Huawei’s compact tablet feels less like a gadget and more like a thoughtfully designed digital notebook, blending portability with everyday productivity.

I have been using Huawei’s MatePad 11.5 S for a while now for writing, editing, and most of my day-to-day journalistic work. It has turned out to be a surprisingly capable productivity device. So, when the MatePad Mini arrived, I was curious to see how Huawei would translate that experience into a much smaller form factor.

Reviewed By: Srijith KN, Senior Editor, Integrator

Design and Accessories

The first thing that stood out during the unboxing was not just the device, its accessories! Huawei has clearly put thought into the overall experience. The tablet ships with well-designed cases, including a transparent option and a diary-style booklet cover.

The diary cover, in particular, immediately felt right to me. It makes the tablet feel less like a gadget and more like a compact notebook you would carry every day. There is a certain familiarity to it, almost like picking up a journal rather than a device.

Huawei also continues to include a charger in the box, and this one comes with a 66W unit, a thoughtful touch at a time when many brands have moved away from bundling one altogether.

Everyday Portability

The 8.8 inch tablet immediately feels comfortable in the hand. It is extremely light and compact, measuring just 5.1 mm thick and weighing around 255 grams. That portability is noticeable right away.

In many ways, it feels closer to carrying a paperback than a traditional tablet. I currently use the Nothing Phone 3 as my daily device, and at times even that feels heavier than this. The MatePad Mini, on the other hand, almost disappears in your hands.

Huawei is also using a magnesium alloy body here, which keeps the device light without compromising on rigidity. Given how thin it is, that added structural strength feels reassuring.

A Paper Like Experience That Works

Last night, I found myself reading long articles on it for hours without feeling any strain. That is where the device really begins to make sense.

It genuinely feels like a digital paper booklet, built for reading, note-taking, writing, or quickly catching up on work while on the move. The green variant, in particular, features Huawei’s PaperMatte display, and it is easily one of the most distinctive aspects of this device.

Huawei claims the display reduces up to 99 percent of ambient light interference, and in real-world use, that translates into a noticeably glare-free experience. Even under indoor lighting, reflections are minimal, and the screen remains comfortable to look at for extended periods.

At the same time, it does not compromise on performance. With up to 1800 nits of brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a wide color gamut, the display manages to balance readability with visual richness, something that is not easy to get right in smaller devices.

There is also an eBook mode that shifts the display into a black and white, paper like view, along with other settings designed to reduce eye strain during longer reading sessions. Additional options like eye comfort and sleep mode further support extended use.

Writing and Creativity

I also spent some time using the M Pencil for quick notes, and the experience feels surprisingly close to paper. Coming from the MatePad 11.5 S, Huawei continues to deliver one of the better stylus experiences in this space.

The M Pencil Pro adds more depth to the experience than expected. With different tip options and subtle haptic feedback, writing feels more tactile and intentional, rather than just tapping on glass.

Paired with the updated Huawei Notes app, the experience becomes more refined. Features like handwriting enhancement subtly improve legibility without taking away the personal feel of your writing, making it especially useful for quick notes and longer-form thinking.

Hardware and Performance

The MatePad Mini packs a 6400 mAh battery with support for fast charging, capable of going from zero to full in about an hour. On paper, it looks promising, though I will reserve judgment until I have spent more time with it.

On the hardware side, it includes a 50MP rear camera and a 32MP front camera, along with stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C 3.0, and a fingerprint sensor, something I wish Huawei had included on the MatePad 11.5 S as well.

Editor’s Perspective

Whenever I am seen using a Huawei device, the first question that comes up from people around me is usually about the ecosystem, particularly about Google services.

I too had similar concerns earlier, but having used Huawei devices for a while now, the experience has been smoother than expected. HarmonyOS feels clean and fluid, and tools like GBox make it possible to access most essential apps. Even for someone deeply tied to Google services, it has been more manageable than I initially thought.

