Over the past two years, tablets have grown into credible productivity tools, with stronger multitasking capabilities, glare-free displays, and more powerful hardware. The catch is that most of these improvements are found only in premium devices that remain out of reach for many students and young professionals. Budget-friendly tablets, meanwhile, often trade usability for price. Huawei’s new MatePad 11.5 positions itself as a middle ground, promising a more balanced experience without the steep cost.
One of its standout features is the 11.5-inch PaperMatte display, designed to reduce glare and reflections. Using nano-level etching technology, the screen minimizes light interference while keeping text legible under bright conditions. For users who spend hours reading or note-taking, this approach aims to make extended use less fatiguing. Paired with the M-Pencil (3rd generation), the screen also supports a pen-on-paper feel, enhancing the writing and sketching experience.
On the software side, Huawei’s Notes app serves as more than just a digital notepad. It includes customization options such as stickers, templates, and note covers, while an AI handwriting enhancement tool can refine handwriting into cleaner text in supported fonts. Huawei’s GoPaint app, bundled with the tablet, expands the device’s creative potential with a suite of digital brushes and tools aimed at both beginners and more advanced users.
For productivity, the MatePad 11.5 supports a detachable Smart Keyboard and mouse input, making it easier to use as a laptop substitute. The pre-installed WPS Office suite mirrors the desktop version more closely than typical mobile office apps, offering familiar layouts for spreadsheets and presentations. With multi-window and split-screen functionality, users can manage documents and communication apps simultaneously, improving multitasking on the go.
Physically, the tablet is slim and light, weighing 515g and measuring 6.1mm thick, while still carrying a 10,100 mAh battery—a notable upgrade over its predecessor. Huawei claims up to 14 hours of local video playback, with full recharging possible in under 100 minutes via 40W fast charging.
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 is unlikely to compete head-to-head with high-end iPads or Samsung Galaxy Tabs, but that isn’t its goal. Instead, it caters to students, freelancers, and casual users who want a lightweight, affordable device that still manages note-taking, presentations, and creative tasks without feeling stripped down. Its mix of a glare-resistant display, stronger battery life, and integrated office tools makes it a practical option in the midrange tablet market.
