The tablet market is a battlefield, isn't it? Everyone's vying for your attention, especially in that entry-level price range. Recently, I had the chance to check out the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S (2026), a contender in Europe that aims to deliver premium features without breaking the bank. The question is: does it succeed?

HUAWEI opted for a streamlined design with this model. While slightly thicker than its sibling, the MatePad 12 X (2025), it feels solid thanks to its aluminum build, which also keeps the weight manageable. I wouldn't call it luxurious, but it's certainly comfortable enough to hold. One thing to note: there's no mention of water or dust resistance, so you'll want to be careful around liquids. In general, the construction quality is more than adequate considering its price.

The Display: A True Highlight

If there's one area where HUAWEI truly shines, it's the display. It's hands down the most impressive aspect of this tablet. The matte finish is a game-changer, something I wish more tablets would adopt. The 2,800 x 1,840 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate are exceptional. Direct sunlight is less of a problem, this is mainly due to the incredible anti-reflection. The matte finish does such an effective job that it is actually able to diffuse any incoming reflection. In general, everything feels far more comfortable.

The tablet has an 8,700mAh battery. It can be charged at 40 watts. You can do some nice work with this one. For example, you can stream YouTube through the browser, for about five hours. The Kirin 9000WE CPU coupled with 8GB of RAM performed admirably, even when I was pushing it with 4K drawing in GoPaint. I also appreciated the sound quality, the bass and volume were shocking.

Let's talk about the keyboard. You just need to connect the keyboard magnetically to the back of the device, and that's it. It charges automatically and connects with Bluetooth, allowing it to be used wirelessly.

The backplate and the keyboard are kept together by magnets. This allows you to remove the keyboard, but keep the kickstand for the tablet, or even lay it flat on a desk for writing. This alleviates the annoyance of the camera bump. The keyboard is missing a trackpad, but it’s one of the best tablet keyboards I’ve tried so far.

The M-Pencil Pro has 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, and rotate, double-tap, button, and pinching functions. However, at this price range, the M-Pencil Pro shouldn't be considered. There are enough budget-friendly stylus alternatives that will do the job.

However, there's a catch. HUAWEI devices aren't compatible with Google and Microsoft suites, which can be a deal-breaker for some. That is a no-go, if you need thise apps. The included HUAWEI Notes app is similar to Goodnotes on iPad, and GoPaint rivals Procreate.

I was particularly impressed with the drawing experience, especially outdoors, thanks to that fantastic matte display. If you primarily use a browser and note-taking apps on your tablet, the MatePad 11.5 S is a solid option.