Huawei’s MatePad Mini gets global launch to do battle with the iPad mini

The Huawei MatePad Mini is an ultra-slim tablet at 5.1mm.

The Huawei MatePad Mini
The Huawei MatePad Mini. Photo: Huawei

Huawei is bringing its compact MatePad Mini tablet to global markets.

First launched in China last year, the MatePad Mini features an 8.8-inch Flexible OLED display with ultra-slim bezels and support for refresh rates of up to 120Hz. The “flexible” refers to the flexible substrate used in the display; it doesn’t actually bend or fold. Crucially, the display reaches a peak brightness of 1,800 nits significantly higher than the Apple iPad mini’s 500 nits.

The tablet is encased in a magnesium alloy frame and measures just 5.1mm thin while weighing 255g. By comparison, the iPad mini is 6.3mm thin and weighs 293g.

The MatePad Mini supports the Huawei M-Pencil Pro, which offers over 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise writing and sketching. The stylus also supports a pinch gesture for quick access to a radial menu and provides tactile feedback.

Huawei MatePad Mini Pen

The Huawei MatePad Mini supports the M-Pencil Pro, which has more than 10,000 pressure-sensing levels.

Photo: Huawei

While Huawei did not reveal the processor, the tablet is likely powered by high-end Kirin chip. It ships with HarmonyOS 4.3 and comes with up to 12GB of RAM and a 6,400mAh battery. The battery supports Huawei’s 66W SuperCharge and includes a smart power conservation mode designed to preserve battery health for up to three years.

On the camera front, the rear houses a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera alongside an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor, while a 32MP f/2.4 front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls. Other features include a 3D heat-dissipation architecture for improved thermal performance, dual speakers, and a fingerprint sensor-enabled power button.

Availability and pricing

Local availability and pricing have yet to be announced, but the MatePad Mini starts at CN¥3,999 (~S$739). We’ll update this article once more details are confirmed.

Source: Huawei

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