The tablet market offers a wide range of options, but narrowing down the best choice can be challenging. We're pitting the newly released Huawei MatePad Air (2024) against the established Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, focusing on the key differences in performance and charging capabilities to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing rapid charging and a potentially smoother experience with demanding tasks, the Huawei MatePad Air (2024) is the better choice. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a capable tablet at a more accessible price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 06 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 13 | Available. Released 2021, July 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 270 x 183 x 5.9 mm (10.63 x 7.20 x 0.23 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 555 g (1.22 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~279 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.0 inches, 426.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.2 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pink, Green, White, Gray | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal |
| Models | - | ZA940124SE |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Huawei MatePad Air (2024)
- Significantly faster 66W charging
- Likely more powerful and efficient chipset
- Potential for a superior display
- Price is likely higher than the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- Detailed specifications currently unavailable
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Established track record and availability
- Slower 20W charging
- Older Mediatek Helio G90T chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent for the MatePad Air (2024), but Huawei typically focuses on high-resolution panels. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus features an 11-inch IPS LCD. The key differentiator here will likely be panel technology and color accuracy, with the MatePad Air potentially offering a superior viewing experience if it incorporates OLED or a high-quality IPS panel with wider color gamut coverage. The P11 Plus’s IPS panel is adequate for general use, but may lack the vibrancy and contrast of a more advanced display.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are unavailable for the MatePad Air (2024). The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s camera specifications are also limited, suggesting neither tablet prioritizes photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given the market segment, both tablets likely feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is powered by the Mediatek Helio G90T (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This chipset is geared towards gaming and offers decent performance for its price range. The MatePad Air (2024)'s chipset is unspecified, but given its positioning, it's likely to be a more recent and efficient processor. The 12nm process of the Helio G90T is less efficient than newer nodes, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. The MatePad Air, with a potentially smaller node size, could offer better sustained performance and thermal management. The P11 Plus’s CPU architecture, while capable, is older and will likely show its age when compared to a newer chipset in the MatePad Air.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus features 20W wired charging. The Huawei MatePad Air (2024) significantly ups the ante with 66W wired charging. This difference in charging speed is substantial; the MatePad Air will likely achieve a full charge in considerably less time than the P11 Plus. While battery capacity is unknown for both devices, the faster charging of the MatePad Air mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, allowing for quicker top-ups and reduced downtime. The 66W charging is a major advantage for users who need to quickly recharge their tablet on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad Air (2024) if you need the fastest possible charging speeds and anticipate using your tablet for resource-intensive applications like video editing or gaming. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you prioritize affordability and a balanced experience for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G90T in the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus struggle with demanding games?
The Helio G90T is capable of running many games, but you may need to lower graphics settings for newer, more demanding titles. It's a good performer for its price range, but it won't match the performance of a more modern chipset found in higher-end tablets.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus with the 20W charger?
With a 20W charger, expect the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on usage during charging. The Huawei MatePad Air (2024) with its 66W charging will be significantly faster.
❓ Is the lack of detailed specs for the Huawei MatePad Air (2024) a cause for concern?
It's common for manufacturers to release initial information without full specifications. However, the 66W charging and Huawei's brand reputation suggest a premium tablet experience. We expect more detailed specs to be revealed closer to the official launch.
