Huawei MatePad 10.8 Specs, Price, Availability & Alternatives

Huawei is adding another tablet to its newly introduced MatePad series — the MatePad 10.8. The device takes much of its inspiration from the MatePad Pro to offer you a package that is complete with a stylus and a keyboard attachment. Huawei is going for a connected machine, which supports the newest wireless connectivity standards that are helpful for both work and play.

Here is everything that you need to know about the Huawei MatePad 10.8, including its detailed specifications, pricing, availability details, and some good alternatives for those living outside China.

Read: The Best Huawei Tablets You Can Buy In 2020

Highlights

• 10.8-inch QHD LCD
• Octa-core Kirin 990
• 6GB RAM, up to 256GB storage
• Quad speakers
• Fingerprint reader
• Keyboard and stylus support
• 7500mAh battery

Huawei MatePad 10.8: The Basics

If you look closely, you’ll find that the MatePad 10.8 has a bit thicker bezel around the display than the Pro model in the MatePad series. While that certainly doesn’t look as modern, it’s been put to good use: to house a capacitive fingerprint screen, which has been disappearing from tablets lately. The screen measures 10.8 inches and doesn’t have rounded corners. However, it’s a high-res 2K LCD panel, which is the sharpest a tablet screen can get right now. And if you’d prefer writing or doodling on that big screen, you can get the optional M-Pencil — the same Huawei stylus that works with the MatePad Pro.

On either side of the MatePad 10.8, you’ll find a pair of speakers, giving you a wholesome audio experience with the added stereo effect. If you plan on getting some work done on this tablet, Huawei has custom made a magnetic keyboard for this tablet that is both lightweight and is comfortable to use. There are a few software tweaks exclusive to the Chinese userbase that should help with both work and studies. On top of that, the MatePad 10.8 also supports Wi-Fi 6+, offering the best-in-class wireless speeds. The company is also planning a 5G version of the device, which isn’t out yet.

Read: Top 5: The Best Chinese Tablets You Can Buy | 2020 Edition

Under the hood, a high-end Kirin 990 chip keeps things running along with 6GB of RAM standard across models. You can pair it with up to 256GB of storage, which can be further expanded by up to 512GB using a standard microSD card. In terms of camera performance, you’re getting a 13MP rear-facing sensor capable of shooting up to 4K videos, while the front-facing 8MP camera is suitable for 1080p videos — the same as the MatePad Pro. As for the battery, you’re getting a 7500mAh cell that charges over a USB-C port using a 22.5W fast charger.

Full Specifications

Read: Best Budget Tablets Under $200 | 2020 Edition

Pricing & Availability

The Huawei MatePad 10.8 sits somewhere between the standard MatePad and the MatePad Pro when it comes to its pricing. You’ll have to pay CNY 2400 (USD 350) for the base model, while the 128GB storage option comes in at CNY 2800 (USD 400). The tablet is already on sale in China through Huawei’s retail partners, and you can grab a small discount if you make a purchase right away.

It’s not clear when the highest-end variant with 256GB of ROM will go on sale. Having said that, you shouldn’t expect Huawei to launch the MatePad 10.8 outside its home market, given its tension with the US government and the lack of Google apps and the Play Services.

Huawei MatePad 10.8 Alternatives

If you’re staying in China and want to save a bit more cash, then the standard Huawei MatePad could be a great option; it’s just a tad lower end but supports the stylus. And if you don’t mind spending a little more, the MatePad Pro could be a better bet considering the slightly better feature set it has to offer. If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance that you aren’t in China and certainly don’t have access to these Huawei tablets. For folks like these, there are a few options available internationally.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (review) is perhaps the best device available outside China in that price range. It supports a stylus but doesn’t get the keyboard support. You can alternatively pick the Apple iPad 7 (review) along with all its complementary accessories for a similar price. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 (review) is also a good option if you want to go into the Windows 10 ecosystem. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Tab S7 lineup undoubtedly offers the best Android tablet experience on the market, though they are expensive machines.

Read: Top 10: The Best Tablets With Keyboards | 2020 Edition

Huawei MatePad 10.8

Even though the Huawei MatePad 10.8 doesn't get the Pro tag, it's a flagship device out and out. From its massive QHD display to the processor beating under the hood, everything is top-notch. In addition, you also get support for Huawei's M-Pencil stylus and a keyboard attachment for your work needs. The company is also planning a 5G model of the tablet, but you probably shouldn't wait for it.

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