Huawei is closing out the year early with a fresh tablet launch in China: the MatePad 11.5 (2026). It arrives as the direct follow-up to the MatePad 11.5 (2025), which debuted in July, and it keeps the familiar look while adding subtle upgrades and updated hardware to stay competitive in the mid-range tablet market.
At first glance, the MatePad 11.5 (2026) doesn’t stray far from last year’s design, but the biggest changes are on the inside. Huawei is offering two chipset options depending on the version you choose. The Soft Light variant runs on the Kirin T82, while the standard model uses the Kirin T82B. Configuration-wise, Huawei pairs the tablet with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of internal storage, giving buyers a few performance and budget-friendly choices.
For display fans, the tablet continues to focus on smooth visuals. It features an 11.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a 2456 x 1600 resolution, up to a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. That combination should suit everything from note-taking and web browsing to streaming and casual gaming, especially with the faster refresh rate helping scrolling and animations look more fluid.
Camera hardware remains unchanged from the previous generation, which is common in this category. You get a 13 MP rear camera for quick document scans and casual shots, plus an 8 MP front-facing camera designed for selfies, video calls, and online classes.
On the software side, the MatePad 11.5 (2026) ships with HarmonyOS 5.1. Huawei is also highlighting AI-related features, including its AI Health Learning 2 system, aimed at improving learning and productivity experiences on the tablet.
Battery life should be another strong point. Huawei includes a large 10,100 mAh battery and supports 40 W wired charging, which should help reduce downtime when you need a top-up between work sessions or entertainment.
Other notable features round out a solid spec sheet for a modern Wi‑Fi tablet: quad speakers for louder and fuller audio, Wi‑Fi 6 for faster wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2 for accessories, and stylus support for handwriting, drawing, and productivity tasks.
In terms of colors, Huawei is offering multiple finishes: deep space gray, frost silver, feather sand purple, and island blue.
Pricing in China starts at CNY 1,799 (around $255) for the standard Wi‑Fi model with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The Soft Light Edition begins at CNY 2,099 (around $295) for the same 8 GB + 128 GB configuration. Higher storage and memory options include an 8 GB + 256 GB model at CNY 2,299 (about $325) and a 12 GB + 256 GB version priced at CNY 2,799 (about $395). The tablet is already up for pre-order in China through Huawei’s official online storefront.