The Mate series once represented the pinnacle of smartphone innovation. Now, the series returns to the global stage after a brief hiatus. Building on the Mate series’ strong tradition of pioneering technology, the Mate 80 Pro sets new standards in imaging authenticity, durability, performance, and intelligence. At a time when innovation among standard slab smartphones appears to have stalled, the Mate 80 Pro emerges as a serious contender for the best flagship smartphone of the year.

Capturing Reality with True Fidelity

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro revolutionises mobile photography with its True-to-Color Camera System. Compared to the previous generation, this system achieves a 43% improvement in colour reproduction to guarantee authentic, professional-grade results in any scenario. The system is powered by a premium 50 MP Ultra Lighting Main Camera featuring a large 1/1.28-inch sensor. This flagship main sensor captures significantly more light and detail than those of previous generations, providing superior low-light capabilities and lifelike textures.

The true strength of the Mate 80 Pro lies in its True-to-Color Camera. This camera system boasts 96% better light intake to offer more accurate, true-to-life detail in low-light conditions. Additionally, DCG HDR technology enhances dynamic range by 300% when compared to the previous generation, preserving details and contrast even in strong backlight scenarios.

The Mate 80 Pro’s 48 MP Ultra Lighting Telephoto Macro Lens supports 4x optical zoom and a minimum focus distance of 5 cm, unlocking effortless close-up and long-range shooting to support stunning clarity and enchanting bokeh. For capturing wide canvases, there is the 40 MP ultra-wide-angle camera.

Built to Endure Adventures

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro features the Super Durable Architecture, providing comprehensive protection without compromising elegance. The 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass offers 20x greater drop resistance than conventional glass, safeguarding the display from accidental falls. In addition, the ultra-durable vegan fibre back panel boosts impact resistance by 5x, all while maintaining a silky scratch- and wear-resistant texture.

The device also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance (up to 6 m depth) and an IP69 rating for high temperatures and high-pressure jets, offering a multi-layer shield against spills, rain, and dust. This makes the Mate 80 Pro an ideal companion for splash days, workouts, or rainy commutes.

Powerful Performance

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro supports all-day usage thanks to a huge 5750 mAh battery, which can be rapidly recharged through 100 W wired SuperCharge or 80 W wireless SuperCharge. The device also comes equipped with the industry-first SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation System, capable of boosting thermal conductivity by 16% and reducing temperature rise by 33%. This allows the phone to remain 1°C cooler during gaming and 2.5°C cooler during HD streaming compared with the previous generation—ensuring smooth, lag-free performance under heavy loads.

Dual space ring design

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro introduces a Dual Space Ring Design with a symmetrical aesthetic. The Mate 80 Pro is available in three colours inspired by nature: Gold, Green, and Black. Paired with a silky, ultra-durable vegan fibre back panel, the phone offers a premium feel.

A Smarter Experience

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro integrates innovative AI features for exceptional creativity. With AI Remove, users can effortlessly erase unwanted elements like passers-by or clutter, after which backgrounds are seamlessly reconstructed. AI Best Expression is capable of analysing burst shots and then merging everyone’s best faces into a single image, creating timeless group photos. In addition, AI Composition provides real-time framing guidance for professional-level shots, while Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation filters ambient noise for crystal-clear calls in noisy environments.

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra review by DXOMARK Record 175

The phone posts a 180 Photo Score and a 166 Video Score. In addition, its telephoto system ranks first. Consequently, users can rely on detailed images in challenging lighting conditions and stable footage while on the move. Moreover, the device keeps the color natural while preserving the texture and shadow.

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Camera Capabilities

At the core, a 1‑inch Ultra Lighting HDR sensor captures clean detail in bright sun and dim rooms. Furthermore, a variable aperture balances portraits and group shots without fiddly settings. Most importantly, a Switchable Dual Telephoto (3.7x and 9.4x) maintains sharpness at distance. For example, city skylines and stage shots hold crisp edges with minimal noise. Meanwhile, close‑ups keep fine textures that usually blur on phones.

