I tested the Huawei MatePad Pro Max, and I wish this iPad Pro-rivaling tablet had the software to match its excellent hardware

Date:
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:37:38 +0000

Description:
Huawei can still nail hardware and display tech, but in the MatePad Pro Max, the brands software restrictions continue to blight what is an otherwise
great tablet.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: One-minute review The Huawei MatePad Pro Max is the worlds thinnest 13-inch+ tablet, and rivals the 13-inch iPad Pro (2025) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra for portable power. Its lighter than both of those competitors, and offers a stunning display on which to make use of its impressive performance credentials.

Youd be forgiven, then, for thinking Apple and Samsung might be looking nervously over their shoulders. The MatePad Pro Max is beautifully made, and
I prefer its design to that of Apples best iPads . Early signs suggest this could be one of the best tablets around. Yet like its smaller sibling, the Huawei MatePad 12X , this slate is almost impossible to recommend in a practical sense. More on that in a moment. The 13.2-inch display comes with Huaweis PaperMatte technology. Not only does this make it feel lovely to touch, but it also has fantastic anti-reflective properties. I can sit
outside in the sun and still easily use this tablet. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

Its great for video streaming and gaming, with enough grunt under the hood to run PUBG Mobile on high graphical settings without signs of slowdown. (Image credit: Future) Huawei MatePad Pro Max at Huawei UK for 1,099.99 Theres a keyboard case included in the box something you dont get from Apple or Samsung which helps to boost the productivity credentials of this slate. And you also get a 100W charging block, allowing you to replenish over 60% of its battery in under 30 minutes.

Battery life is solid, with many hours of use possible around eight hours of continuous online gaming, for example and reverse charging means you can use the tablet to top-up your phone. Even the cameras are better than some
rivals.

Huaweis own Harmony OS software is similar to iPadOS and Android, and its intuitive to use for the most part. But its in the companys App Gallery where the real issue with this slate lies. With no access to Google Mobile Services (GMS), the MatePad Pro Max has a severe lack of mainstream apps. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

That means no Google apps, no Meta apps (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Threads), and no X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, Claude, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Amazon , and more.

This unfortunately means that, even with its excellent design and display, solid battery life, and premium performance, the Huawei MatePad Pro Max is only going to work for a small subset of users with very specific needs that dont rely on major applications. Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: price and availability Release June 30, 2026 in the UK Price starts at 999 cheaper
than Apple and Samsung rivals Includes keyboard case Not available in the US or Australia The Huawei MatePad Pro Max starts at 999.99 (around $1,300 / AU$1,800) and, unlike rival tablets, it comes with a keyboard case and 100W charging block in the box.

Thats comfortably cheaper than the 13-inch iPad Pro (starting at 1,299) and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (starting at 1,269), for hardware thats just as
good, if not better. But its the lack of mainstream apps that hampers this tablets value proposition.

The MatePad Pro Max is available now on the Huawei UK website. As with many Huawei devices, the MatePad Pro Max is not available in the US or Australia. Value: 4 / 5 Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: specs Swipe to scroll
horizontally Huawei MatePad Pro Max specs

Weight

499g / 509g

Display

13.2-inch, OLED (3000 x 2000), PaperMatte

Operating system

HarmonyOS 4.3

Chipset

Kirin T93 Pro

Memory (RAM)

12GB

Storage

256GB / 512GB

Battery

9,760mAh

Charging

66W wired

Cameras

50MP rear, 12MP front

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, USB Type-C 3.1

Colors

Blue, Space Grey Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: display Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Brilliant, colorful OLED screen Works great in bright sunlight PaperMatte finish feels premium I love the 13.2-inch display on the MatePad Pro Max. My model comes with the firms PaperMatte technology, providing a slick, smooth feeling under the finger and a screen thats still brilliantly visible in bright sunlight.

The OLED panel pumps out punchy colors, while the 144Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and gameplay feeling smooth.

The screen comfortably goes toe-to-toe with those of the iPad Pro 13-inch and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, with the Huaweis display even boasting a higher resolution (3000 x 2000) and pixel density (273ppi) than those of its two mainstream rivals.

Peak brightness matches the iPad and Galaxy Tab at 1600 nits, and the MatePad Pro Max also has the slimmest bezels of the three, giving it an impressive 91.4% screen-to-body ratio.

