The sub-$300 tablet market is heating up, with the Oppo Pad Air and Huawei MatePad SE 11 vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver a capable Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Oppo Pad Air prioritizes a streamlined experience with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, while the Huawei MatePad SE 11 focuses on faster charging and a potentially broader feature set within Huawei’s ecosystem. This comparison dives deep to determine which tablet offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience, the Oppo Pad Air emerges as the winner. Its measured 352 nits of brightness and 1391:1 contrast ratio provide a more visually appealing experience, and the Snapdragon 680 offers sufficient performance for everyday tasks. While the MatePad SE 11 boasts faster 22.5W charging, the overall package leans towards the Oppo.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 23 | 2024, June 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 01 | Available. Released 2024, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 245.1 x 154.8 x 6.9 mm (9.65 x 6.09 x 0.27 in) | 252.3 x 163.8 x 6.9 mm (9.93 x 6.45 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 475 g (1.05 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 360 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | - |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7100 mAh | 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Nebula Gray, Crystal Blue |
| Models | OPD2102, X21N2 | - |
| Price | About 300 EUR | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1391:1 | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.3 LUFS (Average)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 249272 (v9)
GeekBench: 1661 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Oppo Pad Air
- Brighter and higher contrast display (352 nits, 1391:1)
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 processor
- Sleek and portable design
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Limited camera details
Huawei MatePad SE 11
- Faster charging speed (22.5W)
- Potential Huawei ecosystem integration
- Competitive price point
- Likely inferior display quality
- Unspecified chipset performance
Display Comparison
The Oppo Pad Air’s display is a clear standout, achieving a measured peak brightness of 352 nits and a 1391:1 contrast ratio. This translates to a more vibrant and readable experience, especially in well-lit environments. While the MatePad SE 11’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls behind in these metrics given the price positioning. The higher contrast ratio on the Oppo Pad Air will result in deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience. The lack of information on panel technology (IPS, LCD, etc.) for either device makes a deeper analysis difficult, but the Oppo’s measured performance gives it a significant edge.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specifications are absent. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details for either device, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both tablets feature basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots, but not for serious photography. Focusing on camera performance would be a misdirection given the target audience and price bracket.
Performance
The Oppo Pad Air is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm), an octa-core processor designed for efficiency. Its CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – balances performance and power consumption. The MatePad SE 11’s chipset is not specified, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful processor. The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 680 offers improved thermal efficiency compared to older nodes, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits users engaging in longer video editing sessions or extended gaming.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad SE 11 gains an advantage in charging speed with its 22.5W wired charging capability, compared to the Oppo Pad Air’s 18W. Both support 5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. While the Oppo Pad Air’s 18W charging isn’t slow, the MatePad SE 11 will likely achieve a full charge faster. However, without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to assess real-world battery life. The faster charging speed of the Huawei could be more beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their tablet’s power.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Pad Air if you need a tablet primarily for media consumption, light productivity, and casual gaming, and value a brighter, more contrast-rich display. It’s ideal for students or anyone seeking a portable entertainment device. Buy the Huawei MatePad SE 11 if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are already invested in the Huawei ecosystem, potentially benefiting from seamless integration with other Huawei devices and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Oppo Pad Air handle multitasking well?
The Snapdragon 680 is designed for efficient multitasking. While not a flagship processor, it can comfortably handle multiple apps running simultaneously, making it suitable for students and users who frequently switch between tasks. However, extremely demanding applications or heavy gaming may experience some slowdown.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Huawei MatePad SE 11 with the 22.5W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time isn't specified, the 22.5W charging should significantly reduce charging times compared to slower chargers. Expect a full charge to take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is faster than the Oppo Pad Air's 18W charging.
❓ Is the lack of 5G connectivity on the Oppo Pad Air a significant drawback?
For most tablet users, the absence of 5G is unlikely to be a major issue. Tablets are often used in Wi-Fi environments, and 4G connectivity on the Oppo Pad Air is sufficient for on-the-go use. 5G would primarily benefit users who require extremely fast data speeds in areas with limited Wi-Fi access.
