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Huawei unveils MatePad 12 X 2025 with PaperMatte display
Huawei has introduced the MatePad 12 X 2025, a 12-inch tablet that leans into productivity and creativity with its PaperMatte display and a refreshed hardware package. The new model pairs a high-resolution LCD panel and an adaptive 144Hz refresh rate with a design and feature set aimed at artists, students and mobile professionals who want a versatile tablet for reading, sketching and everyday multitasking.
Display and stylus: a screen designed for long sessions
At the heart of the MatePad 12 X 2025 is a 12-inch LCD with a 2800 × 1840 pixel resolution and peak brightness up to 1,000 nits. Huawei's adaptive refresh rate tops out at 144Hz, and HDR Vivid support is included to boost dynamic range for videos and photos. The headline feature, however, is Huawei's PaperMatte coating: a textured finish applied to the screen that reduces glare and simulates the feel of paper.
Huawei positions PaperMatte as a solution to reduce eye strain and improve on-screen legibility, particularly for reading and note-taking outdoors. The display supports stylus input, including the Huawei M-Pencil Pro, making it a natural fit for sketching, annotation and handwriting workflows.
Performance, cooling and software
Under the hood the MatePad 12 X 2025 runs on the Kirin T92B chipset, complemented by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage in the single available configuration. Huawei also includes a 3D vapor chamber to help manage thermals during extended workloads, which should keep sustained performance steadier during heavy use like video editing or gaming.
The tablet ships with HarmonyOS 4.3 out of the box. HarmonyOS continues to focus on cross-device collaboration within Huawei's ecosystem — screen sharing, multi-screen collaboration and optimized apps for tablets are part of the platform strategy. For users already invested in Huawei devices, the software may offer smoother continuity between phone, laptop and tablet.
Camera, audio and connectivity
Huawei outfits the MatePad 12 X 2025 with a single 50 MP rear camera that includes an LED flash, and an 8 MP front-facing camera for video calls. While tablets are not typically camera-first devices, the higher-resolution rear sensor gives users more flexibility for document capture and occasional photography.
Audio and microphone hardware is solid for a tablet in this class: six speakers deliver a wider stereo field and richer sound, while dual microphones are designed to improve voice clarity during video conferencing and recordings.
Connectivity highlights include dual-band Wi-Fi 7 — one of the newer wireless standards promising faster local network performance and reduced latency — and Bluetooth 5.2. Huawei currently lists the available configuration as a Wi‑Fi-only model, so buyers should check regional availability if they need cellular support.
Battery and charging
Battery endurance is a priority for tablet users and the MatePad 12 X 2025 packs a 10,100 mAh cell. Huawei claims compatibility with up to 66W fast charging, allowing for relatively quick top-ups compared with older tablets. In practice, real-world runtime will depend on screen brightness, refresh rate (144Hz will use more power), and the mix of active tasks like streaming, sketching or multitasking.
Design, dimensions and pricing
The MatePad 12 X 2025 is thin and light for its screen size: it measures 5.9mm in thickness and weighs 555g, which makes it portable enough for long commutes or café work sessions. It comes in two color options — Green and White — and Huawei has set the price at £599 for the sole 12GB/256GB Wi‑Fi model.
That pricing places the MatePad in a competitive segment. Buyers comparing the MatePad to alternatives such as Apple’s iPad or Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line should weigh factors like software ecosystem, stylus support, display preferences (PaperMatte vs glossy OLED), and the availability of tablet-optimized apps.
Key specs at a glance
- Display: 12-inch LCD, 2800 × 1840, up to 1,000 nits, 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR Vivid
- Special: Huawei PaperMatte coating; M-Pencil Pro support
- Processor: Kirin T92B
- Memory & Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Cooling: 3D vapor chamber
- Cameras: 50 MP rear (LED flash), 8 MP front
- Audio: Six speakers, dual microphones
- Battery: 10,100 mAh with up to 66W fast charging
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 7 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2
- Dimensions & Weight: 5.9mm thin, 555g
- Colors: Green, White
- Price: £599 (12GB/256GB, Wi‑Fi only)
Who is this tablet for?
The MatePad 12 X 2025 aims at users who value a paper-like drawing and reading experience combined with modern tablet performance. It’s a strong pick for:
- Digital artists who want stylus responsiveness and a matte surface to reduce pen glide
- Students and professionals who annotate documents or take handwritten notes
- Media consumers and casual gamers who appreciate a bright HDR-capable screen and six-speaker audio
For customers deciding between tablets, consider whether HarmonyOS fits your app needs and whether the single storage configuration meets long-term requirements. The inclusion of Wi‑Fi 7 is forward-looking, but if mobile connectivity is essential, confirm whether a cellular model will be released in your region.
Final thoughts
Huawei’s MatePad 12 X 2025 brings a distinct PaperMatte display and a balanced hardware package that emphasizes content creation and comfortable long-form use. With a 12GB memory and Kirin T92B, along with a large battery and fast charging, it checks many boxes for productivity and creative workflows. Prospective buyers should weigh software ecosystem preferences and accessory support, but for those who prioritize a textured display and stylus functionality, the MatePad is a noteworthy option in the 2025 tablet market.
Source: gsmarena
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