In a move that signals its unwavering ambition in the premium tech space, Huawei has officially lifted the curtain on the MatePad Edge in China. The launch confirms the details previewed earlier this month, presenting a tablet that doesn't just want to compete—it wants to redefine the category by borrowing the best features from its biggest rivals.
The result is a fascinating hybrid: a device with the built-in versatility of a Microsoft Surface Pro and the sleek, laptop-like utility of an Apple iPad Pro.
A Design That Bridges Two Worlds
The most immediate standout feature of the MatePad Edge is its integrated kickstand. Echoing the design philosophy of the popular Microsoft Surface Pro 11, the kickstand allows for a wide 175° angle of adjustment. This makes it incredibly versatile for everything from typing at a desk to watching videos in bed or presenting in a meeting.
However, Huawei’s vision doesn’t stop there. The company has developed a dedicated keyboard accessory that, when attached, transforms the MatePad Edge into a striking doppelgänger for an iPad Pro paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. This two-pronged approach to accessories gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred workflow, whether they lean towards the PC-like experience of a Surface or the streamlined laptop-alternative feel of an iPad.
For a closer look at its official specs and design, you can visit the Huawei MatePad Edge product page.
Performance That Takes Aim at Apple
Huawei isn't just mimicking designs; it's setting its sights on the performance crown. The company is making bold claims about its new Kirin X90 and Kirin X90A chipsets, suggesting they are closing in on the performance of Apple's renowned M-series silicon.
Specifically, Huawei states the new chips deliver a staggering 3.8x performance uplift compared to the Kirin T92 found in this year's MatePad Pro 13.2. To ensure this power doesn't go to waste—or overheat—Huawei has paired the chipset with an optional liquid cooling system and two vapour chambers, a feature typically reserved for high-end gaming laptops. This suggests the MatePad Edge is being positioned for serious productivity and potentially even content creation tasks.
A Stunning Screen and All-Day Power
All that performance is framed by a top-tier 14.2-inch AMOLED display. The screen boasts a sharp 3,120 x 2,080 resolution, a buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling, and an impressively bright 1,000 nits peak brightness, making it usable even in direct sunlight.
Powering the entire package is a massive 12,900 mAh battery. Perhaps even more impressive is the charging capability; the MatePad Edge supports blazing-fast 140W wired charging, meaning users can spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive or entertained. On the camera front, it’s well-equipped with a 50 MP primary shooter on the back and a 32 MP selfie camera on the front for high-quality video calls.
Pricing and Availability
Despite packing all this high-end hardware, the MatePad Edge maintains a remarkably slim profile at just 6.85 mm thick and a weight of 789 grams.
The device starts at an accessible CNY 5,999 (approximately $847) for a configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. For power users who need the absolute maximum, a fully-specced model tops out at CNY 12,999 (~$1,834). This premium SKU includes a matte display finish (also available on a cheaper model), the optional liquid cooling system, the keyboard accessory, 32 GB of RAM, and a massive 2 TB of storage. All variants are available in classic Space Grey and Silver color options.
This strategic launch clearly positions the MatePad Edge as a formidable contender in the high-end tablet market, challenging established players by offering a compelling blend of the most desirable features from both the Surface and iPad lineages. For those comparing options, you can check the current price of the competing Microsoft Surface Pro 11 on Amazon.
What do you think about Huawei's new hybrid approach? Does the MatePad Edge have what it takes to compete with the iPad Pro and Surface Pro? Let us know in the comments below.