The global tablet market has been evolving rapidly, with brands focusing on providing devices that cater to both productivity and entertainment needs. While Apple has long dominated the compact tablet category with its iPad Mini, other brands have steadily entered this space to offer more variety. Now, Huawei is all set to launch its highly anticipated MatePad Mini on September 4, aiming to redefine what a compact tablet can offer in 2025.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything we know about the upcoming Huawei MatePad Mini, including its design, display, performance, software, connectivity, and where it stands in the market compared to rivals.
A New Challenger in the Mini Tablet Space
The Huawei MatePad series has been popular for offering premium features at competitive prices. Until now, Huawei focused primarily on standard-sized tablets with screens ranging from 10 to 13 inches. However, the MatePad Mini marks Huawei’s first step into the smaller tablet segment, directly competing with the iPad Mini, Xiaomi Pad Mini, and Samsung Galaxy Tab A series.
The launch date, confirmed for September 4, is expected to align with Huawei’s other product unveilings, including wearables and smartphones. Industry insiders believe the company aims to create an ecosystem of devices that seamlessly connect, and the MatePad Mini could be a key part of this strategy.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to compact tablets, portability and premium build are top priorities. According to leaks and early renders, the Huawei MatePad Mini will feature a sleek unibody metal design, keeping it both sturdy and lightweight.
- Form factor: Expected to be between 8.3 to 8.7 inches, striking a balance between easy handling and immersive viewing.
- Weight and thickness: Rumors suggest it will weigh under 320 grams and measure around 7 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest tablets in its category.
- Bezels: Slim bezels with rounded corners for a modern look.
- Colors: Huawei could offer the device in at least three finishes—Space Gray, Pearl White, and Aurora Blue.
With such a design, the MatePad Mini is clearly positioned as a lifestyle gadget—light enough to slip into a bag or even a coat pocket, yet durable enough for everyday use.
Display: Compact Yet Crisp
The centerpiece of any tablet is its display, and Huawei is known for delivering vibrant screens in its MatePad lineup. The MatePad Mini is expected to sport an 8.4-inch LCD or OLED panel with a resolution of 2K or higher.
- Resolution: Likely 2560 x 1600 pixels, ensuring sharp visuals.
- Refresh rate: A smooth 120Hz refresh rate is highly anticipated, giving it an edge for gaming and scrolling.
- Brightness: Around 500 nits peak brightness, ensuring outdoor readability.
- Eye protection: TUV Rheinland-certified blue light filter for comfortable long-term usage.
If Huawei delivers a high refresh OLED panel, it would be one of the best displays in the compact tablet market, rivaling even the iPad Mini.
Performance and Hardware
Performance is critical for compact tablets, especially for users who want a balance of entertainment, gaming, and productivity. While Huawei cannot use Qualcomm Snapdragon chips due to trade restrictions, the company has strengthened its in-house Kirin processors.
- Processor: Expected to feature the Kirin 9010E or Kirin 9020, both built on advanced architecture for efficiency and performance.
- RAM: Variants with 8GB and 12GB RAM.
- Storage: Options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, with NM card expansion possible.
- Battery: Around 6,000mAh capacity with 40W wired charging and 22.5W wireless charging.
- Cooling system: Graphene cooling technology to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions.
This hardware setup makes the MatePad Mini capable of handling everything from video streaming and e-books to multitasking and light professional work.
Software: HarmonyOS at the Core
One of Huawei’s major strengths is its HarmonyOS, which has evolved into a full-fledged ecosystem. The MatePad Mini will run on the latest version, HarmonyOS 5.0, optimized for compact devices.
Key software features include:
- Multi-screen collaboration: Seamless connectivity with Huawei smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs.
- App Gallery improvements: A growing number of apps now optimized for Huawei tablets.
- Split-screen multitasking: Use two apps side by side, even on a smaller display.
- Stylus support: Likely compatible with Huawei M-Pencil 3rd Gen, turning the MatePad Mini into a creative tool for note-taking and sketching.
- Kids’ mode: Parental controls and educational apps make it a family-friendly device.
Though the absence of Google services may deter some global users, Huawei has steadily improved alternatives, including its own maps, email, and browser solutions.
Cameras: A Useful Addition
While cameras aren’t the main focus of tablets, Huawei is expected to include decent setups:
- Rear camera: 13MP sensor with AI optimization, capable of 4K video.
- Front camera: 8MP wide-angle camera, ideal for video calls and online classes.
- Software enhancements: AI beautification, noise reduction in low-light, and smart background blur for conferencing.
The front camera, coupled with HarmonyOS, could make the MatePad Mini a handy device for remote learning and virtual meetings.
Connectivity and Audio
Huawei has always emphasized connectivity in its ecosystem, and the MatePad Mini should be no different.
- 5G connectivity: Select variants will support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E.
- USB-C port: For charging and data transfer.
- Bluetooth 5.3: For fast pairing with earphones and accessories.
- Speakers: Quad-speaker setup with Huawei Histen audio tuning, delivering immersive sound.
- Headphone jack: Unlikely, as Huawei seems to be following the trend of wireless audio.
Such connectivity ensures that the MatePad Mini is not just an entertainment device but also a versatile tool for work and study.
Market Positioning and Competition
Huawei’s decision to launch the MatePad Mini in 2025 is strategic. Compact tablets have seen a resurgence, particularly as students, professionals, and travelers look for portable alternatives to laptops and large tablets.
- Competition:
- Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Xiaomi Pad Mini (upcoming)
- Pricing strategy: While the iPad Mini remains a premium product at around $499–$649, Huawei may position the MatePad Mini slightly lower, likely starting around $399, to attract budget-conscious buyers.
- Target audience: Students, digital artists, avid readers, professionals needing a secondary device, and families looking for a shared entertainment gadget.
What to Expect on Launch Day
On September 4, Huawei is expected to unveil the MatePad Mini alongside new wearables like the Huawei Watch GT 5 and updates to its FreeBuds lineup. The event will likely be livestreamed globally, with pre-orders opening immediately in China and gradually rolling out to other markets.
If Huawei manages to deliver on performance, display quality, and price, the MatePad Mini could become one of the strongest alternatives to the iPad Mini, especially in regions where Huawei maintains strong brand loyalty.
Conclusion
The Huawei MatePad Mini represents an exciting shift in the tablet landscape. By entering the compact category, Huawei is signaling that it sees potential in consumers who want powerful devices in smaller, portable sizes. With a sharp display, powerful Kirin processor, HarmonyOS integration, and likely competitive pricing, the MatePad Mini has the potential to be a breakthrough device.
While challenges like limited global software support and stiff competition from Apple remain, Huawei’s growing ecosystem and commitment to innovation could make this compact tablet a hit, especially in Asian and European markets.
As the September 4 launch approaches, all eyes are on Huawei to see if it can truly deliver a mini tablet with big ambitions.