Video and Design, With AI

For video, advanced stabilisation and HDR mapping reduce shake and blown highlights. Therefore, creators can film concerts, travel clips, or interviews with confidence, knowing every frame stays smooth and balanced. In addition, upgraded low-light video modes preserve rich color and texture even under city lights or dim indoor settings. Moreover, the audio system captures clear sound with minimal distortion, ensuring voices and ambient tones remain natural.

Meanwhile, durability and design continue to set the device apart. Kunlun Glass improves drop resistance by up to 25x, giving users extra peace of mind in daily use. Furthermore, the sleek Prestige Gold and Prestige Black finishes combine elegance with practicality, making the phone both stylish and robust. Beyond hardware, AI Smart Controls simplify everyday tasks. For example, users can switch apps with gestures, share files instantly across devices, or present slides with a single tap. As a result, the device feels less like a phone and more like a creative hub designed for modern professionals.

Why It Matters for Creators

In practice, the phone shortens the gap between capture and delivery. For example, social teams can shoot, edit, and publish on the same device. Consequently, field reporters and influencers move faster with fewer accessories. In short, the Pura 80 Ultra DXOMARK result confirms a new standard for mobile imaging.

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Dubai, UAE – Huawei, in partnership with Eros Group, has introduced the AI-powered conference whiteboard IdeaHub, redefining how workplaces collaborate in the digital age. The launch highlights Huawei’s growing role in the UAE’s digital transformation, offering businesses tools that are smarter, more interactive, and designed for productivity.

Smarter Meetings with Huawei IdeaHub

The new AI-powered conference whiteboard transforms traditional meetings into seamless digital experiences. With intelligent handwriting recognition, advanced video conferencing, and AI-enhanced voice clarity, the device creates smoother communication. In addition, wireless connectivity allows multiple users to share content instantly, encouraging collaboration across teams both in-person and remotely.

Designed for Modern Workplaces

The IdeaHub is designed for flexible office setups, from large conference rooms to hybrid work environments. Moreover, its interactive features—such as multi-user touch and split-screen collaboration—make brainstorming sessions more engaging and efficient. Businesses can rely on their AI-driven tools to improve decision-making while reducing wasted meeting time.

Partnership with Eros Group

Through its partnership with Huawei, Eros Group will distribute the IdeaHub across the UAE. This collaboration ensures that local businesses gain access to cutting-edge solutions backed by reliable service and support. Furthermore, the partnership reflects the UAE’s vision of equipping companies with digital tools that enable innovation and sustainable growth.

A Step Toward Greener, Smarter Workspaces

Beyond productivity, the Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard supports greener business practices. By digitizing brainstorming sessions, eliminating paper waste, and reducing reliance on printed material, it aligns with sustainability goals embraced by organizations in the UAE. Additionally, the device’s power-efficient design reduces energy consumption, which contributes to eco-conscious operations.

Meeting the Needs of a Hybrid Workforce

As hybrid work models become the norm, the demand for smarter and more flexible collaboration tools grows rapidly. The Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard directly addresses this trend by enabling seamless interaction between in-office staff and remote participants.

Notably, the platform ensures equal engagement for all attendees through interactive content sharing, synchronized annotations, and real-time feedback tools. Consequently, businesses can maintain continuity, build stronger connections, and empower teams regardless of location.

Reinforcing the UAE’s Digital Transformation Vision

The launch of the Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard with Eros Group underscores the UAE’s commitment to digital-first innovation. By introducing intelligent workplace solutions, the partnership contributes to the nation’s broader strategy of fostering smart cities, sustainable businesses, and globally competitive enterprises.

Huawei and Eros Group share the vision of positioning the UAE at the forefront of technological advancement in the Middle East. Together, they are delivering solutions that merge AI innovation with local market expertise.

Conclusion

The Huawei AI-Powered Conference Whiteboard, launched in collaboration with Eros Group, is more than a device—it is a symbol of how AI can enhance productivity, collaboration, and sustainability in the workplace. With advanced features designed for modern hybrid environments, it sets a new benchmark for intelligent collaboration tools in the UAE.

