The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from premium flagships to budget-friendly options. The Huawei MatePad 11.5, powered by a modern Snapdragon chipset, aims for a balance of performance and portability. Conversely, the Amazon Fire Max 11 targets entertainment and affordability, relying on a Mediatek processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a more versatile Android experience, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly better processing power and efficiency. However, the Amazon Fire Max 11 remains a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and seeking a basic entertainment tablet at a lower price point.
| 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 | 2023, July 13 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 22 | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | - |
| Dimensions | 260.9 x 176.8 x 6.9 mm (10.27 x 6.96 x 0.27 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 499 g (1.10 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1440 x 2200 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~229 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 391.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Harmony OS 3.1 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 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 | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 | 22.5W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray | Gray |
| Models | BTKR-W09 | KFSNWI |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 11.5
- Superior processing power with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- Faster 22.5W charging
- More efficient 4nm chipset for longer battery life
- Likely higher price point
- May lack Amazon ecosystem integration
Amazon Fire Max 11
- Lower price point
- Deep integration with Amazon services
- Suitable for basic entertainment tasks
- Less powerful Mediatek MT8188J processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially more throttling under load
Display Comparison
While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for both devices, the focus here is on processing power impacting UI smoothness. The chipset's ability to drive the display efficiently is key. We can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels given their price points. The more powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the MatePad 11.5 will likely provide a more responsive and fluid user experience, especially when scrolling through content or navigating demanding apps.
Camera Comparison
Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both tablets likely feature modest camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of specific sensor details suggests neither device prioritizes photography. We can infer that the MatePad 11.5, benefiting from its more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon chipset, may offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance, but this is speculative.
Performance
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 boasts the Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm), an octa-core processor featuring a mix of Cortex-A710 and A510 cores. This 4nm process node is a significant advantage, offering improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J. The Fire Max 11’s processor, with its Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, is older architecture and likely to exhibit more throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon’s architecture, with its more powerful A710 cores, translates to faster app launch times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 is limited to 15W. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the MatePad 11.5 offers a tangible benefit, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like multitasking, light gaming, and productivity apps, and value a cleaner 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 shared entertainment device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire Max 11 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8188J processor in the Fire Max 11 is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. Expect lower frame rates, graphical settings compromises, and potential overheating. The Huawei MatePad 11.5, with its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How well does the Huawei MatePad 11.5 handle multitasking with several apps open simultaneously?
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 excels at multitasking thanks to its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and likely ample RAM (though the exact amount isn't specified). It can comfortably handle multiple apps running in the background without significant slowdowns, making it ideal for productivity tasks and switching between applications.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire Max 11 a good choice if I'm heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem?
Absolutely. The Amazon Fire Max 11 is designed to seamlessly integrate with Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, and Amazon Music. It offers a streamlined experience for accessing and enjoying Amazon content, making it a compelling option for existing Amazon subscribers.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad 11.5 support Google Play Services?
Huawei's situation with Google Play Services is complex. The MatePad 11.5 likely utilizes Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. While many popular apps are available through these channels, some Google apps may require sideloading or alternative solutions.
