Huawei's MatePad series offers tablets for various budgets and needs. The MatePad SE is an entry-level option, while the MatePad 10.4 sits in a slightly higher tier. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The MatePad 10.4 is the clear winner for most users, offering a significantly faster processor, better display, and quicker charging. However, the MatePad SE provides a more budget-friendly entry point for basic tablet tasks and occasional media consumption.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 28 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 10 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in) | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 450 g (0.99 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Kirin 810 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G52 MP6 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | Tuned by Harman Kardon |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | White, Gray |
| Models | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Huawei MatePad SE
- More affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower processor
- Slower charging
- Lower display quality
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- Faster processor
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Faster charging
- Better performance
- More expensive
- Slightly larger and heavier
Display Comparison
The MatePad 10.4 boasts a larger 10.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200, offering a sharper and more immersive viewing experience compared to the MatePad SE's smaller 10.1-inch display (1920 x 1200). The 10.4 also generally has better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the MatePad 10.4 generally offers slightly better image quality due to its more advanced camera hardware. Both cameras are primarily intended for video calls rather than serious photography.
Performance
The Kirin 810 in the MatePad 10.4 provides a substantial performance boost over the Kirin 710A in the MatePad SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 10.4. The 7nm process of the Kirin 810 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer decent battery life for everyday use. However, the MatePad 10.4's faster 18W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the MatePad SE's slower 10W charging. The MatePad 10.4 also has a slightly larger battery capacity (6660 mAh vs 5400 mAh).
Buying Guide
The Huawei MatePad SE is ideal for students or users needing a basic tablet for browsing, light productivity, and media consumption on a tight budget. The Huawei MatePad 10.4 is better suited for users who want a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and appreciate a larger, higher-quality display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MatePad SE good for gaming?
The MatePad SE can handle basic games, but demanding titles will suffer from lag and reduced performance. The MatePad 10.4 is a better choice for gaming.
❓ Can I use a stylus with either tablet?
Yes, both tablets support Huawei's M-Pencil (sold separately), offering a convenient way to take notes and draw.