Huawei MediaPad M5 8 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei MediaPad M5 8 features a sleek and modern design that combines functionality with aesthetics. The tablet's dimensions of 212.6 x 124.8 x 7.3 mm and a weight of 316 g make it lightweight and easy to handle. Its build quality is commendable, with a glass front coupled with an aluminum back and frame, giving it a premium feel and look. The choice of materials not only enhances the device's durability but also provides a comfortable grip for extended usage.

Display

The tablet boasts an 8.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, equating to a sharp pixel density of around 359 ppi. This results in vibrant and crisp visuals ideal for media consumption, reading, and gaming. The 16:10 aspect ratio ensures that the screen space is used efficiently, providing a great viewing experience whether you're watching videos or browsing the web. The ~77.1% screen-to-body ratio accentuates the display, making it a central feature of the device.

Performance

Under the hood, the Huawei MediaPad M5 8 is powered by the Kirin 960s chipset, built on the 16 nm process. This octa-core processor is configured with 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, coupled with a Mali-G71 GPU. This setup offers robust performance for everyday tasks and can handle multitasking efficiently. Whether you are navigating through apps, streaming content, or engaged in gaming, the tablet delivers smooth performance with minimal lag.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with multiple storage options including 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, all paired with 4GB of RAM. This ample RAM capacity supports seamless multitasking and ensures that apps run smoothly. Additionally, the tablet provides a dedicated microSDXC slot for storage expansion, making it convenient for users to store more content like photos, videos, and games without worrying about running out of space.

Camera Features

The primary camera is a 13 MP sensor with features such as PDAF, LED flash, HDR, and panorama, allowing users to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions. It also records video at 1080p@30fps, which is sufficient for capturing everyday moments. The 8 MP front-facing camera is perfect for selfies and video calls, maintaining good image clarity and color reproduction.

Audio and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the MediaPad M5 8 is its audio capability. The device is equipped with stereo speakers that provide rich and immersive sound, enhancing the entertainment experience whether you are watching movies or playing games. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless audio peripherals. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band function and USB Type-C 2.0, ensuring speedy data transfer and reliable internet connectivity.

Network and Communication

The tablet supports various network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, with a speed capability of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps. This means it can handle relatively fast data speeds over cellular networks, making it a great companion for on-the-go connectivity. Additionally, it has a nano-SIM slot for cellular network access, ensuring you remain connected across various bands: GSM (850/900/1800/1900), HSDPA (850/900/1900/2100), and LTE (bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20).

Software and Interface

The tablet runs on Android 8.0 Oreo, complemented by Huawei's custom EMUI 8. The user interface is intuitive and offers various customization options, allowing users to tailor their experience according to personal preferences. This combination of operating system and UI makes interacting with the device fluid and user-friendly, as it supports various features and functionalities that cater to productivity and entertainment needs.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 5100 mAh battery, the MediaPad M5 8 provides extended battery life which can efficiently handle a day of moderate to heavy use. The device supports 18W fast charging, ensuring that the battery can be quickly recharged to minimize downtime. This combination of battery capacity and charging capability makes the device reliable for users who are on the move.

Additional Features

The tablet includes various sensors such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors heighten the user's interaction with the device by providing enhanced security and functionality. Though it lacks NFC and a radio feature, the tablet still covers a broad spectrum of other functionalities, making it a comprehensive tool for both personal and professional use.

Color Variants and Price

Available in Space Gray and Champagne Gold, the Huawei MediaPad M5 8 caters to different aesthetic preferences. Its sophisticated color options enhance its elegant design. At a price point of about 290 EUR, the tablet offers good value for money, providing a host of premium features without an exorbitant price tag.

Conclusion

The Huawei MediaPad M5 8 stands out as a versatile tablet suitable for a wide range of uses, from entertainment and multimedia consumption to productivity tasks. Its robust build, high-quality display, strong performance, and extended battery life make it an attractive option for users seeking a compact yet powerful tablet. Although some may miss a headphone jack or NFC, the overall package it offers is compelling, balancing performance, style, and affordability.