Huawei Launches MatePad Air 12 and MatePad 11.5 S with Premium Features Under $500

Huawei has officially expanded its MatePad lineup with the introduction of two new tablets — the MatePad Air 12 and MatePad 11.5 S. Despite their budget-friendly pricing, both devices bring flagship-grade displays, slim and lightweight builds, and HarmonyOS 5 software, positioning them as strong contenders in the mid-range tablet segment.

Huawei MatePad Air 12 – Bigger Display, Powerful Battery

The MatePad Air 12 features a 12-inch IPS LCD screen with a sharp 2800 × 1840 resolution and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth performance. Huawei is also offering a PaperMatte version, designed with nano-etching technology to cut down glare and reduce light reflection by up to 99%, making it ideal for reading and long usage. The display also supports 1,000 nits peak brightness and the DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant visuals.

For multimedia lovers, the tablet comes equipped with a six-speaker setup and full support for the Huawei M-Pencil Pro stylus. Measuring just 5.9mm thick and weighing 555 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and premium design.

Although Huawei has not revealed the chipset inside, the MatePad Air 12 offers 12GB RAM paired with 256GB or 512GB storage options. It boasts a 50MP main camera on the back and an 8MP front camera for video calls. Powering the device is a 10,100 mAh battery with 66W fast charging support. Connectivity is enhanced with Wi-Fi 7, though there is no cellular version.

The tablet is available in Cherry Blossom Pink, Grass Green, Feather Sand White, and Smoke Gray, with prices starting at $417 for the 256GB model and $473 for the 512GB variant.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 S – Compact Yet Feature-Rich

The MatePad 11.5 S comes with an 11.5-inch IPS LCD display, sharing the same 2800 × 1840 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate as the Air 12. Like its larger sibling, it is also compatible with the M-Pencil Pro stylus, but it houses a quad-speaker system instead of six.

On the inside, users get 8GB or 12GB RAM with storage choices of 256GB or 512GB. The tablet sports a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, making it a balanced option for work, study, and entertainment. Its 8,800 mAh battery supports 40W fast charging, slightly lower than the Air 12 but still efficient for daily use.

Color options include Field Green, Feather Sand Purple, Frost Silver, and Deep Space Gray. Pricing begins at $348 for the 8/128GB model, while the 12/512GB version costs $445.

Availability

Huawei has yet to announce global release dates for both tablets, but their strong mix of premium features at mid-range prices positions them as attractive options in the global budget tablet market.