2021 Huawei Matepad 11 Review: A Tablet That Feels Like A PC, For Work and Creativity
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| Photo of Huawei Matepad 11 tablet. Released: Jun 2021 key specs: · 10.95″ display · 6GB RAM · 128GB ROM · Snapdragon 865 processor · 7250 mAh battery · HarmonyOS 2.0 |
Continuing the trend of products with sturdy material and well-thought-out design, Huawei has again released the latest tablet product with the new Harmony OS 2 software system and also an 11-inch screen size in a 16:10 aspect ratio. The tablet called the Huawei Matepad 11 brings a screen ratio that is closer to the desktop experience, suitable for working and creating with a wide viewing angle.
This is our first experience using a tablet with Harmony OS. Although basically the same as using a Huawei HMS cellphone, such as the P40 Pro which uses EMUI 11, there are some interesting things to discuss. Especially on the side of installing applications that are not in the Huawei App Gallery, aka sideloading via petal search and third-party apk providers.
In general, this tablet will offer a maximum experience, both when used as is, just a tablet. Or when paired with other peripherals, both those officially made for this tablet, such as the M-Pencil 2 and Smart Magnetic Keyboard, or third-party Bluetooth mouse devices or Bluetooth Controller Pad for gaming.
Because we don’t know when we will need an experience like using a super light PC, and or a tablet with super complete accessory support. For example, when we study at home, or suddenly have to work while traveling somewhere, then the presence of Huawei Matepad 11 with a relatively affordable price will be a savior.
Price: IDR 7,299,000, – (tablet only)
Color Options: Matte Gray
Sales Package: Huawei Matepad 11 Tablet, Charger adapter, USB type-C data cable, Type-C to 3.5 mm audio converter, PIN Ejector, Manual Book
Huawei Matepad 11 Full Specifications
| Huawei Matepad 11 Specs | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Dimmension & Weight | 253,8 x 165,3 x 7,25 mm/ 485 gram |
| Network & Connectivity | No SIM- WiFi 6 |
| Operating System (OS) | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Supported External Storage | Ya, MicroSD sampai 1 TB |
| Display | 10.95 inches, ~82.9% screen-to-body ratio, 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density), IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors |
| Processor / CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm); Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 585 + 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 + 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 585. GPU: Adreno 650 |
| RAM & Internal Storage | 6 GB RAM/ 128 GB ROM |
| Camera | Rear Single: 13 MP, f/1.8, LED flash Video: 4K 30fps Front Single: 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Battery | 7250 mAh Li-po (non-removable), fast charging 22.5W |
Huawei Matepad 11 Features
| Removable battery | No | Fingerprint | No |
| Multitouch | Yes | Dual Front Camera | No |
| Dual SIM | No | External Memory | Yes |
| 3G HSDPA | No | Gyroscope | Yes |
| 4G LTE | No | Quad Rear Camera | No |
| NFC | No | 4K video recording | Yes |
| Infrared | No | Video player | Yes |
| USB On-the-go | Yes | Music player | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Radio FM | No |
PLUSMINUS
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Large capacity and long-lasting battery Supports M-Pencil for creativity Flagship chipset, comfortable for gaming and video editing 4-channel audio, with 4 speakers and 4 mics Multitasking features and easy integration with other Huawei products Solid and elegant material |
No Cellular network No Google support Peripherals sold separately |
Huawei Matepad 11 Reviews
Compact Design, Solid Material
One thing that is often the target of complaints in the previous product, the Matepad Pro, has been fixed in the Huawei Matepad 11 times this. Yes, in addition to still displaying a screen area with a thin and flat bezel in all areas, the Matepad 11 also no longer uses a punch hole design to accommodate the selfie camera. Instead, it still displays it on one of the longest sides, right at the top, when the tablet is positioned horizontally. Or on the same side as the magnet to recharge the m-pencil.
This decision shows that Huawei continues to strive to improve its products, starting from the most basic thing, design! And interestingly, next to this selfie camera, Huawei places an LED that will light up when a notification comes in. Reminding us to look at the contents of the tablet, even though the screen is off.
As usual, the materials used are no joke. Combining hard plastic material on the tablet’s bone, it even feels like there is a mixture of metal because of the coloring which is also glossy, also on the entire back cover. It does look simple without much coloring, but it looks elegant, solid and looks serious.
We only find the Huawei writing in the middle of the back cover of this tablet, in a horizontal position. Or facing sideways, where the main camera lens is on the upper right. Indicating that the Matepad 11 seems to be made more for use in this position.
This tablet is relatively light. Without additional accessories, it only weighs 485 grams. And very thin, only 7.3 mm thick. So it’s easy to carry anywhere, tucked into a small bag for any activity.
If we look closely, on the short side, we can find speaker holes that are located symmetrically, two on each side. This means that there are four speaker output holes which turn out to be 4 separate speakers so that they are able to produce a 4-channel audio effect, quite thick in displaying bass and tuned by Harman / Kardon.
