Huawei MatePad 11.5 is making waves as an affordable Android tablet priced around $330, aiming to replace entry-level Windows laptops. It comes bundled with a free keyboard, stylus, and Bluetooth mouse, offering a productivity package suited for professionals on the go.
The tablet impresses with a premium metal unibody design weighing only 499 grams, making it highly portable. When combined with the 400-gram keyboard, the total weight remains under 1 kg, lighter than many budget Windows laptops.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The 11.5-inch screen delivers sharp visuals and rich colors, suitable for both work and entertainment. Its brightness supports indoor and outdoor use, while Widevine L1 certification enables HD Netflix streaming without downgraded quality. Quad speakers enhance audio output, making it ideal for movie binge sessions or video calls.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset built on 4nm technology, the MatePad 11.5 offers efficient performance for daily tasks like emailing, document editing, and web browsing. Casual gaming also runs smoothly, ensuring versatility for users. The 7,700mAh battery supports a full day of use, often ending with 20-40% remaining, thanks to the power-efficient chipset.
PC-Level Productivity with WPS Office
A key advantage of the MatePad 11.5 is its inclusion of PC-level WPS Office software. This suite supports advanced features such as pivot tables in Excel, margin adjustments in Word, and animations in PowerPoint—features typically absent in mobile versions of office apps. Users can open multiple documents side-by-side for multitasking, closely mimicking a Windows laptop experience.
Keyboard and User Experience
The included keyboard is slim and lacks a trackpad, but typing feels comfortable enough for long sessions. Keyboard shortcuts work smoothly, improving typing efficiency. It connects via Bluetooth and is removable, allowing users to adjust the setup for ergonomic convenience.
Build Quality and Value Proposition
The tablet’s solid, premium build quality stands out in its price segment, where Windows laptops rarely offer comparable materials or design. With full accessory sets and robust software, the MatePad 11.5 solidifies its position as a powerful yet affordable alternative for mobile professionals.
Summary: Can It Replace a Windows Laptop?
With a combination of lightweight premium materials, a sharp large display, long battery life, and PC-level productivity software, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 offers a compelling alternative to budget Windows laptops priced similarly around $330. It handles typical office workloads effectively, making it particularly suitable for mobile professionals who require portability without sacrificing functionality.