All this means you get a superb viewing experience with this tablet. Whether
I was watching 4K videos or playing PUBG with the graphics turned way up, it was a visual feast for the eyes. Display: 4.5 / 5 Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: design Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Sleek premium design Thinner
and lighter than Apple and Samsung rivals Keyboard case included, but design could be better Its not just the screen that looks great on the Huawei
MatePad Pro Max, with this tablet also packing a seriously slim design.

At just 4.7mm thick, youd be forgiven for thinking it might feel a little fragile but worry not. The metal unibody chassis is solid and the build quality is top-notch as it should be for the price and if the Huawei brand was scrubbed off, I reckon I could convince a few people this was the new
iPad design. Thats how good the MatePad Pro Max looks and feels.

Theres still that 13.2-inch screen to squeeze into the chassis, but with super-slim bezels, Huawei has managed to keep the dimensions of this slate to the absolute minimum, at 289.3 x 196.3mm.

These numbers make the MatePad Pro Max the worlds thinnest 13-inch+ tablet a niche title, sure, but a win for Huawei nonetheless.

And for a big screen tablet, the MatePad Pro Max is light too, tipping the scales at 499g (or 509g with the PaperMatte display). Thats lighter than the 13-inch iPad Pro (579g) and the (admittedly larger) Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (692g).

That meant I was able to hold the MatePad Pro Max comfortably for multiple rounds of PUBG Mobile without the tablet feeling taxing in my hands.

Theres a fingerprint scanner built into the power key on the top edge of the slate, and it recognized my digit quickly, promptly unlocking the tablet. If anything, this scanner performed better than Touch ID on my iPad Air (2022) . Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) I like the placement of the MatePad Pro Maxs 12MP front-facing camera; its in the middle of the top landscape side of the screen, nestled into the super slim bezel, meaning no annoying notch in the display. However, with Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp , and Google Meet all unavailable in Huaweis App Gallery, the number of video calls youll be doing on the MatePad Pro Max might be limited.

The inclusion of a keyboard case in the box is good to see, as it means you dont have to spend more money on the accessory, and unlike the one that came with the MatePad 12X 2025 , this one has a trackpad for easier navigation.

It features a series of useful touchpad controls. Swipe three fingers up to return home, three fingers from side to switch apps, and three fingers up and hold to enter a multi-task view. It makes the tablet far more user-friendly when in this laptop mode.

Its not as well designed as Apples Magic Keyboard for iPad, though. The movement required to magnetically lock the tablet in place when opening it up isnt the smoothest, with a slightly confused double-hinge design on the case. Even after weeks of use, I still hadnt mastered the movement each time I opened it up. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) The good news is this keyboard case doubles as a protective case, which is always welcome when youre spending big bucks on a premium tablet, although the slates productivity is severely hampered by the limited app selection.

If you want greater creative control, Huawei sells the M-Pencil Pro stylus separately. It magnetically clings to the top landscape edge of the MatePad Pro Max, with an oval pad that guides its placement. Theres also a dedicated space for it in the keyboard case, keeping it safe if you slide the tablet into a bag. Design: 4.5 / 5 Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: software Image 1
of 2 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Major limitations when it comes to apps App Gallery is missing many big names Interface is clean and intuitive As good as the hardware is on the Huawei MatePad Pro Max, its hampered by a heap of software-related trouble. The Trump administration placed the Chinese brand on the 'entity list' back in 2019 , which
effectively banned Huawei from using any Google products or services on its devices.

That means the MatePad Pro Max does not have access to Google Play Services, the Play Store , or any Google applications; theres no Drive, Maps, YouTube , Photos, Gmail, Gemini, and so on.

Instead, we get Huaweis HarmonyOS 4.3 operating system and the firms App Gallery store, where you can download applications. The trouble is, the app selection here is extremely limited.

As Ive mentioned, there are no Google apps, but other major players are missing too, including Metas suite of apps (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Threads), X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, Claude, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Amazon, and more.

Some big names you can download and install from Huaweis App Gallery include Snapchat, TikTok, CapCut, Temu, and Telegram. You can also get Microsoft 365 and Outlook if youre looking for established productivity tools.

Some of these services are available via the web browser. I was able to watch YouTube videos, access social media, and browse Amazon just fine but some things are blocked entirely, such as editing Google Drive documents.

It means youll need to carefully consider whether the MatePad Pro Max will be able to deliver what you need from a tablet. (Image credit: Future) Huawei does offer some apps of its own to help ease the lack of established names on the App Gallery. Petal Maps, as the name suggests, is its version of Apple
and Google Maps. There isnt a satellite or street view, although you do get navigation and live traffic data.