As organizations continue to evolve, the demand for smarter, faster, and greener solutions will only grow. Huawei and Eros Group are well-positioned to meet this demand, equipping businesses with the technology they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

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Du, the UAE’s leading telecom and digital services provider, has launched 5G-Advanced technology on its live network. Partnering with Huawei, this makes the UAE the first country in the region to deploy the next-generation capability. The launch reinforces du’s leadership in mobile innovation and supports national digital ambitions.

Du 5G-Advanced Dual Band Breakthrough

The 64T64R Dual Band Active Antenna Unit (AAU) merges the 3.7 GHz (N78) and 2.6 GHz (N41) spectrum bands into one system. Consequently, du customers enjoy enhanced capacity, wider coverage, and greater spectrum efficiency. Additionally, the innovative design reduces power consumption, lowering the network’s carbon footprint while improving user experience.

As part of its long-term vision, du initiated the concept to prepare for increasing connectivity demands. This 5G-Advanced deployment consolidates hardware, streamlines network operations, and sets a global benchmark for sustainable and efficient mobile upgrades.

Stronger Connectivity, Lower Impact

Felix Liu, Chief of UAE Carrier Business at Huawei, added, “Huawei’s 5G Dual Band AAU delivers exceptional network performance and supports the UAE’s sustainability vision. Our collaboration with du ensures innovative solutions with measurable results.”

Benefits of du 5G-Advanced for Users and Businesses

The 5G-Advanced network delivers peak speeds of about 5.4 Gbps and increases average data rates by up to 33%. As a result, users experience ultra-fast downloads, smoother 8K streaming, stronger coverage in remote areas, and ultra-low latency for real-time applications.

For enterprises, the platform enables massive IoT deployments, supports advanced digital services, and improves operational efficiency. Moreover, the dual-band design enhances energy efficiency, aligning with du’s net-zero targets. Features such as enhanced Massive MIMO and spectrum aggregation further improve uplink speeds and connectivity at the cell edge.

Platform for Future Innovation

The network also supports ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). These capabilities will accelerate smart city initiatives, connected industries, and large-scale digital transformation across the UAE.

Ultimately, this deployment is part of du’s wider plan to lead the evolution of 5G-Advanced and beyond. By working closely with global technology partners and local regulators, du ensures the UAE remains at the forefront of global telecom innovation.

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LEAP was held against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation in Saudi society, in line with Vision 2030 goals. The country aims to become one of the world’s top 20 tech economies using digital to create a more diverse economy.

Steven Yi, president of Huawei Middle East, said, “as the host of LEAP, Saudi Arabia’s digitization roadmap exemplifies the transformative role of technology across all sectors of the society. The Kingdom has put digitization on the fast track and is now amongst the global pioneers in deploying new generations of ICT solutions. LEAP has served as an important international forum to build consensus and deepen collaboration in areas that will create new economic and social value for all.”

Under the theme of “Dive into Digital”, Huawei’s exhibition at LEAP demonstrated the end-to-end capabilities, with representation from its enterprise, carrier, and consumer business groups, as well as its cloud and digital power business units.

The Huawei Digital Power business focused on the intersection between digital and power electronics technologies to help create zero-carbon ICT infrastructure in the Middle East and to support zero-carbon electricity generation in line with recent national sustainability commitments.

The two organizations will work together on the launch of new projects within the Huawei ICT Academy Program that involves building a talent supply chain covering the entire process of learning, certification, and talent promotion. Through such projects, SDA and Huawei aim to support 8,000 Saudi trainees through the Huawei ICT Certification Program.

The latest memorandum outlines the plans for Huawei to train and certify 100 Saudi trainers from SDA through its Huawei Train the Trainer (TTT) program, focusing on areas such as AI, cloud, security, data center, and 5G.

Mohamad Alsuhaim, CEO of Saudi Digital Academy, said, “this memorandum with Huawei will open up new opportunities for Saudi digital talent to both develop cutting-edge skills and to be leaders of the future digital economy.”

