Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) vs MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019): Which Tablet Should You Buy?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) is the clear winner thanks to its larger, brighter display, more powerful Kirin 9000E/9000 chipset, and faster charging. However, the 10.8 (2019) remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a still-capable tablet.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) | Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019) |
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84 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 |
| Dimensions | 286.5 x 184.7 x 6.7 mm (11.28 x 7.27 x 0.26 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 | 609 g (1.34 lb) | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| - | Stylus support (magnetic) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~280 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.8 inches, 338.2 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED | IPS LCD, 540 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.09 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.86 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 9000E 5G (5 nm) - Wi-Fi modelKirin 9000 5G (5 nm) - 5G model | Kirin 990 (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP22 - Wi-Fi modelMali-G78 MP24 - 5G model | 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide) TOF 3D | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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 (8 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| - | Tuned by Harman Kardon | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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 10,050 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Matte Gray, Green, Silver | Gray, White, Green, Orange |
| Models | WGR-W09, WGR-W19, WGR-AN19 | MRX-AL09, MRX-AL19, MRX-W09, MRX-W19 |
| Price | About 800 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -23.1 LUFS (Very good) | - |
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021)
- Larger, brighter display
- More powerful Kirin 9000E/9000 chipset
- Faster charging (wired & wireless)
- Improved performance
- Premium design
- Higher price
- Larger size may be less portable
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019)
- More affordable
- Compact and portable
- Still a capable performer
- Good battery life
- Older chipset
- Lower brightness display
- Slower charging
- Less future-proofed
Display Comparison
The 12.6-inch model boasts a significantly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. While both feature excellent OLED panels, the 12.6's higher measured brightness (382 nits vs. likely around 300 nits for the 10.8) provides better visibility in bright environments. The 12.6 also has a slightly higher resolution, resulting in sharper visuals. The 10.8's smaller size makes it more portable, though.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature decent cameras for tablets, but neither excels. The 12.6 likely has a slightly improved camera system, but the difference isn't dramatic. Expect similar image quality in most scenarios. Tablet cameras are rarely a primary purchase driver.
Performance
The Kirin 9000E/9000 in the 12.6 (2021) is a substantial upgrade over the Kirin 990 in the 10.8 (2019). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding games and applications. The 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. While the 10.8 is still capable, the 12.6 offers a more future-proofed experience.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer all-day battery life under moderate usage. The 12.6's larger battery capacity (likely around 10000 mAh) gives it a slight edge, but the more efficient Kirin 9000E/9000 chipset further contributes to its longevity. Charging speeds are faster on the 12.6 with 40W wired and 27W wireless charging compared to the 10.8's 40W wired and 15W wireless.
Buying Guide
The MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) is ideal for power users, creatives, and those who prioritize a large, immersive display for media consumption and productivity. The MatePad Pro 10.8 (2019) is a great choice for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable tablet with a more compact form factor.