In addition to the larger screen of smartphones, the number of manufacturers that are newly releasing tablet products due to the weight reduction of notebook PCs and the installation of touch panels is decreasing, and especially when it comes to high-end products, I can not think of anything other than Apple's iPad series. The current situation is that there are many people.
Meanwhile, HUAWEI is continuously developing from middle range to high-end tablets. This time, we will actually try out the newly released "HUAWEI MatePad 11" from HUAWEI and introduce its usability.
What is the in-house developed OS "Harmony OS 2" installed in HUAWEI MatePad 11!
Before introducing the product in detail, let's first talk about the installed OS. HUAWEI MatePad 11 is the first HUAWEI tablet product to be equipped with HarmonyOS 2, which was developed in-house.
This OS has significantly improved compatibility between HUAWEI products, but the impression is that it is close to the Android OS in terms of usability. Since it is an OS that has just appeared, it will be interesting to see how it will develop its own color in the future.
Also, with HUAWEI MatePad 11, you cannot install Google apps (apps that depend on GMS) like HUAWEI smartphones in recent years. In the case of smartphones, you may find it inconvenient if you do not have apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar, but in the case of tablets, the screen is larger than smartphones, so if you access it via a browser like a PC, you will not be so troubled. There is no impression.
Approximately 10.95 inch display has a screen occupancy rate of approximately 86%! High resolution and excellent visibility!
The display size of HUAWEI MatePad 11 is about 10.95 inches. By designing the bezel thinly, the screen occupancy rate is as high as about 86%, so the main body size is relatively compact. Since it weighs about 485g and is lightweight, it can be said that it is unique to tablets that it can be easily carried.
The refresh rate is 120Hz, which is the highest level for a tablet, so it has excellent operability. The display resolution is as high as WQXGA (2560 x 1600), so you can enjoy high-definition and powerful videos and games.
The display has a relatively large size for a tablet, and it has sufficient visibility even if the two apps are displayed separately. You can also use it to create materials while watching a website or video site.
The body color is one color of "Isle Blue". It has a clear color that is not seen on smartphones / notebook PCs, and it was a good impression that fingerprints do not adhere much even though it is a glossy material.
Equipped with a high-performance chipset that is not ashamed of the high end!
The installed CPU is Snapdragon 865, which was often installed in the 2020 model of high-end smartphones. It is one generation ago as a smartphone, but its performance is sufficient. The processing performance is as good as the name of a high-end tablet.
The built-in memory is 6GB and the storage is 128GB, so the capacity is sufficient. It also supports microSD cards up to 1TB, so it's relatively safe to store a large number of photos and videos, or install a large number of game apps.
The battery capacity is 7250mAh, and it also supports quick charging of 10V / 2.25A. Although it is a feeling, it seems that the in-house developed OS is controlling the power well, and the battery life is at a satisfactory level. If you charge it well, you won't have to worry about the battery running out while you're on the go.
Audio / microphone performance that is also useful in online meetings!
One of the major features of this product is its high audio performance and microphone performance. Due to the influence of the new corona that will continue from 2020, HUAWEI has also strengthened this part, which is the part that each smartphone / PC maker is focusing on due to the spread of telework and online conferencing.
There are four speakers, two on each side when the main unit is held horizontally. Harman Kardon is tuned, and the sound is very realistic. The display performance is also high, so it is also recommended for watching sports and watching live images.
There are three microphones on the top when the main unit is placed horizontally, and one near the camera unit on the back, for a total of four microphones. When used in online conferences, the voice is designed to reach the three microphones from above, so it has excellent sound collection.
The in-camera is an 8MP single lens, which is located in the center of the upper bezel when the main unit is placed horizontally. It is an image that each part is arranged on the assumption that it will be used in an online conference while improving the performance of the speaker / microphone / camera.
The out-camera is a 13MP single lens. The tablet camera may not be used on a daily basis like a smartphone, but it is useful when reading a QR code or scanning a document.
This is the true value of HUAWEI!Attractive compatibility of each product
As mentioned at the beginning, this product is equipped with HarmonyOS 2, which is the first in-house developed OS in the tablet series. In HarmonyOS 2, you can expand the widget by simply swiping the app placed on the home screen up, or you can adjust the size of the app folder and place it.
In addition, the high compatibility with HUAWEI smartphones and notebook PCs is also attractive. By using a function called "HUAWEI Share", it is possible to project the screen of a smartphone onto a tablet or operate it as an extended display for a notebook PC.
HUAWEI Share is a function that can be used on tablets so far, but the function that connects to a notebook PC and uses it as a second display is a new function from HarmonyOS 2. In addition, a new function has been added that allows you to launch multiple apps installed on your smartphone on your tablet.
By installing the in-house developed OS on multiple devices, the direction of improving compatibility with each device seems to be close to that of Apple. It is a well-known fact that data can be transferred seamlessly by using products such as iPhone / iPad / Mac at the same time.
Since HarmonyOS 2 has just appeared, there are few devices equipped with it, but since it is likely that it will be delivered to smartphones currently on sale, many people may be able to experience seamless cooperation. Maybe.
High degree of perfection as a high-end tablet and new OS are attractive
HUAWEI MatePad 11 is a product that tends to attract attention mainly to the software part because it is equipped with the latest HarmonyOS 2, but it is a high-end tablet even if you look at the hardware such as display performance, large capacity memory, high performance CPU. We are proud of the high degree of perfection.
As mentioned earlier, there is a weakness that Google-based apps (apps that depend on GMS) cannot be installed, but it is not very inconvenient for me personally because alternative apps can be installed from the original app store "HUAWEI App Gallery". There was no scene that I felt.
This product, which has a larger screen than a smartphone but is more portable than a notebook PC, can be a promising candidate for purchase. The selling price on the official HP is 54,780 yen, which is relatively cheap as a high-end product, and it is also sold as a set with the dedicated "M-Pencil 2" and "Smart Magnetic Keyboard", so purchase while considering the usage scene. How about trying it?
Interview / text / Fumihiko Sato
