While Apple’s iPad lineup currently dominates the tablet market, Huawei is looking to shake things up with the upcoming MatePad Pro 12.2. This tablet is designed to challenge the reigning champions, the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2), and it boasts some impressive specs to back up its ambition.
The MatePad Pro 12.2’s centerpiece is its stunning 12.2-inch dual-layer OLED display. This display offers a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, along with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits for vibrant and clear visuals even in direct sunlight. The 3:2 aspect ratio provides an optimal experience for productivity and entertainment, and the resolution of 2800 by 1840 pixels (275 PPI) ensures crisp and detailed images.
Huawei has been aggressively promoting the MatePad Pro 12.2 on social media, particularly highlighting its “Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display.” This display technology is designed to mimic the feel of paper, providing a comfortable viewing experience for long periods. The tablet also packs a punch in the camera department with a 13-megapixel wide camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens on the rear, capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps. Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama ensure you capture high-quality photos and videos. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera handles video calls and selfies with 1080p at 30fps.
Powering the MatePad Pro 12.2 is a Kirin 9000S (7nm) processor, providing ample power for demanding tasks and seamless multitasking. The tablet offers various RAM and storage configurations: 256GB or 512GB with 12GB of RAM or a top-tier 1TB model with 16GB of RAM. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader for secure access, a 1010 mAh battery for long-lasting usage, support for up to 100W wired charging for fast top-ups, and the latest HarmonyOS 4.2 operating system. Huawei claims the battery can last for up to a day without needing a charge.
The MatePad Pro 12.2 is also compatible with Huawei’s M-Pencil and Smart Magnetic Keyboard, both sold separately. These accessories enhance productivity and creativity, allowing you to take notes, draw, and navigate with ease. In China, the MatePad Pro 12.2 starts at CNY 4,299, which translates to roughly $600. This price tag is significantly lower than the least-expensive 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) at $700 and even undercuts the iPad Air by $200. While the global pricing isn’t confirmed yet, the MatePad Pro 12.2 has the potential to be a real bargain, offering a compelling alternative to Apple’s flagship tablets. The MatePad Pro 12.2 is expected to be released worldwide this week, and it will be interesting to see how it fares against the established iPad dominance.
