The Huawei MatePad 11.5S PaperMatte Edition is one of those devices that makes you pause — not because it’s flashy, but because it feels different. From the moment you pick it up, its ultra-light frame and matte display make a statement: this is a tablet designed for creativity.
For years, my go-to portable note-taking and sketching device was the 6th-gen iPad Mini paired with an Apple Pencil. That changed when I started using the MatePad 11.5S. Yes, it’s larger and not quite as pocketable as Apple’s diminutive tablet, but the PaperMatte display more than makes up for it. The anti-glare, paper-like texture makes writing and sketching feel natural, and unlike e-ink tablets, you’re not sacrificing smooth animations thanks to the 144 Hz refresh rate. Plus, I can now comfortably watch my favourite Apple TV+ shows on it — something I wouldn’t have expected from a non-Apple tablet just a couple of months ago.
Display & performance
Huawei’s PaperMatte screen tech is the star here. Unlike the glossy displays we’ve come to expect from tablets, this one cuts down on glare, reduces eye strain, and mimics the texture of paper in a way that’s incredibly satisfying, whether you’re sketching, annotating, or simply reading. It’s not quite e-ink, but it’s much softer on the eyes than a typical LCD.
The Kirin chipset keeps things moving at a decent clip, and HarmonyOS 4.2 offers an intuitive multitasking experience. But app support remains the elephant in the room. Using GBox and APKs to get Google apps mostly works, but apps that require Google Mobile Services (GMS) can occasionally stutter or reload. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is an annoyance I wish Huawei would solve — either by smoothing out the experience or by rolling out HarmonyOS globally as a proper alternative to GMS that isn’t locked into Apple’s ecosystem.
Keyboard & accessories
Huawei includes a keyboard case, which is a great addition, but I have one gripe: the keyboard is excellent, yet I haven’t found a way to disable it when folding it behind the tablet. Right now, my only solution is to detach it completely. A built-in trackpad would have also been a nice touch, but it seems Huawei reserves that for its high-end MatePad Pro 13.2-inch model.
A Seamless Huawei Ecosystem
Where the MatePad 11.5S truly shines is in its ecosystem integration. I also use a Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 and a Huawei Mate X6, and together, these three devices create a frictionless workflow. Need to drag and drop files between the MatePad and MateBook? It’s effortless. Answer calls and reply to messages from any device? Seamless. Screen sharing? Instant. This level of integration makes working across devices a joy and rivals what Apple’s ecosystem offers.
Battery & final thoughts
Battery life is solid, with the 8,800 mAh cell easily lasting a full day of moderate use. And while 22.5W charging is standard, the MatePad 11.5S actually supports up to 50W fast charging — meaning if you have the right charger, you can top it up significantly faster than most mid-range tablets.
So, who is this tablet for? If you’re an artist, note-taker, or someone who spends hours reading, the MatePad 11.5S PaperMatte Edition is a compelling option. It’s comfortable for long sessions, and the textured display makes digital writing feel more natural. But if your workflow demands Google apps or you want the absolute best screen for media consumption, there are trade-offs to consider.
Still, for those looking for a well-priced, distraction-free creative tool, Huawei may have just built your new favourite tablet.