In addition to these 4 speakers, if we look closely we will also find 4 mics, which are spread throughout. Three are on the long upper side, or the same part as the volume button and the m-pencil charging magnet. To be precise, two flank the volume button, one is placed slightly to the middle approaching the selfie camera lens of this tablet. While another one is on the back cover, right next to the main camera section.
The power button, with a red accent on the end, is placed on the short left side, or in the corner adjacent to the volume button. Then on the other short side, we will find a USB Type-C port, while the MicroSD card slot is on the long bottom side or opposite the long side where the volume button is.
120 Hz IPS screen
It seems that the widescreen standard with a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz has become the standard for professional tablets. Because the same type of screen has been used since 2017 in the Apple camp and has been successful, it is natural that when it was first announced that it would also be present on the Matepad 11 with the FullView Display 120Hz brand, we already imagined what the display would be like that we could feel.
That’s right. With such specifications, the IPS (TFT LCD) panel screen with DCI-P3 color gamut is most suitable for displaying streaming shows. Watching feels more immersive with a cinematic color profile and also 4-channel speaker support that makes it more alive. And remember, the screen ratio of this tablet is also towards widescreen, aka 16:10. Not 4:3 like competing tablets.
Just a reminder, this tablet carries a screen size of 10.95 inches, aka close to 11 inches according to the naming of this tablet. And with the 16:10 ratio, the Matepad 11 looks like a large cellphone, with the default use in a horizontal position.
The Matepad 11 screen is a touch screen that supports full control and can also be used to recognize stylus strokes from Huawei’s second generation M-Pencil. This means that, in addition to watching movies, typing assignments and playing games, this tablet can also be used as a medium for signing documents or being creative, drawing and pouring out the ideas in your head into a digital sketch.
Huawei Indonesia kindly includes the second generation M-Pencil and also a magnetic keyboard for use on the Matepad 11 and even though we are a bit lacking in the artistic side, hehe we tried to optimize it by using applications that might be used and available for this tablet. Some interesting notes, we will discuss in the PERIPHERAL SUPPORT section.
Harmony OS 2.0 and Desktop View
It must be admitted, the absence of Google Mobile Service does make things difficult for Huawei users. Yes, not only Huawei is confused, its loyal users are also looking for a way out at least on the practical side of everyday life. Honestly, to overcome Google’s negligence on the Huawei P40 Pro phone, for example, we have more or less managed to find a comfortable point. Until we forget that this is an HMS (Huawei Mobile Service) phone.
Somehow we have not been able to apply the same thing to Harmony OS 2.0 or at least on the Matepad 11. There are a number of drawing applications that theoretically should be able to be sideloaded, but they fail. Hehe. Oh yeah, for veteran Huawei users, this is certainly commonplace. So just consider this as part of our disclaimer: educational needs!
The Matepad 11 that we reviewed was already full of online streaming applications, ranging from YouTube, YouTube Music, Netflix, iQiyi, HBO GO, Vidio, Spotify and so on. And everything can run smoothly with the support of WiFi 6 on this device. Some of us installed it via Petal Search. “The cure for all medicines” on Harmony OS. While the rest are officially available on the Huawei AppGallery.
Even some applications for productivity and creativity have been installed since the first time this tablet was activated. So, it’s like we don’t need much time to get used to Harmony OS. Oh yeah, actually this is not our first encounter with Harmony OS. We have installed Harmony OS on our Huawei Mate 30 Pro device. But because the mobile device already has GMS, the experience is different again from the Harmony OS that we felt on the Matepad 11.
What is interesting is of course the presence of features that support productivity, making it easier for us to work, like a laptop. For example, a multi-window screen of up to 10 columns in one screen display, Instant Access to frequently used or most recently used applications, APP Bubble to activate applications to display multitasking up to 4 applications that are open at one time, drag & drop capabilities between several supporting applications, to support for mirroring-extension-collaboration with Windows PC devices.
For those of you who have a Huawei cellphone with EMUI or Harmony OS, you can also mirror on this tablet, for example to send files and photos from your cellphone to your tablet or vice versa.
Complete. In fact, we ourselves took too long to try these features rather than writing a review. Fun for playing around but also good for more serious purposes.
However, some applications, both pre-installed and those that we install manually via appgallery and other sources, sometimes do not display optimally when the screen is landscape. Some remain displayed in vertical or portrait sizes, leaving empty areas on the right and left of the screen. Sometimes annoying even though in practice, it actually gets better when displayed together with other applications via multiwindows.
Smooth Performance for Work and Play
Wait a minute, the Matepad 11 tablet is powered by a Qualcomm chipset? Wow! Interestingly, the chipset used is also included in the high-end chipset category of the 8 series, namely the Snapdragon 865. The flagship chipset was first introduced in 2019.
Its name is also “once” a flagship chipset, this Snapdragon 865 carries a capable CPU and GPU, namely the ARM cortex A77 or Kryo 585 in several types and the Adreno 650 which is still known as a premium class GPU.
