Computer Alternative: Huawei MatePad Air Review
Huawei MatePad Air Review: A Worthy Computer Alternative
In recent years, tablets have become increasingly popular as a computer alternative due to their portability and versatility. The Huawei MatePad Air is one such tablet that aims to provide users with a seamless computing experience. In this review, we will delve into the features and performance of the MatePad Air to determine if it truly lives up to its claims.
Design and Display:
The MatePad Air boasts a sleek and modern design that is reminiscent of other high-end tablets on the market. It features a slim profile and a lightweight build, making it easy to carry around and use on the go. The tablet is available in two color options – Mystic Silver and Midnight Grey, both of which exude a premium feel.
The display on the MatePad Air is a 10.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The screen is sharp and vibrant, offering excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Whether you are watching movies, browsing the web, or working on documents, the display provides an immersive visual experience.
Performance and Software:
Under the hood, the MatePad Air is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 820 processor, which is a mid-range chipset. It is coupled with 6GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. The tablet handles everyday tasks with ease, and even handles more demanding applications and games without any noticeable lag or slowdown.
In terms of software, the MatePad Air runs on Huawei’s EMUI 10.1, which is based on Android 10. However, due to the ongoing trade restrictions imposed on Huawei by the United States, the tablet does not come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. This means that popular Google apps such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps are not available on the device. Instead, Huawei provides its own app store called AppGallery, which offers a wide range of apps, although the selection is not as extensive as the Google Play Store.
Battery Life and Connectivity:
The MatePad Air is equipped with a 7250mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life under normal usage conditions. Whether you are streaming videos, browsing the internet, or working on documents, the tablet will easily last through the day without needing to be charged. Additionally, the tablet supports 22.5W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
In terms of connectivity, the MatePad Air offers Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring fast and stable internet connectivity. It also has Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless wireless pairing with other devices. However, it is important to note that the tablet does not have cellular connectivity, so you will need to rely on Wi-Fi for internet access.
Camera and Audio:
The MatePad Air features a single 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. While the camera quality is decent for casual photography and video calls, it is not on par with dedicated smartphone cameras. The tablet also lacks optical image stabilization, which can result in slightly blurry photos in low-light conditions.
On the audio front, the MatePad Air is equipped with four speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, providing an immersive audio experience. The speakers deliver clear and loud sound, making the tablet ideal for multimedia consumption.
Accessories and Productivity:
To enhance productivity, Huawei offers several accessories for the MatePad Air, including a detachable keyboard and a stylus. The keyboard attaches magnetically to the tablet, transforming it into a laptop-like device for easier typing and productivity tasks. The stylus, on the other hand, allows for precise and natural handwriting and drawing on the tablet’s screen.
The MatePad Air also supports multi-window multitasking, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for productivity-oriented tasks, as it enables you to work on documents, browse the web, and take notes all at the same time.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Huawei MatePad Air is a capable computer alternative that offers a solid performance and a premium design. Its vibrant display, long battery life, and powerful processor make it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from media consumption to productivity. However, the absence of Google Mobile Services may be a deal-breaker for some users who heavily rely on Google apps.
If you can look past the lack of GMS and are willing to explore alternative app options, the MatePad Air is a worthy tablet that provides a great user experience. Its competitive price point and impressive features make it a strong contender in the tablet market, especially for those who prioritize performance and portability.
