Huawei MatePad Pro 126 2021 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) is a testament to Huawei’s dedication to sleek and elegant design in their tablet lineup. With its dimensions of 286.5 x 184.7 x 6.7 mm and a weight of just 609 grams, it maintains a thin and lightweight profile. The device's chassis is crafted from high-quality materials, which not only contribute to its premium feel but also its durability, ensuring it can withstand daily usage without losing its polished look. The device is available in sophisticated color options like Matte Gray, Green, and Silver, catering to users who appreciate subtle yet stylish aesthetics.

Display Technology

The standout feature of the MatePad Pro 12.6 is its expansive 12.6-inch OLED display, which boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive ~87.0%, thanks to the minimal bezels, making it an excellent canvas for both work and entertainment. The OLED technology ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, offering users a visually engaging experience whether they are watching videos, drawing, or simply browsing the web.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the MatePad Pro 12.6 is powered by the Kirin 9000E 5G chipset for the Wi-Fi model, with the 5G model featuring the slightly more advanced Kirin 9000 5G chipset. This is complemented by an Octa-core CPU and a Mali-G78 MP22 or MP24 GPU, depending on the model. These components work together to deliver smooth performance across various applications, supporting multitasking and high-demand tasks without a hitch.

Software: HarmonyOS 2.0

The tablet runs on Huawei's HarmonyOS 2.0, a significant step for the company as it shifts away from Android. HarmonyOS 2.0 is designed to provide seamless integration across Huawei's ecosystem of devices, offering a user-friendly interface optimized for performance and ease of use. This operating system supports features like multi-screen collaboration and an array of productivity tools that are customizable to enhance the user experience.

Camera Capabilities

While tablets are not typically renowned for their camera prowess, the MatePad Pro 12.6 offers more than satisfactory camera capabilities. It features a dual main camera system comprising a 13 MP wide lens, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a TOF 3D sensor. This setup is capable of capturing high-quality images and videos, with features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes further enhancing its photography capabilities. Additionally, it can shoot 4K videos at 30fps. The front-facing camera is 8 MP, perfect for video calls and selfies, offering 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio experience on the MatePad Pro 12.6 is also notable, featuring an 8-speaker stereo setup. This delivers rich and immersive sound quality, making it ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or even conducting virtual meetings with clear audio output. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might require users to depend on wireless audio solutions or Type-C headphones.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the MatePad Pro 12.6 supports an extensive range of options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB Type-C 3.1 with OTG support. The device is designed to support 5G technology, making it future-proof in terms of network speeds and connectivity options. It also includes comprehensive positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, aiding in accurate navigation and location services.

Battery Life and Charging

The MatePad Pro 12.6 houses a substantial 10,050 mAh battery, ensuring prolonged usage without frequent recharges. This makes it especially suitable for professionals on the go or entertainment buffs who consume media extensively. The device supports 40W wired charging and offers wireless charging capabilities at 27W. It also supports reverse wireless charging at 10W and reverse wired charging at 5W, adding versatility to its charging options and enabling it to function as a power bank for other devices.

Memory and Storage Options

Available in various configurations, the MatePad Pro 12.6 offers flexibility in terms of RAM and storage options. Users can choose between models with 4GB, 8GB, and 12GB of RAM, paired with storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Furthermore, the device accommodates storage expansion through an NM (Nano Memory) card slot, supporting up to an additional 256GB of space, making it adaptable for users with varying storage needs.

Networking Capabilities

In the realm of network technology, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is at the forefront with support for GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring robust network connectivity. The variety of band support makes it globally compatible, an essential feature for users who travel frequently. The device provides consistent performance across different network technologies, offering high-speed internet access wherever 5G is available.

Market Position and Pricing

The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is positioned as a premium device in Huawei’s tablet lineup, reflected in its pricing, which starts at approximately 800 EUR. Its pricing is competitive, given its advanced features and specifications, positioning it well against other high-end tablets in the market. It aims to appeal to both professional users seeking a replacement for their laptops and entertainment enthusiasts looking for an immersive media consumption device.

Conclusion

Overall, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) exhibits a perfect balance between performance, design, and functionality. Its impressive specifications make it a formidable competitor in the tablet market, appealing to users who demand productivity and entertainment enhancements. Despite the challenges presented by the shift to HarmonyOS, Huawei has created a seamless and powerful user experience, potentially setting a new standard for what consumers can expect from a high-end tablet in the years to come.