Huawei MatePad Pro Review: Can It Compete with iPad?

If you're in the market for a premium tablet that doesn't scream 'Apple,' the Huawei MatePad Pro might just be your next digital companion. But let's cut to the chase—can it really go toe-to-toe with the mighty iPad Pro? Let’s dive into performance, design, ecosystem, and real-world usability.

Design & Display: Sleek, But Is Slim Enough?

The MatePad Pro flaunts a sleek magnesium-aluminum alloy body weighing just 485g (12.6-inch model), making it lighter than the 682g iPad Pro. Its 3:2 aspect ratio screen offers more vertical space—perfect for document editing. The 12.6-inch OLED panel delivers 2560×1600 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and HDR content looks stunning.

Performance: Kirin Chip vs. M-Series Powerhouse

Packed with Huawei’s Kirin 9000E chipset and 8GB RAM, the MatePad Pro handles multitasking smoothly. However, no matter how fast the hardware, it can’t match Apple’s M1 chip in raw power or app optimization. Geekbench 5 scores tell the story:

Yeah, that gap? It’s real.

Software & Ecosystem: The Achilles’ Heel?

Here’s the elephant in the room: no Google Mobile Services (GMS). Huawei relies on its HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) and AppGallery. While they’ve made strides with Petal Maps and AppTouch, popular apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Netflix aren’t officially supported. You can sideload them, but it’s clunky and risky.

On the bright side, HarmonyOS is fluid and intuitive. Multi-screen collaboration with Huawei phones/laptops is seamless. Drag files between devices? Done. Use your phone’s camera in a Zoom call on the tablet? Also doable. It’s innovative—but only if you’re all-in on Huawei.

Pencil & Keyboard: Solid, But Pricey Add-Ons

The M-Pencil (2nd gen) boasts 2ms latency and pressure sensitivity, rivaling Apple Pencil. Typing on the magnetic keyboard feels great, though the $199 price tag stings. Compare that to iPad’s broader accessory ecosystem and frequent discounts.

Battery & Audio: Long-Lasting, Loud & Clear

The 10,050mAh battery lasts about 12 hours of mixed use—on par with iPad Pro. Quad speakers tuned by Harman Kardon deliver rich, room-filling sound, ideal for movies or music.

Price: Value With Caveats

Starting at $799 (vs. iPad Pro’s $799 base but often higher config costs), the MatePad Pro seems competitive. But factor in missing apps and limited software support, and value depends heavily on your ecosystem loyalty.

Verdict: A Strong Contender—If You’re Not All-In on iOS

The Huawei MatePad Pro is a beautifully crafted, powerful tablet with top-tier display and smart multi-device features. But without Google apps and pro-grade creative tools, it struggles to dethrone the iPad Pro for mainstream users. For Huawei loyalists or Android enthusiasts wanting a desktop-like experience? Worth every penny. For everyone else? Maybe wait for wider app support.