a built-in tablet audio solution, it's remarkably well-executed.
Software Experience
Perhaps the most significant challenge facing the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 is its software environment. Running HarmonyOS rather than traditional Android OS, the tablet provides a unique yet somewhat restrictive user experience. During my testing, I found HarmonyOS intuitive and visually appealing, yet the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) significantly impacted functionality.
The AppGallery and Petal Search offer alternatives, but many popular apps remain unavailable or require workaround solutions, potentially frustrating users reliant on Google’s ecosystem. This software limitation remains the most prominent drawback, particularly for users accustomed to full Android or iOS experiences available on other devices.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The MatePad Pro 11 excels in connectivity features, supporting Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and optional 5G, ensuring robust and stable internet connections. Its battery life, supported by an 8300mAh battery, comfortably lasted me through intensive use, averaging around 11-12 hours of continuous multimedia playback or productivity tasks.
Charging speeds via the included 66W charger were impressive, allowing rapid top-ups and significantly reducing downtime. However, it’s worth noting that wireless charging capabilities, often found in similarly priced tablets, are notably absent here.
Pricing and Value
Positioned at a premium yet competitive price, the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 offers substantial value primarily for users prioritising design, display quality, audio performance, and battery longevity. However, the limitations imposed by HarmonyOS and lack of GMS considerably diminish its appeal to users heavily invested in Google's ecosystem.
Compared to similarly priced tablets with broader app support and software capabilities, the MatePad Pro 11 might seem less appealing despite its excellent hardware capabilities. Users looking for premium multimedia and productivity hardware and willing to navigate HarmonyOS’s constraints will find solid value here.
Conclusion
The Huawei MatePad Pro 11 delivers impressive hardware, excellent multimedia capabilities, and commendable battery life, positioning itself as a worthy contender in the high-end tablet market. However, software limitations due to the absence of Google Mobile Services significantly impact its overall usability and appeal.
If you prioritise hardware excellence and multimedia consumption and can manage the software limitations or are comfortable outside Google's ecosystem, the MatePad Pro 11 could be an excellent choice. For users deeply integrated into Google's services, alternative tablets may offer a more seamless and versatile experience.