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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 28 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 348.3 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | HarmonyOS 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 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 | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7250 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Black, Blue, White, Purple |
| Models | Ags3K-W20, Ags3K-AL20, AGS5-W09 | DBR-W10 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 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.