Huawei Expands Tablet Lineup with Premium and Mid-Range Offerings
Huawei has officially launched its latest tablet offerings in Malaysia, headlined by the MatePad 11.5 S PaperMatte Edition. This premium device brings notable upgrades over its predecessor, while a more budget-friendly MatePad SE 11 rounds out the new lineup.
MatePad 11.5 S PaperMatte Edition: Smooth Visuals and Powerful Performance
The star of the show is undoubtedly the MatePad 11.5 S PaperMatte Edition. Key features include:
- Display: A 2800 x 1840 LCD screen with an impressive 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Kirin 9000WL chipset (marking a return to Huawei's in-house silicon)
- Memory: 8GB RAM / 256GB storage
- Battery: 8,800mAh with 22.5W fast charging support
- Cameras: 13MP rear / 8MP front-facing
Priced at RM2,499 (approximately $535 USD), the MatePad 11.5 S is positioned as a premium tablet option. Early adopters who pre-order between now and June 28th will receive additional accessories, including the M-Pencil stylus and Smart Magnetic Keyboard, enhancing its productivity potential.
MatePad SE 11: Affordable Alternative
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Huawei introduced the MatePad SE 11:
- Display: 11-inch Full HD (16:10 aspect ratio), 60Hz refresh rate, 400 nit peak brightness
- Memory: 6GB RAM / 128GB storage
- Battery: 7,700mAh with 22.5W charging
- Cameras: 8MP main / 5MP front-facing
The MatePad SE 11 will be available starting June 22nd, priced at RM999 (around $215 USD).
Analysis
Huawei's latest tablet offerings demonstrate the company's commitment to different market segments. The MatePad 11.5 S PaperMatte Edition, with its high-refresh-rate display and Kirin chipset, aims to compete in the premium space. Meanwhile, the MatePad SE 11 targets budget-conscious consumers.
The use of Huawei's Kirin processor in the flagship model is particularly noteworthy, as it signals the company's continued push for self-reliance in chip technology despite ongoing trade restrictions.
While these devices show promise, potential buyers should be aware that Huawei tablets currently lack access to Google Play Services, which may impact app availability and functionality for some users.
As the global tablet market remains competitive, it will be interesting to see how Huawei's latest offerings fare against established players like Apple's iPad lineup and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series.