Huawei has unveiled the MatePad 11.5, a mid-range tablet designed to bridge the gap between premium devices and budget-friendly options. The device combines a glare-free PaperMatte display with advanced creative and office features, aiming to attract students and young professionals seeking performance at an accessible price.
The company says its new 11.5-inch PaperMatte Display uses nano-level anti-glare etching technology to reduce 99% of light interference. This is intended to deliver clearer text and steady contrast even under bright conditions, tackling one of the main complaints about tablets used for study or work. Huawei claims the screen also provides an “eye-soothing” experience while replicating the feel of pen on paper when paired with its stylus.
The MatePad 11.5 ships with Huawei’s upgraded Notes app, which supports handwriting conversion, customisable stickers, and note covers. The M-Pencil (3rd generation) is designed to enhance the writing and sketching experience, while an AI Handwriting Enhancement tool can refine handwritten notes into neater fonts. The tablet also comes preloaded with GoPaint, Huawei’s in-house digital painting application, which has been positioned as a pro-level tool for artists and enthusiasts alike.
Beyond creativity, Huawei has pitched the device as a productivity companion. It features a PC-level version of WPS Office, with spreadsheets, presentations, and formulas that resemble desktop software. The MatePad also supports a detachable smart keyboard and external mouse, enabling a laptop-style setup. Users can work across multiple windows simultaneously, making it easier to balance documents, spreadsheets, and communication tools.
At just 6.1mm thick and weighing 515g, the MatePad 11.5 is designed for portability. Despite its slim frame, the tablet houses a 10,100 mAh battery — a 30% increase over its predecessor — providing more than 14 hours of video playback. Fast charging is supported via Huawei’s 40W SuperCharge, allowing a full charge in under 100 minutes.
The device’s launch comes as the tablet market grows increasingly competitive. Premium devices such as Apple’s iPad Air and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 continue to dominate in performance, but their prices remain out of reach for many students and younger professionals. Affordable tablets, meanwhile, have often been criticised for cutting too many corners.
Huawei appears to be positioning the MatePad 11.5 as a way to offer a flagship-like experience without the high cost. The company is highlighting not just the display but also its creative toolkit and office-ready functions as key differentiators.
With the new MatePad, Huawei is hoping to appeal to those who want more than just an entertainment device. The combination of glare-free reading, digital note-taking, creative apps, and productivity tools reflects the company’s ambition to make tablets central to both study and work.
The MatePad 11.5 will be available in select markets soon, though Huawei has not yet confirmed global pricing details.
