The large-screen Android tablet market is heating up, with Huawei and Xiaomi both offering compelling options. The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S aims for a balance of features and affordability, while the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 aggressively targets the high-end with flagship-level performance and rapid charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right tablet for your workflow.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 120W charging significantly outperform the MatePad 11.5 S. However, the MatePad 11.5 S remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't demand the absolute fastest speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | N/A |
| GPRS | No | N/A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 08 | 2024, February 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2024, February 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 261 x 177.2 x 6.2 mm (10.28 x 6.98 x 0.24 in) | 278.7 x 191.6 x 6.3 mm (10.97 x 7.54 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 510 g (1.12 lb) | 590 g (1.30 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1840 x 2800 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~291 ppi density) | 2032 x 3048 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 391.6 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 457.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 144Hz | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Harmony OS 4.2 | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.6", 0.61µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, LHDC |
| NFC | No | Yes (file transfer only) |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/a/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 45% in 10 min, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | 8800 mAh | 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver Frost, Violet | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | TGR-W09 | 24018RPACG |
| Price | - | About 700 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Huawei MatePad 11.5 S
- More affordable price point
- Reverse wired charging capability (5W)
- Potentially lighter and more portable
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speed (22.5W)
- Likely lower display brightness and contrast
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- Ultra-fast 120W charging
- Brighter and higher-contrast display (848 nits, 1378:1)
- Higher price tag
- Potentially heavier build
- No reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 848 nits compared to the MatePad 11.5 S’s unspecified peak brightness (though likely lower). The 1378:1 contrast ratio on the Xiaomi further enhances visual fidelity. While both tablets feature large screens, the Xiaomi’s superior brightness and contrast make it more suitable for outdoor use and HDR content consumption. We expect the Xiaomi to also have a higher refresh rate, though this is not specified in the provided data. The larger screen size of the Xiaomi also provides more screen real estate for multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn’t offer detailed camera specifications. However, given the market positioning, we can infer that the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 likely features a more capable camera system. The focus should be on video conferencing quality rather than still photography, and the Xiaomi’s superior processing power will likely result in better image stabilization and noise reduction during video calls. We can assume both tablets will have front-facing cameras optimized for video calls.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AB), a 4nm chipset featuring a tri-cluster architecture (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510). This is a significant leap over the MatePad 11.5 S’s unspecified octa-core processor. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s advanced architecture and efficient 4nm process translate to faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The Xiaomi’s likely use of LPDDR5x RAM further contributes to its performance advantage. The MatePad 11.5 S will be adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 45% charge in just 10 minutes and a full charge in 35 minutes. This is dramatically faster than the MatePad 11.5 S’s 22.5W charging. While the Xiaomi’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 11:14h demonstrates excellent battery life. The MatePad 11.5 S’s battery capacity is also unknown, but its slower charging speed suggests it will take considerably longer to replenish. The Xiaomi’s charging speed is a significant convenience factor for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S if you need a capable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity, and value a more accessible price point. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 if you prioritize demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast charging and a brighter, higher-contrast display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is known for its efficiency, and Xiaomi likely employs advanced thermal management solutions (vapor chamber cooling, graphite sheets) to mitigate heat buildup. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the 4nm process and optimized cooling should prevent significant throttling and maintain consistent performance.
❓ How does the 120W charging of the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 affect long-term battery health?
While extremely fast charging can theoretically accelerate battery degradation over time, modern charging algorithms and battery management systems mitigate this risk. Xiaomi’s 120W charging includes safeguards to regulate voltage and current, minimizing stress on the battery. The convenience of rapid charging often outweighs the potential for slightly accelerated degradation.
❓ Is the lack of reverse wireless charging on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 a significant drawback?
For most users, the absence of reverse wireless charging is unlikely to be a major issue. Reverse *wired* charging, offered by the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S, is more practical for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches, but the 5W output is relatively slow. The Xiaomi prioritizes faster charging *for itself*, which is a more valuable feature for the majority of users.