Its serviceable enough, but lacks the features of its established rivals, and thats the case for many of Huaweis own apps. The Notes app is a basic word processor, while NotePad is designed more for quicker things similar to Google Keep. If youre used to the big-brand apps, though, youll find the ones on the MatePar Pro Max arent as encompassing.

Huaweis HarmonyOS interface isnt all that different from iPadOS and Android, with a familiar look and feel, meaning theres no real learning curve when it comes to using the tablet. Its pretty slick under the finger, although it doesnt have the same level of zip and polish as Apples iPad Pro slates. Software: 2 / 5 Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: performance (Image credit: Future) Kirin T93 Pro chipset and 12GB of RAM Can handle games on high graphics settings Impressive speakers offer surround sound The Huawei MatePad Pro Max is powered by Huaweis own Kirin T93 Pro chipset and is ably assisted by 12GB of RAM.

The result is a powerful tablet that could handle everything I threw at it, from social media, web browsing, and downloading large applications, to high-def gaming, sketching with the M-Pencil Pro, and 4K video playback.

Even with multiple applications running together, and utilizing the multi-tasking side-by-side view, there were no significant signs of slowdown. PUBG Mobile , on high graphical settings, loaded quickly and ran smoothly, ensuring my Winner Winner Chicken Dinner streak remained intact.

And during my long PUBG sessions, another positive was the MatePad Pro Maxs ability to keep itself relatively cool, with the slate boasting excellent
heat dissipation.

I didnt have any noticeable performance issues during my testing time, but
the slate doesnt feel as slick as the iPad Pro 13, which feels better optimized for the Apple-made chip inside.

Another impressive aspect of the tablet is its six-speaker system, which delivers a convincing surround sound experience. The bass is weak, as is expected from a tablet thats so thin, but audio quality is otherwise very good. The speakers are better than the ones on my iPad Air, for what its worth.

The M-Pencil Pro stylus is really comfortable to use on the MatePad Pro Max. It glides nicely across the screen when handwriting notes, and its
comfortable to hold for extended sketching sessions. The tablet itself isnt brilliantly designed for note-taking, though. Place it on a flat surface, and the rear camera bump means the tablet rocks annoyingly as you move the M-Pencil around the screen.

Pop it in the keyboard case, and the angle the screen sits at isnt natural
for handwriting or sketching either. You can fold the tablet back on the case and place it on a desk, which provides you with a steady surface, but if you forget it, then youre back to a wobbly mess.

Now, Id never recommend someone use their tablet as a camera theyre big, bulky, and usually no better than the smartphone in your pocket at taking pictures. However, the 50MP rear camera on the MatePad Pro Max is one of the better ones Ive used on this form factor.

It offers 5x and 10x zoom with only minimal quality degradation, and in good light outdoors, its capable of taking some nice shots. Its the size of this 13.2-inch slate that hampers the experience its cumbersome to hold up and take around with you versus your phone. Performance: 4 / 5 Huawei MatePad Pro Max review: battery (Image credit: Future) 9,760mAh high-silicon anode
battery 100W Turbo Charge plug included in the box Replenish over 40% in 20 minutes Battery life on the Huawei MatePad Pro Max is solid, but not quite category-leading. You get a 9,760mAh high-silicon anode battery, which is actually smaller than the cell found in the iPad Pro 13 (10,290mAh).

That shouldnt be a worry, though. I played PUBG for two hours on high
graphics settings, and the MatePad Pro Max lost 20% of its charge in that time.

If we extrapolate that out, it means youre looking at at least eight hours of demanding gameplay on a single charge great news for gamers and those
looking to perform intense productivity tasks on the slate.

Youll get much longer if youre only using the tablet for occasional web browsing, social scrolling, and the odd video stream, though. Id feel comfortable taking the MatePad Pro Max on a long-haul flight, for example, as the battery should remain solid.

Huawei has packed in 66W charging too, to help replenish the large battery. And it was great to find a 100W Turbo Charge block included in the box, meaning I didnt have to dig out my own. Apple and Samsung dont include this with their tablets, so well done, Huawei.

During my charging tests, I was getting around 10% battery returned after 5 minutes, 20% after 10 minutes, and 45% in just 20 minutes. After 30 minutes, the MatePad Pro Max had replenished 65% of its battery a useful result if youre looking for a quick top-up before heading out.

