Huawei's new MatePad wants to replace your notebook with a screen that feels like paper. But is it enough?

Huawei has launched its new MatePad 11.5 S in the UAE, with prices starting at Dhs 1,499. According to Huawei's announcement in January 2025, the tablet’s main selling point is a 'PaperMatte' display that promises a paper-like writing feel and significantly less glare. This is a familiar goal for anyone who has tried to work on a glossy tablet screen outdoors, a problem Huawei claims it has now solved.

What is the PaperMatte display?

The core feature of the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S UAE model is its screen. Huawei says the Ultra-clear PaperMatte Display reduces sparkle and reflections by 50% compared to the previous model. The screen has a 2.8K resolution, a 291 PPI pixel density, and a 144Hz refresh rate, which should make scrolling and video playback smooth.

In practice, the anti-glare technology is meant to reduce eye strain during long sessions of reading or writing. The textured surface also provides more resistance for the stylus, aiming to mimic the feel of pen on paper more closely than a standard glass screen. This puts it in a similar category to some colour e-paper tablets, but with the benefits of a high-refresh-rate LCD panel.

Software focus on notes and art

To complement the hardware, Huawei is pushing its own software. The tablet comes with an updated HUAWEI Notes app, which includes various brushes, AI handwriting enhancement, and equation recognition. Notably for the region, it also features templates, covers, and stickers with Arabic and African aesthetic designs.

For artists, the tablet includes the GoPaint app, which offers tools like intelligent colour cards and a 3D oil brush. This software suite, alongside support for standard apps like WPS Office and Filmora, shows Huawei is positioning the device as a tool for both students and creative professionals. The focus on first-party apps is a key part of its tablet productivity software strategy.

The optional keyboard wants to be a laptop

Like most modern tablets, the MatePad 11.5 S has an optional keyboard accessory designed to turn it into a laptop replacement. The HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard connects magnetically and offers three modes. 'Laptop mode' is self-explanatory, while 'Studio mode' props the tablet at an angle for drawing.

The most interesting is a split mode, where the keyboard can be detached from the tablet, allowing you to type with it in your lap while the screen sits on a table. This offers more flexibility than a traditional clamshell design, though its practicality will depend on the user.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 S price in UAE

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S is available now in the UAE. Pricing starts at Dhs 1,499. The tablet can be purchased from Huawei’s official online store and its retail stores across the Emirates. The company has not yet confirmed if the M-Pencil Pro and Smart Magnetic Keyboard are included at this price or sold separately.

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