The Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 has consistently been a top contender in the premium Android tablet space. But with a 2021 refresh, how does the latest model stack up against its already impressive 2019 predecessor? We're diving deep into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset, improved charging speeds, and reverse wired charging. While the 2019 model remains a solid option, the 2021 version offers a noticeable performance boost and enhanced features for a worthwhile upgrade.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 02 | 2019, November 25. Released 2019, December 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 25 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 246 x 159 x 7.2 mm (9.69 x 6.26 x 0.28 in) | 246 x 159 x 7.2 mm (9.69 x 6.26 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~280 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.8 inches, 338.2 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.8 inches, 338.2 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 540 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 540 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.09 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.86 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Kirin 990 (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G76 MP16 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (dedicated slot) | Nano Memory (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired
27W wireless
10W wireless reversed
5W reverse wired | 40W wired
15W wireless
7.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, White | Gray, White, Green, Orange |
| Models | MRR-W29 | MRX-AL09, MRX-AL19, MRX-W09, MRX-W19 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 450 EUR |
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021)
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset
- 40W wired charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Excellent 120Hz display
- Premium build quality
- Huawei ecosystem limitations (no Google Play Services)
- Price may be higher than the 2019 model
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019)
- Still a capable performer
- Excellent display
- Good battery life
- More affordable than the 2021 model
- Slower Kirin 990 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- No reverse wired charging
- Huawei ecosystem limitations
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a stunning 10.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Color accuracy and brightness are excellent on both, making them great for watching videos and browsing the web. There's little to differentiate them visually.
Camera Comparison
The camera hardware is largely similar between the two models, featuring a 13MP main rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but both tablets struggle in low light. The 2021 model might have slightly improved image processing due to the newer chipset.
Performance
This is where the 2021 model shines. The Snapdragon 870 in the 2021 MatePad Pro offers a substantial performance leap over the Kirin 990 in the 2019 model. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 870's efficiency also contributes to better sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both tablets have a 7250mAh battery, providing excellent all-day battery life. However, the 2021 model's faster 40W wired charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 2019 model's 40W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) is ideal for power users, creatives, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and fast charging. If you're on a tighter budget and primarily need a tablet for media consumption and light productivity, the 2019 model is still a capable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021) have Google Play Services?
No, neither the 2021 nor the 2019 MatePad Pro models have Google Play Services. They use Huawei's AppGallery and rely on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).
❓ Is the 120Hz refresh rate noticeable on both tablets?
Yes, the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel significantly smoother on both the 2021 and 2019 MatePad Pro models, enhancing the overall user experience.