“Local talent is constantly required to drive digital transformation on a national level. Through partnerships like this with the Saudi Digital Academy, we can create an even stronger digital ecosystem that serves both recent graduates and ICT professionals, contributing towards the progress of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which places a strong emphasis on the potential of the ICT sector,” said Eric Yang, CEO of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia.

The Huawei Cloud Oasis Program was launched during the Cloud Summit held virtually this year in September. The annual event connected business leaders and Huawei partners.

Eric Wan, VP of Cloud Marketing, Ecosystem & Partner Development at Huawei Middle East, said: “Since launching Huawei Cloud, we have sought to nurture a localized, innovative cloud ecosystem in all the markets where we operate. The Huawei Cloud Oasis Program will thus provide truly unique and rewarding offerings to local businesses.”

An official release of the company stated, “The Huawei Cloud Oasis Program has set a target to assist 3,000 experts in the region, support over 1,500 consulting and technical partners, and empower more than 100 SMEs to develop their cloud capabilities.” The latest investment includes USD7.5 million being allocated for partner development, over USD2.5 million to be put behind credits and other cloud resources, and more than USD4.5 million in marketing support for program projects.

Currently, Huawei Cloud has more than 220 services available, with 18 global and one local data center providing these services.

Like its predecessors, HUAWEI TalkBand B5 is a 2-in-1 hybrid device, functioning as a smart Bluetooth headset and smarter health tracker. Thanks to the new device its users will be able to monitor their health day and night, and be certain not to have missed a call even when in meetings, exercising or catching a flight. The wearable comes with stylish and premium straps offered in sport and business editions.

Commenting on the launch, David Wang, UAE Country Manager, Huawei CBG, said, “The HUAWEI TalkBand B5 is the best “health wristband with calling features” from the Huawei wearables series. Built with the industry’s first triple-core audio chip, dual-MIC noise reduction technology and high-quality Bluetooth connectivity, HUAWEI TalkBand B5 is set to be the perfect companion to consumers’ mobile devices.” Powered by HUAWEI TruSeen heart rate technology, HUAWEI TalkBand B5 offers 24/7 continuous heart tracking and monitoring when running, treadmill running, walking and riding. HUAWEI Trusleep tracking technology, which was certified by the CDB center at Harvard Medical School*, can precisely monitor different stages of sleep including light and deep sleep, REM sleep stage, and wakefulness to provide users with an intimate sleep care. The HUAWEI TalkBand B5 is IP57 water and dust resistance so it works in rain and snow conditions, as well as being sweat resistant and functioning whilst washing hands.

The smartphone intelligently recognises different scenes and objects, switching from various modes with AI integration, and once it is identified, Huawei P20 Pro does the trick for you. Whether you are shooting a blue sky, a beach, a dog or a person, the smartphone adjusts for the best lighting effects. The no hassle approach denotes to quality photographs without stress of adjusting different ratios on manual mode, enabling users to click away impeccable photographs instantaneously. Using three different cameras, the HUAWEI P20 Pro produces sharp shots which are also true to real life, natural colours. The incredible photography that the smartphone produces allows it to be in a league of its own. It has also solved age old troubles of low light and night time photography. We could see microscopic details through the lens of the camera, shadows, details from buildings and even the night sky seemed more vibrant and natural, almost mimicking professional photography. Another striking feature of the HUAWEI P20 Pro is how it uses Huawei AIS (AI Image Stabilization) technology that allows you to capture steady, clear and detailed video footage of scenes like a moving vehicle, ensuring you never miss capturing a moment or taking incredible long exposure images without a tripod. The 40MP sensor on the HUAWEI P20 Pro brought details to life in the photographs to give some of the most vibrant, clear and detailed shots taken in settings with low light at night. It is the AI master functionality that helps the HUAWEI P20 Pro automatically draw a grid giving you the best angle and proportions to capture that right moment at the best shot. It will be able to gain an overall understanding of the frame to produce the right image making it a pro when it comes to night time photography, making you want to go out and explore more of the winding streets of Dubai.