Huawei matepad mini: a compact tablet that gets the matte screen right

Mini tablets have always felt like a compromise: portable and capable, yet often lacking the screen real estate needed for truly enjoyable use. The new Huawei MatePad Mini aims to change that.

Huawei's new matepad mini: a more pocketable option

The Huawei MatePad Mini boasts an impressively thin bezel, allowing an 8.8-inch display to fit into a remarkably compact 7.82 x 5.01 x 0.20-inch (198.59 x 127.27 x 5.1 mm) chassis. That’s significantly smaller and lighter than the iPad mini, which measures 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches and weighs 297g versus the MatePad Mini’s 9 oz (255g).

A key element of the MatePad Mini's appeal is its built-in matte screen. While matte displays often sacrifice image vibrancy, Huawei appears to have addressed this concern. The screen offers a soft touch, reduces glare, and is notably better for stylus use.

Under the hood, the MatePad Mini utilizes the Kirin 9010B chip, a slightly toned-down version of the Kirin 9010 found in some Huawei phones. Its multi-thread performance rivals the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from 2022, but single-core performance is a bit weaker. Initial testing revealed smooth animations and no noticeable slowdowns during basic tasks like web browsing and app switching.

The lack of a keyboard folio option—common on larger Huawei tablets—is a missed opportunity. While wireless keyboards are supported, a dedicated, well-designed case would have completed the package. Pricing remains elusive, with inflated prices from third-party retailers. The official global launch happened yesterday, but a concrete price point is still pending. However, the MatePad Mini presents a compelling alternative for those seeking a truly portable tablet experience.

This device isn't a revolution; it's refinement. Huawei has clearly learned from past iterations. What remains to be seen is whether the performance holds up under sustained workloads.