HUAWEI has just introduced its latest budget-friendly tablet for 2025, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025). This new device comes packed with a host of useful extras right out of the box. Buyers get a HUAWEI M-Pencil 3rd Gen stylus, a HUAWEI Smart Keyboard case, a HUAWEI Wireless Mouse, and pre-installed software like WPS Office PC 2.0, HUAWEI Notes, and GoPaint. The combined estimated value of these bundled accessories and applications is quite substantial.
The design of the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) looks much like its earlier version. It comes in two colors: purple and gray. A clever update allows the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Gen) to attach magnetically to the side of the tablet for charging. This is a neat feature, similar to what you find on the MatePad Pro models.
The HUAWEI Smart Keyboard case is surprisingly thin, about the same thickness as a MacBook Air. This makes the tablet and keyboard combo easy to carry around. When you need to use it, you can open it with both hands, just like a laptop. It quickly transforms your tablet into a portable workstation.
The wireless mouse included in the bundle offers flexible connectivity. It can switch between two modes: a 2.4G USB connection and Bluetooth. This allows it to connect with up to three different devices. When held, the mouse feels comfortable and fits nicely in the hand.
What makes the keyboard case extra special is its detachable design. You can easily pull the screen away from the keyboard. The tablet also has a built-in kickstand, letting you prop it up for better viewing. This is handy for watching videos or sharing content with others.
Typing on the included keyboard feels much like using a laptop keyboard. The key placement and travel distance are quite similar. However, some keys are a bit smaller than average, which might make typing certain characters a little tricky.
The 11.5-inch display features a crisp 2.5K resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It boasts a PaperMatte Display, which is a unique feature. This screen reduces glare with a soft, natural-light-like reflection, helping to lessen eye strain. It also makes writing on the screen feel remarkably similar to putting pen to paper.
The HUAWEI M-Pencil responds to different pressure levels, letting users create lines with varying thickness and intensity. This makes it perfect for both note-taking and drawing, giving a genuine pen-on-paper feel. There is, however, a very slight delay when drawing lines.
The tablet comes with three key applications. First, WPS Office PC 2.0 offers a full suite of document tools, including Document, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF apps. Its interface and features are comprehensive, making it suitable for both school and work tasks.
For note-takers, HUAWEI Notes is the dedicated app. It allows for extensive customization, offering over 300 cover and page designs. Users can also add stickers to brighten up their notes and boost their organization. The app also supports opening PDF files, which is a handy feature.
Finally, GoPaint is an excellent app for drawing and illustration, often compared to ProCreate. It provides a wide array of brushes, from pencils and watercolors to oil paints and crayons. Its detailed layer management helps artists create complex and intricate images exactly as they envision.
Under the hood, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) runs on the Kirin 8020 chipset. This processor delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, like working on documents, creating presentations, and drawing, without feeling sluggish. It also comes with a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.
The tablet features a robust 10100 mAh battery, supporting fast charging up to 40W. According to tests in a review by Blaze Trends.com, a writer using the tablet for about 8 hours (browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, researching) consumed only about 60% of the battery. This suggests strong battery endurance for typical use.
Regarding app compatibility, Blaze Trends.com’s review noted that most applications can be downloaded and installed directly from the HUAWEI AppGallery. However, some apps still need to be downloaded from the Google Play Store using a GBOX emulation. It’s worth noting that certain apps not downloaded through the Google Play Store might sometimes experience issues with updates.
As mentioned, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) comes with a bundle of accessories and software valued at a significant amount. Details about the official retail price are still awaited.