Huawei's MatePad series offers tablets for various budgets and needs. The MatePad C5e is a budget-friendly option, while the MatePad 10.4 aims for a more premium experience. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MatePad 10.4 is the clear winner for most users, thanks to its significantly faster Kirin 810 chipset, larger and higher-resolution display, and faster charging. However, the C5e remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing affordability and basic tablet functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 19 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Kirin 810 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G52 MP6 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10.1 | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deepsea Blue | White, Gray |
| Models | BZI-W00 | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 |
| Price | - | About 250 EUR |
Huawei MatePad C5e
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent for basic tasks
- Lower performance
- Smaller and less detailed display
- Slower charging
- Older chipset
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- Faster performance
- Larger and higher-resolution display
- Faster charging
- Better multitasking
- More premium feel
- More expensive
- Slightly larger and less portable than C5e
Display Comparison
The MatePad 10.4 boasts a 10.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, offering a sharper and more immersive viewing experience. The C5e has an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which is adequate but noticeably less detailed. The 10.4's larger size also makes it better for split-screen multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature basic camera setups. The MatePad 10.4 generally offers slightly better image quality due to its more advanced processing capabilities, but neither tablet is a photography powerhouse. Expect decent results for video calls and casual snapshots.
Performance
Performance is where the MatePad 10.4 truly shines. Its Kirin 810 chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a substantial performance boost over the C5e's 14nm Kirin 710A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10.4. The Cortex-A76 cores in the 810 are a significant upgrade.
Battery Life
The MatePad 10.4 has a larger battery capacity (7250 mAh vs 5100 mAh in the C5e) and faster charging (18W vs 10W). This translates to longer battery life and quicker top-ups on the 10.4. While the C5e offers reverse charging, the 10.4's faster charging is generally more practical.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad C5e is ideal for students, casual users, or those on a tight budget who primarily need a tablet for browsing, light media consumption, and basic productivity tasks. The Huawei MatePad 10.4 is better suited for users who demand more performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and appreciate a larger, more vibrant display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MatePad C5e good for gaming?
The MatePad C5e can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The MatePad 10.4 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Can I use a stylus with either tablet?
The MatePad 10.4 supports Huawei's M-Pencil (sold separately), offering a more precise and versatile input method. The C5e does not officially support a stylus.