The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from productivity powerhouses to media consumption devices. The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S and Amazon Fire Max 11 represent opposite ends of this spectrum, with the Huawei aiming for a more versatile experience and the Amazon focusing on affordability and integration with Amazon’s services. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value and a streamlined media experience, the Amazon Fire Max 11 emerges as the better choice. While the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S offers a more general-purpose Android experience, the Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J chipset delivers comparable performance at a significantly lower price point, and its 15W charging is adequate for typical usage.
| 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 | 2024, May 08 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 261 x 177.2 x 6.2 mm (10.28 x 6.98 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 | 510 g (1.12 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1840 x 2800 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~291 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 391.6 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 144Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Harmony OS 4.2 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 3.0, 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, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 8800 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver Frost, Violet | Gray |
| Models | TGR-W09 | KFSNWI |
| Price | - | About 270 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 11.5 S
- Faster 22.5W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially wider app compatibility due to a more standard Android experience.
- May offer more RAM configurations for improved multitasking.
- Higher price point compared to the Fire Max 11.
- CPU specifications are vague, making performance prediction difficult.
- Reliance on Huawei’s ecosystem may not appeal to all users.
Amazon Fire Max 11
- More efficient Mediatek MT8188J chipset with Cortex-A78 cores.
- Significantly lower price point, offering excellent value.
- Seamless integration with Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle).
- Slower 15W charging.
- Fire OS is a customized Android experience, potentially limiting app choices.
- Heavily geared towards Amazon’s ecosystem, which may not suit all users.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature octa-core CPUs, but the specifics diverge significantly. The Amazon Fire Max 11 utilizes the Mediatek MT8188J, a chipset built on a more modern architecture with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S, which only specifies an octa-core CPU without detailing the core configuration. The MT8188J’s Cortex-A78 cores suggest a performance advantage in demanding tasks. Display details are missing for both, but given the price point, the Fire Max 11 likely utilizes an IPS LCD, while the MatePad 11.5 S may incorporate a higher-quality panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided for either device, making a direct comparison impossible. However, given the target market, it’s safe to assume both tablets prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. The cameras are likely intended for video calls and casual snapshots rather than serious photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality.
Performance
The Mediatek MT8188J in the Fire Max 11 provides a clear architectural advantage. The inclusion of Cortex-A78 cores, known for their efficiency and performance, positions it favorably against the unspecified CPU in the MatePad 11.5 S. While both are octa-core, the core design matters. The Fire Max 11’s chipset is likely to offer smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. RAM specifications are absent for both, but the Fire Max 11’s performance suggests at least 4GB, while the MatePad 11.5 S may offer configurations with more RAM, potentially offsetting the chipset difference. Thermal management is unknown for both, but the MT8188J’s efficiency could lead to less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 is limited to 15W. This suggests the MatePad 11.5 S can charge faster, potentially reducing downtime. However, the actual charging time depends on battery capacity, which is not specified for either device. The 15W charging on the Fire Max 11 is still adequate for overnight charging and typical usage patterns. The faster charging of the MatePad 11.5 S will be most beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their battery during the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S if you need a tablet that can handle a wider range of Android applications and benefit from Huawei’s ecosystem features, even if it comes at a premium. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you primarily consume media, rely heavily on Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle), and prioritize affordability and a simplified user experience. The Fire Max 11 is ideal for families and casual users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT8188J in the Fire Max 11 struggle with graphically intensive games?
While not a flagship chipset, the Mediatek MT8188J with its Cortex-A78 cores is capable of handling most Android games at medium settings. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings for smooth gameplay, but the chipset’s architecture provides a solid foundation for gaming.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire OS a significant limitation compared to standard Android?
Fire OS is a customized version of Android, lacking the Google Play Store. However, it provides access to the Amazon Appstore, which offers a curated selection of apps. Sideloading apps is also possible, but requires technical knowledge. The limitation is most noticeable for users heavily reliant on Google services.
❓ How does the 22.5W charging on the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S translate to real-world charging times?
Without knowing the battery capacity, precise charging times are difficult to estimate. However, 22.5W charging should allow for a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is faster than the Fire Max 11’s 15W charging.
