The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from entertainment-focused devices to productivity powerhouses. The Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) aims for the latter with its newer Kirin T82B chipset, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 continues Amazon’s strategy of affordable tablets deeply integrated with their ecosystem. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a more open Android experience, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) is the clear winner. Its 12-core Kirin T82B chipset significantly outperforms the Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J, and the 40W charging is a substantial advantage. However, the Fire Max 11 remains a compelling option for those heavily invested in Amazon’s services.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 10 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 262.6 x 177.5 x 6.1 mm (10.34 x 6.99 x 0.24 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 515 g (1.14 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2456 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~256 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 387.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 12-core (2x2.29 GHz & 6x2.05 GHz & 4x1.31 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin T82B | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Maleoon 920c | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Harmony OS 4.3 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 10100 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Violet, Space Gray | Gray |
| Models | TXZ-W09 | KFSNWI |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025)
- Significantly faster processor with 12 cores.
- 40W fast charging for quicker power-ups.
- Potential for a higher-quality display panel.
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging
- Likely higher price point.
- Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) ecosystem may require adaptation for some users.
Amazon Fire Max 11
- More affordable price.
- Deep integration with Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle).
- User-friendly Fire OS interface.
- Good option for families with Amazon Kids+.
- Slower processor and limited performance.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Fire OS is a heavily customized Android experience with limited app compatibility outside the Amazon Appstore.
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing for both devices, the MatePad 11.5’s positioning suggests a higher-quality panel. The Fire Max 11, historically, has focused on adequate displays rather than leading-edge technology. The MatePad 11.5 likely benefits from Huawei’s display expertise, potentially offering higher brightness and color accuracy. Bezels are a key area to watch, as thinner bezels contribute to a more immersive experience, and Huawei typically prioritizes a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent for both devices. Given the price points and target audiences, neither tablet is likely to excel in photography. However, Huawei typically includes more capable camera systems in its tablets than Amazon. Expect the MatePad 11.5 to offer a more versatile camera experience, even if it doesn’t rival flagship smartphones. The Fire Max 11’s camera is likely geared towards basic video calls and quick snapshots.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) boasts a Kirin T82B with a 12-core CPU configuration (2x2.29 GHz, 6x2.05 GHz, 4x1.31 GHz). This contrasts sharply with the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J, an octa-core processor (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The Kirin’s higher core count and varied clock speeds suggest superior multi-tasking and processing power. The Cortex-A78 cores in the Fire Max 11 are competitive, but the sheer number of cores in the Kirin T82B, combined with potential architectural advantages, will translate to a smoother experience, especially in demanding applications. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM specification for either device makes it difficult to assess memory bandwidth, but Huawei generally employs faster memory in its higher-end tablets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds are significantly different. The Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) supports 40W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 is limited to 15W. This means the MatePad 11.5 will charge much faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Fire Max 11 could offset the slower charging, the 40W charging on the MatePad 11.5 provides a tangible benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device. The MatePad 11.5 also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Fire Max 11.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and gaming, and prefer a more standard Android experience. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you primarily consume media, rely heavily on Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle), and prioritize affordability over raw performance. The Fire Max 11 is also a good choice for families seeking a dedicated kids’ tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kirin T82B in the MatePad 11.5 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin T82B’s 12-core CPU and likely accompanying GPU should provide a significantly better gaming experience than the Fire Max 11. While it won’t match dedicated gaming tablets, it should be capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates, something the Fire Max 11 would likely struggle with.
❓ How restricted is the app ecosystem on the Amazon Fire Max 11 compared to the Huawei MatePad 11.5?
The Amazon Fire Max 11 relies on the Amazon Appstore, which has a smaller selection of apps compared to the Google Play Store available on the Huawei MatePad 11.5. While many popular apps are available, you may encounter limitations or need to sideload apps, which isn’t straightforward. The MatePad 11.5, despite using Huawei Mobile Services, offers broader app compatibility.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2025) support stylus and keyboard accessories?
Huawei typically designs its MatePad series to be compatible with stylus and keyboard accessories, enhancing productivity. While specific accessory compatibility for the 2025 model needs confirmation, it’s highly probable that it will support Huawei’s M-Pencil and Smart Magnetic Keyboard, transforming it into a 2-in-1 device.
