The tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but narrowing down the best choice can be challenging. We pit the Huawei MatePad 5G, known for its integrated 5G connectivity, against the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, a strong contender with a newer chipset, to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 emerges as the winner. Its Kompanio 1300T chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift over the MatePad 5G’s Kirin 820. However, the MatePad 5G remains a compelling option for those specifically needing 5G connectivity without a premium price tag.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 16. Released 2020, October 13 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 155 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.30 in) | 263.7 x 166.7 x 6.8 mm (10.38 x 6.56 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1536 x 2560 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.2 inches, 357.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ) | OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.22 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 820 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 (6-core) | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 20W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Dark Blue | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Models | BAH3-AN10 | ZAB50194GB, ZAB50043SE |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 616573 (v9)
GeekBench: 2827 (v5.1) |
Huawei MatePad 5G
- Integrated 5G connectivity for on-the-go access.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Huawei’s established brand reputation.
- Older Kirin 820 chipset with less efficient 7nm process.
- Potentially limited software updates due to geopolitical factors.
- May lack the premium features of newer tablets.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- More powerful Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset (6nm).
- Faster and more efficient charging with QC3.
- Likely better long-term software support.
- Lacks integrated 5G connectivity.
- Potentially higher price point.
- Lenovo’s software experience may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 benefits from a newer generation chipset often paired with higher-quality displays. The MatePad 5G, given its market positioning, likely features a standard LCD panel. The Kompanio 1300T’s image signal processor (ISP) could also contribute to better display calibration and color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, but the Lenovo’s newer design may offer slightly slimmer borders.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, given the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2’s positioning as a premium tablet, it’s reasonable to expect a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and improved image processing capabilities. Huawei often emphasizes camera technology, but the Kirin 820’s ISP is older. The Lenovo’s ISP, integrated with the Kompanio 1300T, likely benefits from newer algorithms and features.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2’s Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6nm) chipset represents a significant architectural leap over the Huawei MatePad 5G’s Kirin 820 (7nm). The Kompanio 1300T utilizes four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, offering superior single-core performance compared to the Kirin 820’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.36 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 6nm fabrication process also improves thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both utilize octa-core configurations, the newer ARM architecture in the Lenovo tablet provides a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2’s 20W charging with Quick Charge 3 (QC3) support offers a slight advantage over the MatePad 5G’s 22.5W wired charging. QC3 allows for more dynamic voltage and current adjustments, potentially leading to faster and more efficient charging cycles. The 6nm process of the Kompanio 1300T also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 5G if you require seamless 5G connectivity on the go and prioritize a lower upfront cost. This tablet is ideal for users who frequently travel or rely on mobile data for work and entertainment. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 if you prioritize performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking, and value a more modern chipset with potentially better long-term software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 820 chipset in the Huawei MatePad 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 820 is a capable chipset, but it may exhibit frame drops or require lower graphics settings in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. The Mediatek Kompanio 1300T in the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 offers a more consistent gaming experience due to its newer architecture and higher clock speeds.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 a significant drawback for travelers?
If you frequently rely on mobile data while traveling and require consistently fast internet speeds, the lack of 5G on the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 could be a drawback. However, most public Wi-Fi hotspots offer adequate connectivity for basic tasks, and you can always use a mobile hotspot from your smartphone.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Kompanio 1300T impact real-world battery life compared to the Kirin 820’s 7nm process?
The 6nm process is more efficient than 7nm, meaning the Kompanio 1300T consumes less power for the same level of performance. This translates to longer battery life during typical usage scenarios, such as web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. You can expect a noticeable improvement in battery endurance with the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2.
