Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025): A Deep Dive
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing raw, sustained performance, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) remains the superior choice. However, the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) offers a compelling alternative with its 100W charging and potentially broader software compatibility, making it ideal for those seeking convenience and flexibility.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) | Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2379, A2461, A2462 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2379 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2461, A2462 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2024, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 21 | Available. Released 2024, December 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, nylon fiber back, magnesium alloy frame |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in) | 289.1 x 196.1 x 5.5 mm (11.38 x 7.72 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 lb) | 580 g (Wi-FI) or 590 g (LTE) (1.28 lb) |
| Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 2880 x 1920 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~262 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 13.2 inches, 518.8 cm2 (~91.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (peak) | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR Vivid, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Kirin T92 |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | - |
| OS | iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | Harmony OS 4.3 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2, accessory connector pins |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 100W wired 7.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) | Li-Po 10100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Black, White, Gold |
| Models | A2379, A2461, A2462, iPad13,8, iPad13,9, iPad13,10, iPad13,11 | WEB-W00, PCE-W29 |
| Price | About 1200 EUR | About 680 EUR |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
- Exceptional performance with the Apple M1 chip
- High-quality Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Slower charging speeds compared to the MatePad Pro
- Higher price point
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025)
- Ultra-fast 100W wired charging
- Larger 13.2-inch display
- Potential for a more open software experience
- Performance likely trails the iPad Pro's M1 chip
- Camera specifications are currently unknown
Display Comparison
While both tablets boast large displays, specific details like resolution and panel technology are missing for the MatePad Pro. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) utilizes a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting, offering exceptional brightness and contrast. The absence of similar details for the MatePad Pro suggests a potentially less advanced display, though its larger 13.2-inch size provides more screen real estate. Bezels are likely comparable, given current design trends, but the iPad Pro’s ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rate) is a key advantage for smoother scrolling and responsiveness.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding the camera systems are absent for the MatePad Pro. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, with Center Stage for video conferencing. While tablet cameras aren’t typically a primary focus, the iPad Pro’s image signal processor (ISP) within the M1 chip provides excellent image quality. Without comparable specifications for the MatePad Pro, it’s reasonable to assume the iPad Pro holds an advantage in camera performance.
Performance
The core of the comparison lies in the chipsets. Apple’s M1 in the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is an 8-core CPU built on a 5nm process, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) features the Kirin T92, an octa-core processor. Without knowing the Kirin T92’s fabrication process (e.g., 3nm, 4nm), it’s difficult to directly compare efficiency. However, the M1’s proven track record in demanding applications gives it a significant edge. The iPad Pro also benefits from faster LPDDR5 RAM, contributing to quicker multitasking and application loading times. Thermal management will be crucial for the Kirin T92 to maintain performance under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unknown for both devices. However, the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) distinguishes itself with 100W wired charging, a significant leap over the iPad Pro’s slower charging speeds. This allows for a full charge in a fraction of the time. The MatePad Pro also offers 7.5W reverse wired charging, enabling it to charge other devices. While the iPad Pro likely offers respectable battery life, the MatePad Pro’s charging speed is a major convenience factor, especially for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) if you require the highest possible performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or professional creative workflows, and if seamless integration with other Apple devices is paramount. Buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) if you prioritize rapid charging, a potentially more open software experience, and value a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking, without necessarily needing the absolute peak performance of the M1.