This chipset carries a 7nm fabrication with an 8-core CPU configuration. 1 core has a speed of 2.84Ghz, accompanied by 3 cores with a speed of 2.42 GHz and the remaining 4 cores with a speed of 1.8GHz. This configuration allows the system to save power efficiently because it is able to distinguish extreme usage from normal usage.
Accompanied by 6GB of RAM, this tablet is also equipped with 128GB of storage media and can be added up to 1TB via microSD
Together with a refresh rate set at 120Hz, the real experience to describe that the performance of this tablet is smooth since moving from one application to another. Using it for multi windows also runs smoothly. And finally, playing games feels light.
Games that limit the display to 30 fps will definitely be devoured easily. Including with a wide screen like this, we can play the game using a Bluetooth Gamepad while relaxing. Not all games, but at least games that support Bluetooth controllers can be played in this mode.
There is a slight increase in heat, especially at the bottom of the tablet when in landscape position with the selfie camera on top. When playing games for a long time. But because it is not that significant, sometimes we don’t feel it, especially when placed in kick stand mode with a Bluetooth controller.
Then the battery. The Matepad 11 tablet carries a battery with a very large capacity of 7250 mAh. With 22.5W fast charging support. Not bad, considering the battery capacity is so large, the presence of this fast charging will help us when we have to charge the tablet quickly.
This capacity is able to keep the tablet active for a full day, almost non-stop. And even when the battery is low, it can still be used longer, until it runs out of power.
Flexible Peripheral Support
If you’re lucky, you can buy this tablet with additional accessories in the form of a Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard or second-generation M-Pencil, at a significant discount. In other words, the price of the tablet plus the price of official accessories that have been discounted. Frequently check the official Huawei website and the official Huawei store at your trusted online store.
What is certain is that the price displayed above only applies to the Tablet package. While other additional accessories must be purchased separately. The price is quite a lot. This 2nd Generation M-Pencil is sold at a price range of IDR 1,299,000, – while the smart magnetic keyboard is at IDR 1,599,000, –
If you’re lucky, you can get this Matepad 11 tablet for IDR 8 million including a magnetic keyboard. In other words, save around 800 thousand. But this promo may not last forever.
Because this Huawei magnetic keyboard does not have a track pad, to feel the comfort like on a Desktop PC, we can connect a Bluetooth mouse to this device. So, even though there is an M-Pencil and Magnetic Keyboard connected, we can still connect it with a mouse and run it simultaneously.
Oh yeah, because this tablet also supports the Bluetooth LDAC and L2HC codecs, I often use the Huawei Freebuds Studio headset to listen to music while typing. Or to play the Call of Duty Mobile game, I usually connect the PS5 controller (dualsense) via Bluetooth. Everything can run simultaneously. Interesting, right?
For the second generation M-Pencil, the design is attractive by leaving one curved part so that it can be placed on the side of the tablet, and attached there with a magnet, while charging it.
When tried to write, draw and also sign, this Huawei digital pencil works well. However, it may be fixed in the next software update, so that the scratches on the screen can be smoother, without distortion when used at low speed. For example, when making a curve when signing a document.
Camera as a complement
The Huawei Matepad 11 tablet carries two cameras. One on the back as the main camera, and one on the front as a selfie camera. But who is currently still using a tablet camera to take pictures? In our simulation, maybe we will need a tablet camera when we have to take pictures of writing assignments from teachers on white paper. Well, this 13 MP camera equipped with LED flash and a large aperture of f / 1.8 can be maximized.
But I myself prefer to take pictures with the Huawei P40 pro which has a much better camera, then drag & drop to the tablet if the task must be submitted through the application on the tablet.
Meanwhile, the front camera, which is an 8MP lens with fixed focal and f/2.0 aperture, is able to carry out its duties well to be a suggestion for talking via video conference, such as WhatsApp video call or Zoom. Yes Zoom, we managed to install zooom on the Matepad 11 and use it without any obstacles.
Conclusion
As a Huawei tablet and the first Huawei device in Indonesia to adopt Harmony OS, the Matepad 11 is attractive to those who have been using HMS phones. Even if not, the Matepad 11 is an alternative tablet for those who are tired of using tablets with a 4:3 ratio, with advantages in terms of display equivalent to 120 Hz, with support for flagship chipsets at that time, and also the ability to receive input from the M-Pencil, increasing our chances of being creative.
Users who need a device that is lighter and more portable than a laptop, but larger than a cellphone, but has all the capabilities of a cellphone and laptop, then the matepad 11 is the most possible solution. Affordable prices and flexible peripheral support are some of the reasons.
Regarding the absence of Google, for us it is no longer a problem. Apart from the fact that this is a tablet and there is already a petal browser ready to help us find alternative apps, Huawei also continues to improve its compatibility by continuing to add compatibility to the applications needed. Hopefully drawing applications will also continue to be increased in the future.