The Android tablet market is heating up, and two contenders are vying for the top spot: the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. Both offer premium features and impressive performance, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 edges out the MatePad Pro 11 due to its superior chipset, broader software support, and S Pen integration. However, the MatePad Pro 11 offers competitive performance and a stunning display, making it a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 27 | 2022, February 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 10 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 249.2 x 160.4 x 5.9 mm (9.81 x 6.31 x 0.23 in) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 449 g (455 g cellular model) (15.84 oz) | 503 g (Wi-Fi), 507 g (5G) (1.11 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus, 6.2ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ) | TFT LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) - GOT-W29Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) - GOT-W29Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) - GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 - GOT-W29Adreno 660 - GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (6 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, (5.1 for GOT-W29), A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, tri-band (dual-band for GOT-W29), Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Wireless Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired (GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19)
40W wired (GOT-W29)
Reverse wired | 45W wired, 100% in 80 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8300 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Golden Black, Galaxy Blue, Crystal White, Brocade White | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | GOT-W09, GOT-W29, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 | SM-X700, SM-X706, SM-X706B, SM-X706U, SM-X706N |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-23.5 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 780161 (v9)
GeekBench: 3685 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022)
- Stunning OLED display
- Competitive performance (especially 888 variant)
- Fast charging (GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 models)
- Premium design
- Software limitations (Huawei's ecosystem)
- Potentially slower software updates
- Performance can throttle under heavy load
- 40W charging on GOT-W29 model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Excellent overall performance
- S Pen support included
- Guaranteed software updates
- Bright and vibrant display
- Higher price point
- 45W charging isn't the fastest
- Design is somewhat iterative
Display Comparison
Both tablets boast stunning OLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The MatePad Pro 11 (2022) reaches a slightly higher peak brightness (591 nits vs 1200 nits for the Tab S8), but the Tab S8's slightly larger screen size and more consistent brightness across the display give it a slight edge. The Tab S8 also supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 generally offers better camera performance, with improved image processing and more consistent results in various lighting conditions. Both tablets feature decent front-facing cameras suitable for video calls. The Tab S8's ultrawide lens provides more versatility.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance advantage over both versions of the MatePad Pro 11 (Snapdragon 870 or 888). While the 888 variant of the MatePad Pro 11 is competitive, the Tab S8 handles demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The Tab S8's superior cooling also prevents throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a larger battery capacity and generally offers slightly better battery life, especially when performing intensive tasks. The 45W charging is faster than the 40W charging on the GOT-W29 variant of the MatePad Pro 11, while the GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, and GOT-AL19 models offer 66W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022)? Users seeking a premium display, solid performance for everyday tasks, and a more budget-friendly option. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Creative professionals, students, and anyone wanting the best overall Android tablet experience with S Pen support and guaranteed software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022) have Google Play Services?
No, the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022) does not have Google Play Services. It uses Huawei's AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services instead. Users can sideload apps, but compatibility may vary.
❓ Is the S Pen included with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?
Yes, the S Pen is included with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. It magnetically attaches to the tablet and charges wirelessly.
