Xiaomi can’t keep up: This tablet with a matte display is almost unique

While Huawei has managed to establish its own ecosystem in China, buyers in the West should be aware that the company is not allowed to install Google software due to US sanctions.

Can you use Google on Huawei devices?

In our review of the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S (2026), we took another close look at how bad this situation really is. Sure, users have to take a few extra steps and install some open-source tools, but after that most Google apps work without much trouble.

However, there are issues with Google Wallet and Google Pay, though those would not work on this tablet anyway since it does not have NFC. As a result, the situation is now barely a problem for tablet buyers.

The most innovative tablet in a long time

The MatePad 11.5 S (2026) is rather innovative and offers a few features you would not necessarily expect to find in the mid-range tablet segment. The Huawei tablet costs under €500 and supports the Huawei M-Pencil Pro, which has many features. For instance, the stylus comes with different tips for drawing and writing and it supports gestures, over 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, and tilt detection.

Another highlight is the matte display, which Huawei has improved even further. Clarity and color reproduction are noticeably better, which the color accuracy measurements in our review have confirmed. The matte finish feels very comfortable, is fingerprint-resistant and gives the stylus a bit more resistance, so it feels like you are writing or drawing on actual paper.

The Huawei tablet is not perfect

That being said, some smaller caveats remain. There is no MatePad 11.5S model with a cellular modem, and a GPS module is missing as well. That is a shame, since the low-glare display is actually ideal for outdoor use.

Battery life could also be better as the processor could be more efficient.

Our full review of the MatePad 11.5 S

Overall, the 11-inch Huawei tablet impressed us with its innovations, which is why it’s worth checking out our comprehensive review of the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S 2026.