The Android tablet market is heating up, with compelling options emerging from Huawei and Xiaomi. We pit the Huawei MatePad 10.4, a well-established mid-range contender, against the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, a larger-screened device boasting a significantly more powerful chipset. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and rapid charging, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers a substantial performance uplift over the MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. However, the MatePad 10.4 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users seeking a capable all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.29 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Kirin 810 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 400 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- More affordable price point
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Established brand reputation
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset compared to the competition
- Potentially limited software updates
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 870
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Larger, more immersive display
- Higher price tag
- Potentially larger and heavier form factor
- Software experience may vary based on region
Display Comparison
While both tablets offer sizable displays, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s larger 12.4-inch screen provides a more immersive viewing experience. Details regarding panel technology (LCD vs. IPS) and resolution are missing for both, but the larger size of the Xiaomi model is a clear advantage for multitasking and media consumption. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, but the Xiaomi’s larger canvas will be more noticeable. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but the larger display often correlates with higher peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a primary concern for tablet users, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely holds an edge. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but Xiaomi generally prioritizes camera quality in its devices. The MatePad 10.4’s camera setup is likely adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots, but the Xiaomi’s camera system is expected to deliver better image quality in various lighting conditions. We anticipate the Xiaomi will have a more sophisticated image processing pipeline.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Huawei MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810 (7nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, offer a considerable performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks compared to the Kirin 810’s 2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The Snapdragon 870 also boasts a more powerful Adreno GPU, providing a significant boost in gaming performance. While both utilize 7nm fabrication, the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon 870 yield superior performance.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a standout feature, capable of charging the device from 0% to 60% in just 36 minutes and fully charging it in 68 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the Huawei MatePad 10.4’s slower 18W charging. While battery capacity is not specified for either device, the faster charging of the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery size. The inclusion of PD3.0 and QC4 support on the Xiaomi further enhances its charging versatility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 10.4 if you need a reliable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and light productivity, and value affordability. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you prioritize demanding applications, gaming, and a faster, more responsive experience, and are willing to invest in a premium device with significantly faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 810 chipset struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact on the Huawei MatePad 10.4?
The Kirin 810 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Snapdragon 870 will provide a much smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 compare to standard tablet charging speeds?
67W charging is exceptionally fast for a tablet. Most tablets charge at 18W or 25W. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 can go from 0% to 60% in under 40 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the Huawei MatePad 10.4’s 18W charging.
❓ Is the lack of 5G connectivity on the Huawei MatePad 10.4 a significant drawback?
While the Snapdragon 870 in the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 includes 5G, the absence of 5G on the MatePad 10.4 isn't a major issue for most tablet users. Tablets are typically used with Wi-Fi, and 5G connectivity isn't essential for the majority of use cases.
