The mid-range tablet space is heating up, with Huawei and Oppo offering compelling options. The Huawei MatePad 12 X aims for a premium experience with its high brightness display and fast charging, while the Oppo Pad Air2 focuses on efficiency and a streamlined user experience with its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing display quality and fast charging, the Huawei MatePad 12 X is the clear winner. Its significantly higher 686 nits brightness and 66W charging capability offer a more premium experience. However, the Oppo Pad Air2 provides a strong value proposition for those seeking a balanced and efficient tablet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 19 | 2023, November 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 22 | Available. Released 2023, November 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 270 x 183 x 5.9 mm (10.63 x 7.20 x 0.23 in) | 255.1 x 188 x 6.9 mm (10.04 x 7.40 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 555 g (1.22 lb) | 538 g (1.19 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~279 ppi density) | 1720 x 2408 pixels (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.0 inches, 426.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.4 inches, 396.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin T90A | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.2 | Android 13, ColorOS 13.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 33W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 10100 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Greenery | Silver, Gray |
| Price | About 850 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Huawei MatePad 12 X
- Significantly brighter display (686 nits)
- Ultra-fast 66W charging
- Potentially optimized Kirin T90A chipset
- Potentially higher price
- Limited information on software updates
Oppo Pad Air2
- Efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- More affordable price point
- PD charging compatibility
- Lower display brightness
- Slower 33W charging
Display Comparison
The Huawei MatePad 12 X boasts a significant advantage in display brightness, achieving a measured 686 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility and HDR content consumption, where the Oppo Pad Air2 likely falls short (spec not provided, but typical of the segment). While both tablets feature octa-core CPUs, the display’s impact on the overall user experience is substantial. The MatePad 12 X’s higher brightness translates to a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience, especially for media consumption. We expect the Oppo Pad Air2 to have a more standard LCD panel, lacking the color vibrancy and contrast of a potentially higher-end panel in the MatePad 12 X.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, given the focus on productivity and entertainment, camera quality is likely a secondary consideration. We can assume both tablets will feature adequate cameras for video conferencing and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality differences. The absence of detailed camera information suggests neither device is a standout in this category.
Performance
The Huawei MatePad 12 X utilizes the Kirin T90A chipset, while the Oppo Pad Air2 is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). The Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, offers a good balance of performance and efficiency with its octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). However, the Kirin T90A, while details are limited, is likely optimized for Huawei’s ecosystem and potentially offers superior multimedia processing. The 6nm node of the Helio G99 will contribute to better thermal management compared to older nodes, but the Kirin T90A’s architecture is unknown, making a direct performance comparison difficult without benchmarks. Users engaging in demanding tasks like video editing or gaming may find the MatePad 12 X more responsive.
Battery Life
The charging capabilities are a key differentiator. The Huawei MatePad 12 X supports 66W wired charging, significantly faster than the Oppo Pad Air2’s 33W wired charging with PD. This translates to substantially quicker top-up times, a major convenience for users on the go. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the MatePad 12 X mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The Oppo Pad Air2’s PD support ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers, but it won’t match the MatePad 12 X’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 12 X if you need a vibrant, bright display for content creation or outdoor use, and value the convenience of extremely fast 66W charging. This tablet is ideal for professionals and entertainment enthusiasts. Buy the Oppo Pad Air2 if you prioritize portability, efficiency, and a more affordable price point. It’s a great choice for students, casual users, and those who value long battery life over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin T90A chipset in the MatePad 12 X offer a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G99 for gaming?
While direct benchmarks are unavailable, the Kirin T90A is likely optimized for Huawei’s ecosystem and may offer better sustained performance in demanding games. The Helio G99 is a capable chipset, but the Kirin T90A’s architecture could provide an edge, especially in titles optimized for Huawei’s hardware.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Huawei MatePad 12 X with the 66W charger?
With 66W charging, the Huawei MatePad 12 X is expected to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Oppo Pad Air2’s 33W charging.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a significant drawback for either tablet?
Given the target audience and price point, camera quality is likely not a primary focus for either tablet. Both devices will likely suffice for basic video calls and casual photos, but they won’t compete with dedicated cameras or flagship smartphones.
