The mid-range tablet market is heating up, with both Huawei and Lenovo offering compelling options. The Huawei MatePad 11.5, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, aims for a balance of power and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 leverages the MediaTek Helio G99, focusing on delivering solid performance at a competitive price point. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, offers a clear advantage in CPU and GPU capabilities. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 13 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 22 | Available. Released 2023, January |
| 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) | 269.1 x 169.4 x 7.4 mm (10.59 x 6.67 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 499 g (1.10 lb) | 520 g (1.15 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1440 x 2200 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~229 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 391.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Harmony OS 3.1 | Android 12L |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray | Storm Grey, Sage |
| Models | BTKR-W09 | TB350FU |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 11.5
- More powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset
- Superior power efficiency due to 4nm process
- Potentially better camera performance
- Likely higher price point
- Huawei ecosystem limitations (potential software restrictions)
Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
- More affordable price
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- MediaTek Helio G99 offers good value
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- Potentially lower image quality
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing, the MatePad 11.5’s positioning suggests a higher-quality panel. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 typically pairs with displays featuring higher refresh rates and potentially better color accuracy. The Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2, aiming for a lower price, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. The 6nm Helio G99 may necessitate a less power-hungry display to maximize battery life. Bezels are likely comparable, given both tablets target the mid-range segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Huawei generally prioritizes camera performance, even in mid-range devices. It’s reasonable to assume the MatePad 11.5 has a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor. The Helio G99 in the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 is primarily focused on gaming and general performance, suggesting the camera system may be a lower priority. Expect the MatePad 11.5 to deliver better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei MatePad 11.5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a more modern CPU architecture – a combination of Cortex-A710 cores – and a more powerful GPU compared to the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm). The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon offers superior power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance under load. While the Helio G99’s Cortex-A76 cores are capable, they are a generation behind the A710, resulting in lower single-core and multi-core scores. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1’s 4nm process gives the MatePad 11.5 an advantage in power efficiency. Despite potentially having a smaller battery, it could achieve comparable or even better battery life than the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2. The MatePad 11.5’s 22.5W wired charging is relatively standard, while the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar or slightly slower to maintain a competitive price.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or multitasking without significant throttling. Its more powerful chipset and potentially better thermal management make it ideal for power users. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 if you prioritize affordability and a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity. It’s a fantastic option for students or families seeking a reliable and budget-friendly tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact and similar demanding titles will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the MatePad 11.5 will handle these games with higher fidelity and more consistent frame rates.
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad 11.5 support the full Huawei ecosystem, including the M-Pencil and keyboard accessories?
Yes, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 is fully compatible with Huawei’s ecosystem of accessories, including the M-Pencil (2nd generation) and the Smart Magnetic Keyboard. These accessories enhance productivity and provide a more versatile tablet experience.
❓ How does the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 impact long-term performance on the MatePad 11.5?
The 4nm process significantly improves thermal efficiency. This means the MatePad 11.5 is less likely to throttle performance during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks, maintaining higher clock speeds for longer periods compared to the 6nm Helio G99.