Huawei MatePad 11.5-Inch S (53014DRY+FOC) Review: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The Huawei MatePad 11.5-Inch S (53014DRY+FOC) arrived on my desk promising a premium tablet experience, and after several weeks of intensive testing, I’m ready to share my thoughts. This review delves into its design, performance, features, and overall value, offering a comprehensive assessment of this sleek device.

Features

The MatePad 11.5-Inch S boasts a stunning 11.5-inch 2.8K FullView display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The difference in smoothness compared to a standard 60Hz display is immediately noticeable, making scrolling and gaming incredibly fluid. The vibrant colors and sharp resolution make it a pleasure to consume media. The included GoPaint app, specifically designed for the tablet, is a nice touch for creative users, providing a range of digital art tools. The sleek metal unibody design feels premium in hand, and at 500g, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its size. The HarmonyOS operating system provides a clean and intuitive user experience.

Performance

With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the MatePad 11.5-Inch S handled multitasking and demanding apps with ease. I ran several benchmarks and gaming tests, and the performance was consistently impressive. The 144Hz refresh rate significantly enhanced the gaming experience, making gameplay smoother and more responsive. However, I did notice some minor heating during extended gaming sessions, but it wasn’t overly concerning. The battery life was also commendable, easily lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage.

The audio quality through the Type-C audio jack was satisfactory for casual listening, but for a truly immersive audio experience, external speakers may be preferred. The included accessories (charger, cable, etc.) were standard fare, nothing extraordinary. The camera performance is adequate for video calls and casual photography, but don’t expect DSLR-level results.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Stunning 2.8K 144Hz display
  • Smooth and responsive performance
  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Long battery life
  • GoPaint app for creative users
  • Excellent multitasking capabilities

Cons:

  • Minor heating during extended use
  • Camera performance is average
  • Audio quality could be improved

Final Verdict

The Huawei MatePad 11.5-Inch S (53014DRY+FOC) offers an excellent blend of performance, design, and features. The 144Hz display is a significant highlight, significantly enhancing the user experience. While some minor drawbacks exist, they don’t detract significantly from the overall positive experience. If you’re looking for a high-quality Android tablet with a stunning display and smooth performance, the MatePad 11.5-Inch S is a strong contender.

I wholeheartedly recommend this tablet for those who prioritize a high-refresh-rate screen, smooth multitasking and a good battery life for media consumption and general use.

Specification Value
Secondary Camera Resolution 8 MP
RAM Size 8 GB
Internal Memory 128 GB
Product Weight 500 g
Version Middle East Version
Screen Size 11.5 in
Display Resolution 2880×1440
Primary Camera Resolution 13 MP
Colour Name Gray
Charging Type Type-C
SIM Count No SIM Card
SIM Type No SIM Card
Connection Type Wifi
Display Type LCD
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Operating System HarmonyOS
Network Type Wi-Fi
Tablet Screen Size 11 inches & above
Secondary Camera 8 – 11.9 MP
Model Year 2024
Voice Calling Capability Yes
What’s In The Box Charger, Type-C Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card
Network Frequency Band WiFi
Camera Type Primary Camera + Secondary Camera
Primary Camera Feature Single
Flash LED
Video Recording Resolution Type 1080p
Wireless Wireless
Audio Jack Type-C
Battery Type Lithium Polymer
Water/Dust Properties Water Resistant and Dust Resistant
Finish Metal
Product Length 60.98 mm
Product Height 6.35 mm
Product Width/Depth 177.26 mm
Sensor Accelerometer, ambient_light_sensor, digital_compass
Model Number 53014DRY+FOC
Model Name HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S Grey/Tagore-W09C
Primary Camera (MP) 13