Tablets have evolved into essential companions for both work and play, and HUAWEI’s MatePad Pro 13.2″ enters this space as a powerful and versatile option. With its striking OLED display, immersive audio, impressive battery life, and stylus support, the MatePad Pro 13.2″ caters to a broad range of users. This review delves into its features, specifications, real-world performance, and where it stands among the competition.
Design and Build: Slim, Lightweight, Premium
HUAWEI has prioritized a slim and portable form factor in the MatePad Pro 13.2″. Measuring just 5.5mm thick and weighing a mere 580g, it’s easily one of the most travel-friendly tablets of its size. You can effortlessly slip it into a bag or even a large purse without feeling weighed down. The build quality feels premium, with a sturdy construction that inspires confidence.
The real star of the show, however, is the display. Its nearly bezel-less design boasts an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio, leading to an expansive and immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or playing games, the content truly feels like it’s floating in front of you.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The 13.2-inch OLED display is undoubtedly one of the MatePad Pro 13.2″‘s strongest features. It offers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. With support for both the sRGB and P3 color gamuts, creators will appreciate the color accuracy – reaching pro-grade levels with a ∆E<1 color accuracy rating.
A high refresh rate of 144Hz and a 360Hz touch sampling rate deliver buttery-smooth visuals and responsive interactions, whether you’re scrolling through web pages, gaming, or sketching with the stylus. Low blue light emissions and flicker-free technology, certified by TÜV Rheinland Global Eye Care 3.0, make extended viewing sessions easier on the eyes. While most tablets struggle in bright sunlight, the MatePad Pro 13.2 tackles this issue with a nano-optical layer that combats glare, ensuring readability even outdoors.
Audio: Immerse Yourself in Sound
HUAWEI SOUND™ powers the MatePad Pro 13.2″‘s audio system, and it delivers a surprisingly robust experience for a tablet. The tablet produces clear, loud, and room-filling sound ideal for enjoying music, movies, and games. It’s one of the few tablets that can comfortably fill a small space without the need for external speakers, which is great for travel or casual listening.
Performance: Capable and Efficient
While not marketed as a powerhouse like some gaming-focused tablets, the MatePad Pro 13.2″ packs enough punch for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. It runs smoothly even with demanding apps, allowing multitasking and switching between apps without significant hiccups. Creative apps, like those for photo and video editing, also feel responsive.
Battery life is another strength of the MatePad Pro 13.2″. On moderate usage, the tablet easily delivers a full day’s worth of power, with the potential to last longer if screen-off time is significant. Support for 88W wired super-fast charging means topping it up is a breeze, minimizing downtime whenever you do need to plug in.
The HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Gen): Your Creative Companion
The MatePad Pro 13.2″ is fully compatible with HUAWEI’s M-Pencil (3rd gen), sold separately. This stylus elevates the tablet’s functionality for artists, note-takers, and anyone who prefers the precision and feel of a pen-like input. Over 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity allow for nuanced brush strokes or varied line weights, mimicking real-world drawing tools. The near-zero lag makes it feel incredibly natural to use. Whether jotting down quick notes, sketching elaborate compositions, or even marking up documents, the M-Pencil works flawlessly.
Software and Ecosystem: HarmonyOS at the Core
The MatePad Pro 13.2″ runs HUAWEI’s own HarmonyOS operating system. It’s worth noting that, due to ongoing restrictions, Google services and apps are not directly available on this device. While this might be restrictive for heavily Google-dependent users, HUAWEI has worked to expand its own AppGallery, and many popular apps are now available natively. Additionally, clever solutions like Petal Search help find and install apps from external sources when needed.
HarmonyOS offers some unique advantages. Multi-screen collaboration allows seamless file sharing and even mirroring your HUAWEI phone screen onto the tablet for increased productivity. The tablet can also act as a secondary display for compatible HUAWEI laptops, extending your workspace in a convenient way.
Cameras: Adequate for Casual Use
The MatePad Pro 13.2″ features front and rear cameras. While not its primary focus, they serve their purpose for video calls, document scanning, or the occasional quick photo. Image quality is respectable in well-lit conditions, but don’t expect smartphone-level performance, especially in low light.
Target Audience: Who Should Consider It?
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2″ is a compelling choice for several types of users:
- Entertainment enthusiasts: The large, high-quality display and powerful speakers make this tablet an excellent portable media consumption device. Whether you’re a movie buff, music lover, or casual gamer, you’ll enjoy the immersive experience it provides.
- Creatives: Artists, designers, and photographers will appreciate the vibrant color reproduction of the display and the responsiveness of the M-Pencil. The tablet is a convenient and capable tool for sketching, editing photos on the go, or taking handwritten notes.
- Students and Professionals: The MatePad Pro 13.2″‘s portability and long battery life make it a great companion for taking notes in class, working on documents, or reading textbooks. The multi-screen collaboration feature can be particularly useful for those with other HUAWEI devices.
The Competition and Final Thoughts
The tablet market is highly competitive, and the MatePad Pro 13.2″ faces stiff competition from devices like Apple’s iPad Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series. While it might fall short in raw processing power compared to top-tier rivals but offers excellent value for its price. Ultimately, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2″ delivers a well-rounded package that seamlessly blends entertainment and productivity. Its stunning display, superb audio, and excellent battery life truly shine. If you’re seeking a premium tablet experience outside of the typical iOS or Android ecosystems, it’s definitely worth considering.
