The tablet market is heating up, and two heavyweights are vying for your attention: the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Both offer premium features and impressive performance, but which one truly deserves your money? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra takes the crown with its larger, brighter display, superior camera system, and broader software support. However, the MatePad Pro 11 (2022) offers a compelling alternative, particularly for those seeking a more compact form factor and potentially better value depending on regional pricing and availability.
| 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, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 249.2 x 160.4 x 5.9 mm (9.81 x 6.31 x 0.23 in) | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 449 g (455 g cellular model) (15.84 oz) | 726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 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, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB 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/2.2, 26mm (wide)
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 (under display, optical), 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 82 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8300 mAh | Li-Po 11200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Golden Black, Galaxy Blue, Crystal White, Brocade White | Graphite |
| Models | GOT-W09, GOT-W29, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19 | SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 1150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.69 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)
- Compact and portable
- Excellent OLED display
- Fast charging (66W on some models)
- Potentially more affordable
- Camera performance lags behind the S8 Ultra
- Software support may be limited depending on region
- Smaller battery capacity
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Massive, vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- Excellent camera system
- Long battery life
- Seamless Samsung ecosystem integration
- Larger size may not be ideal for everyone
- Higher price point
- 45W charging is slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity. The MatePad Pro 11 (2022) features an 11-inch OLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing excellent image quality in a more compact form factor. While both are fantastic, the S8 Ultra's sheer size and AMOLED technology give it a noticeable edge in terms of immersion and visual impact. The MatePad Pro 11's brightness is measured at 591 nits, while the S8 Ultra is expected to be higher.
Camera Comparison
Samsung consistently delivers excellent camera performance, and the Tab S8 Ultra is no exception. It features a versatile rear camera setup and a high-resolution front-facing camera, ideal for video calls and selfies. The MatePad Pro 11 (2022) has a decent camera system, but it doesn't quite match the S8 Ultra's capabilities in terms of image quality and features. The S8 Ultra's front cameras are a significant advantage.
Performance
The Tab S8 Ultra packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a flagship chip known for its raw power and efficiency. The MatePad Pro 11 (2022) comes in two variants: one with a Snapdragon 870 5G and another with a Snapdragon 888. While both are capable processors, the 8 Gen 1 in the S8 Ultra generally offers superior performance, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the 888 variant of the MatePad Pro 11 holds its own.
Battery Life
The Tab S8 Ultra's large battery (11,200 mAh) provides excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The MatePad Pro 11 (2022) has a smaller battery (7,250 mAh), but its efficient processor helps it achieve respectable battery life as well. The S8 Ultra charges at 45W, while the MatePad Pro 11 (GOT-W09, GOT-AL09, GOT-AL19) charges at 66W and the GOT-W29 variant charges at 40W.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022)? Users prioritizing a more portable tablet, those heavily invested in the Huawei ecosystem, and those seeking a potentially more affordable premium option. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra? Users wanting the largest possible display, a top-tier camera system, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, along with access to the latest Android features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2022) have Google Play Services?
Availability of Google Play Services varies by region. In some markets, it does not come pre-installed, requiring users to sideload or use Huawei's AppGallery.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a large, stunning display, top-tier performance, and a versatile camera system, the Tab S8 Ultra is a worthwhile investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and prefer a more compact tablet, the MatePad Pro 11 (2022) offers a compelling alternative.
