Design & Build
Huawei kept the MatePad 11.5 S simple and lightweight. At 6.1 mm thick and 515 g, the aluminium chassis feels solid but not premium. There is no water or dust rating, and the glass durability isn’t highlighted, so treat it like any other mid‑range tablet.
Display
The standout feature is the 2,800 × 1,840 px, 144 Hz IPS panel with a matte finish. Nano‑level etching reduces glare and adds a subtle texture that’s pleasant for both stylus work and outdoor use. The anti‑reflection coating makes interior lighting a non‑issue, and the high refresh rate delivers buttery scrolling.
Performance
Powered by the Kirin 9000WE octa‑core CPU and 8 GB of RAM, the tablet handles 4K drawing in GoPaint without stutter. Everyday tasks feel snappy, though heavy multitasking can expose the modest 8 GB limit.
Audio
Four stereo speakers deliver impressive bass and volume for a tablet this size. Mid‑range and treble are a bit recessed, giving the sound a slightly muddy character, but it’s not distracting for movies or music.
Keyboard & Accessories
The magnetic keyboard adds about £100 to the price. It attaches magnetically, charges wirelessly, and doubles as a kickstand when detached. The lack of a built‑in trackpad is the only notable omission.
Stylus – M‑Pencil Pro
The optional M‑Pencil Pro offers 16,384 pressure levels, tilt, double‑tap and pinch gestures. Pinch works only ~30 % of the time, but the other features are reliable. At £129 it adds a significant cost, so budget‑friendly alternatives may be preferable.
Software & Ecosystem
MatePad runs Huawei’s Harmony OS, which lacks native Google and Microsoft services. Users who rely on those apps will face compatibility hurdles. Huawei Notes provides a GoodNotes‑like experience, and GoPaint rivals Procreate, but the overall app ecosystem remains limited outside China.
Verdict & Who Should Buy
At £319 (≈€479), the MatePad 11.5 S offers an exceptional display and solid performance for students, commuters and office workers who don’t need Google/Microsoft apps. The optional keyboard and stylus push the total cost higher, so consider whether you’ll use them.
- Pros: 144 Hz matte display, strong performance, good speakers, magnetic keyboard, capable stylus.
- Cons: No Google/Microsoft apps, pricey accessories, limited app ecosystem, occasional stylus pinch issues.