Huawei's MatePad line has consistently offered a compelling blend of features and performance. This comparison pits the established MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021), powered by the Snapdragon 870, against the newer MatePad 11.5 S (2025), representing a refresh in the lineup. We'll delve into the key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) represents the better value. While the MatePad 11.5 S (2025) is a newer device, the core performance difference isn't substantial enough to justify a potential price premium, especially given the Pro 10.8's robust feature set and proven Snapdragon 870 chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 02 | 2025, August 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 25 | Available. Released 2025, August 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 246 x 159 x 7.2 mm (9.69 x 6.26 x 0.28 in) | 261 x 177.3 x 6.1 mm (10.28 x 6.98 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 515 g (1.14 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 1840 x 2800 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~291 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.8 inches, 338.2 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.5 inches, 391.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 540 nits (typ) | TFT LCD, 144Hz, HDR Vivid |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | - |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Harmony OS 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired
27W wireless
10W wireless reversed
5W reverse wired | 40W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | 8800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, White | Gray, Silver, Mint, Purple |
| Models | MRR-W29 | SLG-W50, SLG-W10 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021)
- Proven Snapdragon 870 performance
- 40W wired and 27W wireless charging
- Versatile reverse charging options (wireless and wired)
- Older model – potentially fewer software updates
- Display specifications are unknown
Huawei MatePad 11.5 S (2025)
- More recent model – potentially longer software support
- Slightly larger screen size (11.5 inches)
- Potentially improved design aesthetics
- Missing chipset details – performance is uncertain
- Lacks wireless charging
- Limited reverse charging (5W wired only)
Display Comparison
Both tablets lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but given the 'Pro' designation of the 10.8 model, it likely features a higher quality panel with potentially better color accuracy and peak brightness. The 11.5 S, being a newer model, *may* benefit from improved display technology, but without specific nit ratings or panel type (e.g., OLED vs. IPS), it's difficult to assess. The larger screen size of the 11.5 S could be advantageous for media consumption and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Neither device's camera specifications are detailed enough for a meaningful comparison. The lack of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS) makes it impossible to assess image quality. It's reasonable to assume the MatePad 11.5 S (2025) *may* have a slightly improved camera system, but without concrete data, this remains speculation. The absence of any mention of advanced camera features suggests both tablets are geared more towards casual photography than serious content creation.
Performance
The Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G, a 7nm chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration. This is a well-regarded processor known for its balance of performance and efficiency. The MatePad 11.5 S (2025) only lists an octa-core CPU, lacking specific chipset details. Without knowing the manufacturing process (e.g., 4nm, 5nm) or the specific architecture, it's impossible to definitively say if it outperforms the Snapdragon 870. However, the 870's proven track record suggests it will handle demanding tasks and gaming with ease. The absence of RAM specifications for either device makes a direct comparison of multitasking capabilities impossible.
Battery Life
Both tablets share the same 40W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. However, the MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) offers the significant advantage of 27W wireless charging and both 10W wireless reversed charging and 5W reverse wired charging. The MatePad 11.5 S (2025) only supports 5W reverse wired charging, making the Pro 10.8 a more versatile option for charging other devices wirelessly. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making it difficult to assess real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) if you prioritize proven performance, fast 40W wired *and* wireless charging, and a more established track record of software optimization. Buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S (2025) if you prefer a slightly more modern design and are willing to potentially sacrifice wireless charging and a known performance profile for the latest model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MatePad 11.5 S (2025) support Huawei's M-Pencil? And is it compatible with the M-Pencil from the MatePad Pro 10.8?
While the provided data doesn't confirm M-Pencil support for the MatePad 11.5 S (2025), Huawei typically includes stylus support on its 'Pro' and 'S' series tablets. Compatibility between different M-Pencil generations is often limited, so the M-Pencil from the MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) may not be fully compatible. Check Huawei's official documentation for specific compatibility details.
❓ Given the lack of chipset information for the MatePad 11.5 S (2025), is there a risk of thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Without knowing the chipset and its thermal design, it's difficult to assess the risk of thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 870 in the MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) is known for its relatively efficient thermal performance. If the MatePad 11.5 S (2025) uses a less efficient chipset, it could be more prone to throttling under sustained load. User reviews and independent testing will be crucial to determine its real-world thermal behavior.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) and the MatePad 11.5 S (2025), considering Huawei's HarmonyOS?
Both tablets run on Huawei's HarmonyOS, but the MatePad 11.5 S (2025) will likely ship with a newer version of the operating system, benefiting from the latest features, optimizations, and security updates. The MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) may receive fewer future software updates compared to the newer model. However, HarmonyOS is generally well-optimized for Huawei's tablets, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience on both devices.
