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Huawei’s latest flagship tablet, the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025), is making waves with its aggressive pricing—undercutting Apple’s iPad Air by nearly 30% in many markets. At first glance, it seems like a steal: a premium design, cutting-edge matte tandem OLED display, and flagship specs for hundreds less. But does "cheaper" mean "better value"? After testing both devices, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

The Display Dilemma

Let’s start with Huawei’s standout feature: that 12.2-inch matte tandem OLED screen. It’s stunning. With a peak brightness of 1,200 nits and a paper-like anti-glare coating, it’s perfect for artists and outdoor use. Colors pop, blacks are infinite, and the 120Hz refresh rate rivals Apple’s ProMotion. For creative work or media consumption, it’s a triumph. But here’s the catch: HarmonyOS 5.0 still lags behind iPadOS in app optimization. Many Android apps stretch awkwardly on the large canvas, and popular creative tools like Procreate or LumaFusion remain iOS-exclusive. If the display is your priority, Huawei delivers. If app ecosystems matter more? Proceed with caution.

Performance & Software: A Tale of Two Worlds

Under the hood, Huawei’s Kirin 9100 chip is no slouch—it handles multitasking and light gaming smoothly. Paired with 12GB of RAM, it’s a productivity powerhouse on paper. But HarmonyOS, while polished, feels like a walled garden. Google Mobile Services (GMS) are still absent, forcing reliance on Huawei’s AppGallery or sideloading. Workarounds exist, but they’re clunky. Contrast this with the iPad Air’s M2 chip and vast iOS ecosystem: effortless updates, flawless app compatibility, and deeper integration with accessories like the Apple Pencil.

Battery life is another win for Huawei: 12+ hours of screen time dwarfs the iPad Air’s 10-hour average. Yet Apple counters with faster charging and better thermal management during intensive tasks.

The Price Paradox

Here’s where Huawei shines: pricing. The base MatePad Pro starts at $599, while the iPad Air begins at $799. Throw in Huawei’s M-Pencil 2 (bundled in some regions) versus Apple’s $129 Pencil, and the gap widens. But "cheaper" doesn’t always mean "smarter." The iPad Air retains significantly higher resale value, receives 5+ years of OS updates, and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. Huawei’s update track record? Historically spotty.

Verdict: Who Wins?

For budget-conscious power users who prioritize display quality and battery life—and can navigate HarmonyOS’s limitations—the MatePad Pro 12.2 is a compelling alternative. Artists, note-takers, and media bingers will adore its screen. But if you’re invested in a broader ecosystem, value long-term software support, or rely on iOS-exclusive apps, the iPad Air’s premium is justified.

Dive deeper into the display tech and benchmarks in Notebookcheck’s full review here.

Ultimately, Huawei proves you don’t need Apple-level spending for premium hardware. But as always, the software experience determines whether that hardware sings—or stumbles.

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