Huawei MatePad SE vs MatePad 11 (2023): Which Tablet Should You Buy?

The Huawei MatePad series offers tablets for various budgets and needs. The MatePad SE is an entry-level option, while the MatePad 11 (2023) aims for a premium experience. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The MatePad 11 (2023) is the clear winner in terms of performance, display quality, and overall features. However, the MatePad SE offers excellent value for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic tablet functionality. It's a significant performance gap, though.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei MatePad SE Huawei MatePad 11 (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900N/A
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100N/A
4G bandsLTEN/A
EDGE-No
GPRS-No
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model only-
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTENo cellular connectivity
Launch
Announced2022, April 282023, March 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 10Available. Released 2023, March 31
Body
Dimensions240.2 x 159 x 7.9 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.31 in)253.7 x 165.3 x 7.2 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)No
Weight450 g (0.99 lb)480 g (1.06 lb)
 -Stylus support (magnetic)
Display
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~275 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio)11.0 inches, 348.3 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetKirin 710A (14 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUMali-G51 MP4Adreno 650
OSHarmonyOS 2.0HarmonyOS 3.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, AF13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single2 MP, f/2.48 MP, f/2.0
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
 Tuned by Harman KardonTuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model onlyNo
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
Battery
Charging10W wired 5W reverse wired22.5W wired 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 5100 mAhLi-Po 7250 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark BlueBlack, Blue, White, Purple
ModelsAgs3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09DBR-W10
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 300 EUR

Huawei MatePad SE

  • Affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Reverse wired charging

  • Lower performance
  • Less vibrant display
  • Older chipset
  • Limited features

Huawei MatePad 11 (2023)

  • Excellent performance
  • Vibrant 120Hz display
  • Premium design
  • Stylus support (optional)
  • 5G connectivity

  • More expensive
  • No included stylus
  • Camera performance is average

Display Comparison

The MatePad 11 (2023) boasts a significantly superior 120Hz IPS LCD display with a higher resolution (2560 x 1600) compared to the MatePad SE's 10.4-inch IPS LCD (2000 x 1200). The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the MatePad 11 a more enjoyable experience for media consumption and gaming. The MatePad SE's display is still good, but lacks the vibrancy and fluidity of its pricier sibling.

Camera Comparison

While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the MatePad 11 (2023) generally offers slightly better image quality thanks to its more advanced hardware. Both tablets feature a single rear camera and a front-facing camera suitable for video calls.

Performance

The Snapdragon 870 5G in the MatePad 11 (2023) is a powerhouse, offering vastly superior performance compared to the Kirin 710A in the MatePad SE. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the MatePad 11. The Kirin 710A is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. The MatePad 11 (2023) has a slightly larger battery capacity, but the more efficient Snapdragon chipset helps offset the MatePad SE's lower power consumption. Both support 5W reverse charging.

Buying Guide

The Huawei MatePad SE is ideal for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget who need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and light media consumption. The Huawei MatePad 11 (2023) is perfect for power users, creatives, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience with excellent performance, a vibrant display, and advanced features like stylus support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the MatePad SE good for gaming?
The MatePad SE can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The MatePad 11 (2023) is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ Does the MatePad 11 (2023) support a stylus?
Yes, the MatePad 11 (2023) supports the Huawei M-Pencil (sold separately), offering a great note-taking and drawing experience.