Review: HUAWEI MatePad Air (2023)

HUAWEI recently launched a series of devices including the nova 11 series of smartphones, the MateBook D 14, the MatePad 11, and so on. However, one of the exciting additions to the lineup was the HUAWEI MatePad Air, a brand-new 11.5-inch tablet designed for on-the-go work and entertainment.

The HUAWEI MatePad Air Graphite Black features a sleek matte finish that is both elegant and fingerprint-proof. On the back, you’ll find the 13MP rear camera and flash discreetly positioned at the corner.

What sets the MatePad Air apart is the inclusion of a magnetic casing with a detachable HUAWEI Smart Keyboard, offering a PC-like experience on the tablet. Additionally, the tablet supports the HUAWEI M-Pencil (CD54), available as a free gift if you purchase the MatePad Air during the launch sale.

Equipped with four speakers on both sides, the MatePad Air delivers an immersive surround sound experience for music, movies, and games.

The 11.5-inch 2.8K resolution display ensures an immersive viewing experience, complemented by a remarkable 144Hz high refresh rate for fluid and responsive on-screen motion. This display advantage enhances real-time strategy games, allowing seamless strategy deployment and overall map management.

Under the hood, the MatePad Air packs a Snapdragon 888 Mobile Platform processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM, offering lag-free multitasking and fast app launches. It can handle graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, providing a seamless gaming experience.

One of its unique features is the PC-like experience provided by WPS Office, allowing you to turn the tablet into a versatile workstation with a range of tools and features comparable to Microsoft Office. Files can be easily shared across devices, maintaining compatibility with the PC’s file formats (docx, xlsx, pptx). In contrast to the condensed versions found on smartphones, the tablet-specific version offers a fully-fledged experience, complete with a comprehensive “ribbon” interface, pivot tables, and various other features.

To optimise the tablet experience, HUAWEI has provided me with the Smart Keyboard attachment, which serves as both a folio cover and a kickstand. The keyboard and case connect seamlessly via magnets, allowing me to remove the keyboard for use on my lap while placing the tablet on the desk. The typing experience is impressive, comparable to, if not better than most laptops.

The SuperHub feature enhances productivity by simplifying image and file sharing, while the Super Device allows multi-device collaboration with other HUAWEI products. The tablet also packs in an 8300mAh battery, and it comes packed with a 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge to top the tablet up when it runs out of juice.

HUAWEI is strategically aiming the MatePad at a specific target audience—those seeking the convenience of tablets while desiring a PC-like experience. Personally, the MatePad Air aligns perfectly with my work style, as I rely on my desktop PC for more demanding tasks. When I’m on the move, I mainly require a device for lighter activities such as social media postings and occasional video editing.

If you share a similar computing style and don’t require extensive power on the go, the HUAWEI MatePad Air should certainly be a strong contender for your consideration. It excels in every aspect, catering to creative professionals, multimedia enthusiasts, and productivity-focused users.

Price: AED 2099