When the iPad Pro launched, it is clear that many have agreed that it is an extraordinary tablet with astounding features and upgrades compared to its predecessors. However, not long after its launch, Huawei has come up with their own version of the iPad Pro and honestly, we think that it is pretty remarkable especially with its latest features. This 10.8″ flagship tablet is certainly A TABLET I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT as it comes with an IPS display of 2560×1600 pixels resolution giving its users a pixel density of 280 PPI. It’s worth noting that it comes with the world’s thinnest tablet bezels. Audio-wise, it comes with four-speaker grilles, two on each side with five microphones that reduces background noises and are all tuned by Harmon Kardon. However, it doesn’t have a headphone jack. Which means, for the users to connect headphones, they would have to either get one with a USB-C type cable or use an adapter to connect the headphones to the tablet.
Design 4/5
Not only is the tablet is slightly smaller compared to the iPad Pro but it also has the highest screen-to-body ratio which is 90%. Sporting a 10.8inch 16:10 display in an ultra-slim body, Huawei can ensure you that this tablet can fit in any bag pack easily. However, it is a little thicker and heavier weighing in at 492g with 7.99mm in thickness. What’s different about this tablet is that Huawei went along by fitting the front camera in the display instead of the bezel and it takes a while for the user to get used to it. As time goes by though, the user may get used to it and come to think of it, it looks one of a kind.
In terms of display, this trendsetting tablet comes with a 10.8″ LCD screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution. With the cinema-grade DCI-P3 colour gamut, the tablets make photos and video looking extra crisp. The colour reproduction is excellent considering all facts that it is an LCD screen and not the latest OLED panel. With 540 nits, its brightness is just right and would make us agree that it is a plus point for a tablet this size. Plus to help alleviate eye fatigue, users can now switch to Huawei’s Eye Comfort Mode that is made available on this tablet. It allows users to customise the colour temperature of the display to their liking. Alternatively, they can also enable the Natural Tone to adjust the colour temperature based on ambient lighting. This is so that it could deliver consistent paper-like viewing experience.
When it comes to colours, the tablet is available in four nature-inspired colourways: Forest Green, Orange, Pearl White and Midnight Grey. But unfortunately, Midnight Grey is the only colour available in the Malaysia market.
Nevertheless, what makes this tablet much more astonishing is its wide variety of accessories that can enhance the user experience. You can draw with accuracy using the Huawei M-Pencil or boost user productivity with the Smart Magnetic Keyboard. When it comes to the compatible stylus, it magnetically attaches and charges on the top of the tablet which is absolutely convenient. Whereas for the keyboard, it can be easily connected via Bluetooth proximity pairing. Featuring a 1.3mm key travel distance for comfortable typing, it is worth noting that the Shift key doubles as a toggle for Huawei Share, providing quick access to the Multi-screen Collaboration feature.
Features 3.5/5
This flagship tablet is designed to synergise with Huawei handsets, wearables and other devices. With switching the use of a tablet to an instant-laptop, the Huawei Matepad Pro’s key highlight would be its seamless Multi-screen Collaboration feature. The particular feature also enables drag-and-drop file transfers between smartphones and tablets seamlessly. Users can also control their smartphones through the tablet’s keyboard and screen, making it easier to play music or reply texts without having to go back and forth between both devices. Whereas to fulfil productivity, the device comes with Multi-Window that displays up to three apps simultaneously whilst the App Multiplier splits the screen into two windows making work easier for the user. Huawei’s latest video calling feature, MEETime is just what the tablet needs. Users can look forward to sharing their screen while on call and also be able to take notes in real-time without needing to exit the app.
The only downside that the Huawei Matepad Pro is lacking compared to the iPad Pro is not being able to access Google Mobile Services (GMS). It’s just unfortunate that the tablet is handicapped from GMS as users won’t be able to download Instagram, Netflix, PUBG or even WhatsApp on the Matepad Pro. Alternatively, Huawei did come out with the App Gallery but the only big apps available so far are Snapchat and TikTok. Despite being a great tablet for drawing, the tablet comes with minimally supported apps that utilise the stylus except for its built-in AutoDesk’s Sketchbook.
But like every tablet, there will always be its ups and downs. In this case, even without the GMS, users will eventually get a hang of it and enjoy the unique features that come with the Huawei Matepad Pro.
As for the camera functions, the tablet comes with an 8MP autofocus front camera and 13MP rear camera that works well in terms of scanning documents as such Having a powerful synergy with first and third-party apps, users can also up their productivity with Huawei Notepad, WPS Office and Nebo for Huawei Matepad Pro as well.
What makes a tablet extra powerful is the amazing audio experience. With that in mind, the Huawei Matepad Pro is as good as home theatre setups as it supports Histen 6.0 to drive 3D stereo sound effects. Unlike most Android devices, this flagship tablet supports four-channel sound output instead of two. The high-amplitude quad-channel stereo speakers are tuned by Harman Kardon, meaning users can experience the most intricate sounds with impeccable clarity.
Performance 4/5
The tablet runs on Huawei’s latest chipset the Kirin 990. It is the same chipset that can be found on the new P40 series and is available in both 4G and 5G options. Manufactured with the 7nm process, the Kirin 990 ensures powerful performance and incredible power efficiency. On top of that, when it comes to playing graphics-intensive games or watching HD videos, users wouldn’t have to worry about any split-screen or buffer as the tablet comes with the Mali-G76 GPU. It doesn’t just deliver excellent and reliable performance, but it does all that while keeping the device relatively cool.
With an 8GB RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage, Huawei enthusiasts won’t face a “storage full” situation again and even if they do, the tablet’s storage can still be expanded via the NM card slot. Huawei’s EMUI 10 makes the split-screen multitasking feature works excellently as users will be able to open apps in small windows and view them all at the same screen without any hassle. There is no fingerprint scanner however the face unlock feature works well too. Besides that, the Huawei Matepad Pro has the ability to charge Qi-enabled devices and has exceptionally fast charging using the 40w plug.
Value 4/5
Being a tablet I cannot live without, those who are interested to purchase one for themselves can now order it via their online store. As it now comes in a bundle package priced at RM 2,898 (RRP: RM 3,197), users will also get the HUAWEI M-Pencil and Smart Magnetic Keyboard altogether.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that this tablet is absolutely slick and admirable, even the cinema-grade LCD screen is pretty impressive. Not to mention the sound system, as well. However, with all that said, it would certainly be a huge sacrifice for the user in terms of software. That said, as a first-time user, I’m very impressed and I personally use the device for work-related matters.
Specifications:
Touchscreen: Multi-touch: 10 points | Fingerprint-resistant film: Yes | Active stylus pencil: Supported
Dimensions: 246 mm (H) x 159 mm (W) x 7.2 mm (D)
Front camera: 8 MP camera with F2.0 autofocus
Rear camera: 13 MP camera with F1.8 autofocus
Display screen size: 10.8 inches
Screen colour:16.7 M
Resolution: 2560 x 1600 Pixels (WQXGA)
Battery capacity: 7250 mAh (typical value)
Internal storage: 256 GB, 8 GB RAM
Expandable storage: Up to 256 GB
Operating system: EMUI 10.0.1 (based on Android 10.0)
Processor type: HiSilicon Kirin 990 (2x Cortex-A76 Based @2.86 GHz, 2 x Cortex-A76 Based @2.09 GHz, and 4 x Cortex-A55 Based @1.86 GHz)
Contact: Huawei Retail Store, S 332 City Centre Bandar Utama 47800, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 03-7732 0989
Pictures by The Verge & Huawei