3 Minutes
Huawei quietly refreshed its mid-size tablet lineup with the MatePad 11.5 (2026), keeping the familiar design but tweaking the internals and adding a new Soft Light display option. The update focuses on refined hardware, HarmonyOS enhancements and a battery that aims to last through heavy use.
Small changes, notable upgrades
On the surface the 2026 MatePad 11.5 looks a lot like the 2025 model: an 11.5-inch canvas, slim bezels and quad speakers for stereo sound. The real differences live under the hood and in a new display finish. Huawei offers two chipset options and a Soft Light edition with an anti-glare coating aimed at users who prefer reduced reflections and a paper-like viewing feel.
Display, performance and endurance
Here’s what matters if you care about screens and battery life:
- 11.5-inch IPS LCD with 2456 × 1600 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh for smooth scrolling and motion.
- Peak brightness rated at 600 nits; the Soft Light Edition adds an anti-glare layer for easier reading outdoors or under bright lights.
- Two chipset choices: Kirin T82 for the Soft Light variant and Kirin T82B for the standard model, delivering modest performance tweaks over last year.
- Large 10,100mAh battery with 40W fast charging — built to handle long days of media, work and video calls.
Cameras, connectivity and software perks
The MatePad keeps things straightforward on the camera front with a 13MP rear shooter and an 8MP front-facing camera for video calls. It runs HarmonyOS 5.1, which brings a suite of AI tools and Huawei’s AI Health Learning 2 system to personalize certain functions and health-related features.
Connectivity includes Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while four speakers tune audio for a better media experience.
Colors, pricing and availability
Huawei has listed the MatePad 11.5 (2026) in Deep Space Gray, Frost Silver, Feather Sand Purple and Island Blue. Pre-orders are already live in China through the Huawei Vmall and other retailers, with sales scheduled to begin December 25.
- Standard Wi‑Fi 8GB/128GB: CNY 1,799 (about $255)
- Soft Light Edition 8GB/128GB: CNY 2,099 (about $295)
- Soft Light Edition 8GB/256GB: CNY 2,299 (about $325)
- Soft Light Edition 12GB/256GB: CNY 2,799 (about $395)
Is this a major leap over the 2025 MatePad? Not exactly. Think of the 2026 model as a thoughtful refresh: clearer screen choices, slightly different silicon, and the latest HarmonyOS refinements — all at accessible prices in Huawei’s home market.
Source: gsmarena
Leave a Comment