The Huawei MatePad 11 has consistently been a strong contender in the mid-range tablet market. With a refreshed 2023 model, the question arises: is the upgrade worth it? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the specs, performance, and features of both tablets to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MatePad 11 (2023) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 870, making it the better choice for demanding users. However, the 2021 model remains a solid option, especially if budget is a primary concern and you don't need the absolute fastest processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 02 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 7.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.29 in) | 253.7 x 165.3 x 7.2 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 485 g (1.07 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support (magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 348.3 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0, upgradable to 3.0 | HarmonyOS 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Gray | Black, Blue, White, Purple |
| Models | DBY-W09 | DBR-W10 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1200:1 | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-21.1 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
Huawei MatePad 11 (2021)
- More affordable
- Excellent display
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Reverse wired charging
- Older chipset
- Performance can struggle with demanding games
- No 5G connectivity
Huawei MatePad 11 (2023)
- Faster performance with Snapdragon 870
- Improved efficiency
- Slightly better battery life (potentially)
- 5G connectivity (depending on variant)
- More expensive
- Similar display to 2021 model
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Both MatePad 11 models feature an excellent 1200:1 contrast ratio display, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 2023 model maintains the same 497 nits max brightness, ensuring good visibility even outdoors. While the resolution is consistent (around 2560 x 1600), the 2023 model might offer slightly improved color accuracy due to potential display panel refinements, though this is not officially documented.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally similar between the two models. Both feature a 13MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in this area. Expect comparable results in terms of detail, color reproduction, and low-light performance.
Performance
This is where the 2023 model shines. The Snapdragon 870 (SM8250-AC) is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 865 (SM8250) in the 2021 model. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 2023 version. The Kryo 585 cores in the 870 offer better efficiency and raw power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is the same at 7250mAh for both models. However, the more efficient Snapdragon 870 in the 2023 model may result in slightly better battery life under heavy usage, although real-world differences are likely to be minimal. Both support 22.5W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad 11 (2021) is ideal for students, casual users, and those on a tighter budget who primarily need a tablet for media consumption and light productivity. The Huawei MatePad 11 (2023) is better suited for gamers, creative professionals, and anyone who values smoother performance and faster processing for more intensive tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei MatePad 11 (2023) worth the upgrade from the 2021 model?
If you prioritize performance and smoother multitasking, especially for gaming or creative apps, then yes. Otherwise, the 2021 model remains a capable and more affordable option.
❓ Does the MatePad 11 (2023) support 5G?
Yes, some variants of the MatePad 11 (2023) offer 5G connectivity. Check the specific model number to confirm.