Another handy feature is the tablets reverse charging capabilities. If you find your smartphone is running low on juice, you can connect it to the MatePad Pro Max via USB-C cable, and the tablet will provide your handset
with a top-up. Battery: 4 / 5 Should you buy the Huawei MatePad Pro Max?
Swipe to scroll horizontally Huawei MatePad Pro Max scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Cheaper than its Apple and Samsung rivals, plus you get a keyboard case and 100W charging block in the box. Its a good package, but the software shortcomings mean its not 5/5 in terms of overall value.

4 / 5

Display

Gorgeous display with excellent anti-glare finish makes it easy to use outdoors in sunlight. Bright, crisp, and colorful, with very slender bezels.

4.5 / 5

Design

Premium metal chassis thats wonderfully thin and light, making it easy to
slip into a bag. The front-facing camera smartly tucked into the landscape bezel is a nice touch.

4.5 / 5

Software

This is the MatePad Pro Maxs Achilles heel, and could well be a deal breaker for many. The lack of Google Play services and an App Gallery store missing
so many big names makes it severely limited versus the Apple and Android competition.

2 / 5

Performance

Theres plenty of power under the hood for gaming, social scrolling, emails, and video streaming. Its not quite as lightning fast under the finger as Apples latest M-powered iPad Pros, but theres enough for most users.

4 / 5

Battery

Solid battery life can offer eight hours of gaming at high graphics settings, while the 66W charging can replenish it blisteringly quickly. Reverse
charging is a handy extra, allowing you to top up your phone.

4 / 5 Buy it if

You want a beautiful, big-screen slate The Huawei MatePad Pro Max offers up
a premium build thats pleasingly thin and light, while the display is something to marvel at its great for video streaming and gaming. I loved being able to comfortably use the tablet outdoors in the sun, as its anti-reflective screen works a treat.

You want to take photos with your tablet Cameras on tablets tend to be more of an afterthought than a standout feature, but the MatePad Pro Max doesnt do a bad job here. If you have a high-end smartphone, that will still be better than this tablet, but if youre someone who wants to take pictures with your slate, this is a decent option.

You need a tablet that charges quickly and charges your phone With the 100W charging block included in the box, youll get 65% battery returned to the slate in just half an hour. Even a 10-minute charge gets you 20%, which is handy if you notice you could do with a bit extra in the tank before heading out the door. Plus, connect your phone via USB-C cable to the MatePad Pro
Max, and itll charge your handset too. Don't buy it if

You want access to all your apps Huaweis limited App Gallery means there are numerous big-name apps that simply arent available on the MatePad Pro Max,
and that severely limits the productivity and entertainment value of this tablet. Youll have to look elsewhere to guarantee youll get all the apps you need.

You want a premium keyboard case Huawei has upped its keyboard case game here, and the fact that its included in the box is a massive win. Yet, the dual hinge design is awkward to use, and the keys feel a little stiff under the finger. Apples Magic Keyboard, while considerably more expensive,
provides a better all-around experience though youll have to buy a pricey iPad as well. Also consider If you're not sold on what the Huawei MatePad Pro Max has to offer, there are a handful of similarly priced alternatives to consider.

iPad Pro 13-inch (2025) The iPad Pro is still the gold standard in the
tablet world, combining premium design, a gorgeous display, and the most comprehensive app library for this form factor. Sure, its expensive, as are the keyboard and Pencil accessories, but you really do get what you pay for and there are no restrictions on apps here.

Read our review of the smaller iPad Pro 11-inch (2025)

Samsung Galaxy S11 Ultra If youre after a big-screen Android tablet with access to Googles full suite of services, the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is an impressive slate. While its an improvement over its predecessor, the MediaTek chipset used here is disappointing. That said, if you want a tablet to play a lot of games, is easy to work on, or want a bigger screen to
sketch, doodle, and noodle around with AI, the S11 Ultra fits the bill.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review How I tested the Huawei MatePad Pro Max Tested over several weeks Played games, browsed the web, scrolled social, snapped pictures Also tested the keyboard case and M-Penci Pro stylus I used the Huawei MatePad Pro Max as my main tablet for several weeks, testing out its core features, app availability, and performance.

I played a variety of games, watched 4K HDR videos, snapped photos, ran battery and charging tests, and performed various day-to-day tasks, including web browsing, scrolling social media, and checking emails.

The keyboard case, which is included in the box, was also tested with emails, word processing, and general UI navigation. I was also sent the M-Pencil Pro (and optional extra), and spent time jotting down handwritten notes and sketching cartoons.

Read more about how we test First reviewed May 2026 Huawei MatePad Pro Max: Price Comparison 1,099.99 View No price information Check Amazon We check
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