Huawei MatePad SE 11

In terms of its design and build, the Huawei MatePad 11 offers a premium design and solid performance, making it a standout in the Android tablet market. Its sleek, slim body and 2560 x 1600 resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate place it in the same league as higher-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. The 11-inch screen delivers sharp, vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The tablet’s dimensions (253.8 x 165.3 x 7.3mm) and weight (485g) keep it light and portable, though it feels more substantial than budget models like the Amazon Fire HD. One notable feature is the compatibility with Huawei’s M-Pen stylus for note-taking or sketching. The Smart Magnetic Keyboard is available separately, allowing for typing and media use. However, the keyboard’s magnets are weak, sometimes causing the tablet to fall over, and typing can cause the folio case to wobble. The keyboard occasionally disconnects, requiring manual reconnection via Bluetooth. Despite these flaws, it still provides a more functional typing experience than cheaper alternatives. As far as its performance is concerned, the MatePad 11 has been equipped with the Snapdragon 865 processor which is a high-end chipset from 2020. While it might not the latest, the 865 still delivers solid performance. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the tablet handles gaming, media editing, and multitasking without issue. The 128GB of internal storage is expandable via a microSD card (up to 1TB), making it a good option for professionals who need extra space for files.

The tablet is equipped with four stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, delivering good sound quality for movies and music. However, the 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera are more functional than impressive, with the former useful for scanning documents and the latter fine for video calls and selfies. The battery life has to be one of the MatePad 11’s strongest points. Despite having a 7,250mAh battery, Huawei claims up to 12 hours of video playback, with real-world use often exceeding 10 hours. For less intensive tasks, users can achieve up to 14-15 hours on a single charge, making it one of the more reliable tablets for extended use. Charging speed is capped at 22.5W, which is not fast by today’s standards but is adequate for tablet devices. In conclusion, the Huawei MatePad 11 combines a premium display, solid performance, and long battery life into a well-rounded tablet. It may not have the fastest charging or the best camera, but its combination of features and affordability makes it a compelling option for those looking for an Android tablet that can handle both productivity and entertainment.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam