Huawei MatePad 12X Papermatte Edition
Key Specifications
- Chipset: Kirin T90A
- RAM: 8 or 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Operating System: HarmonyOS 4.2 (Android 12)
- Screen: 12in LCD, 2800 x 1840, 144Hz
- Rear Cameras: 12MP wide, 8MP ultrawide
- Connectivity: Nearlink, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 3.1 Type-C
- Battery: 10,100mAh
- Dimensions: 270x183x6mm
- Weight: 555g
Design & Build
We found ourselves trying to use the iPadOS close app gesture on the MatePad 12X, possibly just out of a moment of overtired muscle memory but also because there’s a big dose of Apple-like design here. The sides are more rounded and the aspect ratio thinner than an iPad, but the speakers, buttons, even the keyboard connector are in the same place, and there’s definitely something familiar about the feel of the MatePad.
Features & Performance
Huawei still has a software problem, due to the fact it doesn’t/can’t ship the Google Play Store on its devices despite using Android. There are ways around this, and while Huawei’s AppGallery has a selection of apps, big names like Chrome (Opera Mini and Edge are available, along with Office 365, Teams and Outlook), Netflix and Kindle aren’t there, requiring you to download an APK file instead, or find a way to circumvent the restriction.
The app situation may be suboptimal, but Huawei has equipped the MatePad 12X with a painting app, GoPaint, that superficially resembles ProCreate and which can export drawings as PSD files as well as JPG and PNG. Combine this with the third-generation M-Pencil stylus (the first pressure-sensitive tablet stylus to support over 10,000 pressure sensing levels, apparently), which you can get as a bundle with the tablet, and you have a nice drawing tablet, the feel of the screen beneath the tip very natural and less slippery than others thanks to its matte coating.
Price
The Huawei MatePad 12X Papermatter Edition retails at £550 on Huawei’s online store, with a keyboard included. This is a mid-price tablet, with things like the Amazon Kindle Fire coming in much cheaper, the entry-level iPad a bit cheaper, and the Samsung Galaxy Tabs and iPad Pros of this world more expensive. Getting the bundle with the magnetic keyboard and M-Pencil is a great way to pick up a complete system, and it doesn’t feel overpriced for what you get, as long as you can live within its software limitations.
Who is it for?
With its matte screen and reasonable performance it’s likely to be something you can bend to multiple tasks, perfect if your phone screen is just too small sometimes. This means it’s a versatile machine that’s just good to have around, whether it’s for taking notes, streaming, reading, painting or playing games. It’s likely to have broad appeal, but the great big caveat that comes with buying a Huawei device – no Google Play Store unless you’re tricky – means it may lose attractiveness in some eyes.
Buy it if…
- You want a less-expensive tablet with a good screen
- You’re not wedded to Google apps
- A 12in screen is big enough
Don’t buy it if…
- Google Play is a dealbreaker
- You want something more powerful
- You’re really into AI
Also consider
- Samsung Galaxy Tabs
- Amazon Kindle Fire
- iPad
- iPad Pro
Conclusion
The Huawei MatePad 12X Papermatte Edition offers a good experience as a tablet, but anyone wedded to specific iOS or Android apps may want to check if their preferred software is available before they dive in. It’s a mid-price tablet with a matte screen, reasonable performance, and a good battery life. While it’s not perfect, it’s a great option for those who want a versatile tablet for multiple tasks.
FAQs
Q: Does the MatePad 12X support Google Play Store?
A: No, it doesn’t ship with the Google Play Store due to Huawei’s restrictions.
Q: What’s the battery life like?
A: The battery life is generally excellent, capable of keeping going all day long with a mix of reading, browsing, painting, and gaming.
Q: Is the MatePad 12X suitable for gaming?
A: It’s a moderately priced Android tablet, and while it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle some games, but you might need to compromise on graphics settings.
Q: Does the MatePad 12X support AI features?
A: No, it doesn’t have much AI presence due to its software limitations.
