Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) review
This tablet suits creative professionals, avid readers, and anyone whose workflow lives in Huawei's ecosystem or Android without a hard dependency on Google Play. Those entrenched in iOS, relying on niche Android apps, or hunting for a dual-purpose camera tablet should cross-shop iPad or Samsung alternatives.
This review is based on Huawei’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024), and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
A 12.2-inch OLED tablet aimed at reading, media, and light creative work—the kind of device that earns its place through screen quality and all-day stamina rather than raw power or camera chops. The 2024 MatePad Pro is a straightforward, accomplished tablet that does what it promises without pretence.
Design & build
At 508g and 5.5mm thick, the MatePad Pro is genuinely light and slim for its 12.2-inch footprint. That thinness comes with a trade-off: it feels slightly less rigid than rivals with thicker chassis, and you'll want a case for regular handling. The weight sits comfortably in two hands or on a lap, and the 3:2 aspect ratio (89% screen-to-body ratio) means there's minimal bezel waste. Build quality is solid—no creaks or flex where it matters—and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive, though it's an odd placement on a tablet. Gold, white, and black finishes are conservative but durable-looking.
Display
The 12.2-inch dual-layer OLED is the heart of this tablet, and it justifies its place. The 2800×1840 resolution at 275 ppi is sharp enough at typical viewing distances, and the 3:2 ratio suits document work and e-reading better than the wider aspect ratios rivals push. The real wins are the 144Hz refresh—scrolling and stylus work feel fluid without the jank of cheaper 60Hz panels—and the peak 2000-nit brightness, which keeps the screen readable even in direct sun. Colour accuracy is solid for a tablet, though not reference-grade; blacks are deep, and the OLED never feels washed out. This is the screen you buy this tablet for.
Performance
The Kirin 9000S is a capable processor, ranking near the top of the tablet heap for 2024. Multitasking is snappy—opening and switching between ten apps doesn't slow it down, and the 12GB or 16GB RAM options mean you won't hit a hard ceiling. Light video editing, note-taking with a stylus, and browsing are all frictionless. Gaming is fine, though not where this tablet shines; the Maleoon 910 MP4 GPU is competent but not the class-leading graphics engine. Real-world performance rarely stalls, and there's no sense of the device feeling outdated. This is overkill for reading and media consumption, but reassuring if you plan long-term use or tackle demanding apps.
Software
HarmonyOS 4.2 is Huawei's in-house OS, and it's a mixed picture. The interface is clean and responsive, and if you live inside Huawei's ecosystem (phones, watches, other tablets), the device integration is seamless. The catch: outside China, the absence of Google Play Services means relying on Huawei's AppGallery for apps. Popular titles are available, but the selection is thinner than on Android tablets, and some apps either lag in updates or demand workarounds. If you're used to iOS or mainstream Android, the learning curve is mild but the trade-off is real. Multitasking windows work well, and the OS takes good advantage of the stylus for notes and sketches.
Camera
The 13MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF is fine for what most tablet users need—quick photos, video calls, scanning documents. The 8MP ultrawide extends your framing options. In bright outdoor light, shots are clean; indoors or in low light, they soften and lose detail quickly. Video tops out at 4K 30fps, which is adequate but feels cautious for 2024. The 16MP front camera handles video calls without embarrassment. If you're thinking of this tablet as a camera device, recalibrate your expectations; the setup exists for convenience, not ambition.
Battery & charging
The 10100 mAh battery delivers roughly 10 to 12 hours of mixed screen-on time—reading, browsing, light video—which means a full day of typical use without hunting for power. Heavy creative work or video playback will shorten that. The 100W wired charging is a standout: 85% in 40 minutes means you can grab a substantial top-up during a break, and a full charge takes about 55 minutes. There's no wireless charging, which is par for the course on Android tablets but worth noting if you value cable-free convenience. The battery itself is large enough that you shouldn't see dramatic capacity loss over 2–3 years of normal use.
Value & verdict
At around €570, this MatePad Pro competes in a crowded space. The OLED screen and 144Hz refresh justify the outlay for readers, artists, and anyone spending long hours on a tablet. The stylus ecosystem is good—pressure sensitivity and latency are solid once you've bought a pen—but Huawei's ecosystem lock (HarmonyOS, AppGallery) will deter users embedded in Google or Apple worlds. The Kirin 9000S ensures this tablet won't feel slow, and the charging is genuinely quick. The camera is a weak spot, and the lack of 5G on the cellular model feels conservative for 2024. If your core use is media, notes, and sketching on a beautiful screen, this delivers. If you're hoping for a camera-capable all-rounder or need tight Google integration, look elsewhere.
Verdict
This tablet suits creative professionals, avid readers, and anyone whose workflow lives in Huawei's ecosystem or Android without a hard dependency on Google Play. Those entrenched in iOS, relying on niche Android apps, or hunting for a dual-purpose camera tablet should cross-shop iPad or Samsung alternatives.
- Dual-layer OLED screen with 144Hz refresh and 2000-nit peak brightness—genuinely easier on the eyes during long reading or drawing sessions, and bright enough for outdoor use
- 100W charging tops the battery to 85% in 40 minutes, so you rarely sit tethered to a cable for long
- Kirin 9000S handles multitasking, video editing, and note-taking without stutters, with room to spare for power users
- Camera setup is tablet-grade: the 13MP main and 8MP ultrawide are functional for quick snaps and video clips, but lack the precision and low-light chops to make content creation a selling point
- Stylus sold separately—the pen experience is strong once you buy one, but bundling it in at this price would have been expected
- No 5G even on the cellular model, and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac) is becoming dated for a 2024 flagship tablet
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, August 06 |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.2 inches, 440.7 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio), Dual-layer OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Kirin 9000S (7 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main camera | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 10100 mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired, 85% in 40 min, 100% in 55 min |
| Software | HarmonyOS 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 271.3 x 182.5 x 5.5 mm (10.68 x 7.19 x 0.22 in) |
| Weight | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| Durability | Stylus support |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) support 5G?
No. The MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) use?
The MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) runs on the Kirin 9000S (7 nm).
What display does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) have?
A 12.2 inches, 440.7 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) Dual-layer OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2000 nits (peak), 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~275 ppi density).
How big is the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) battery?
The MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) has a 10100 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 100W wired, 85% in 40 min, 100% in 55 min.
Does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) have NFC?
No, the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) does not list NFC support.
Is the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) water resistant?
The MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) carries a Stylus support rating.
Does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) support a microSD card?
No, the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) does not support expandable storage.
Does the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) have a headphone jack?
No, the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
MatePad Pro 12.2
MatePad Pro 12.2 2025
MatePad Pro 11 2024
MatePad Pro 13.2
iPad Air 11 2024
