The HUAWEI Matepad Paper is a fascinating device. It's a tablet with an e-ink display, a niche market that has largely been dominated by dedicated e-readers like the Kindle and Kobo. But HUAWEI decided to throw its hat into the ring, combining the strengths of both tablets and e-readers into a single device. And, on paper, it's a tempting proposition. But, in practice, does this combination of e-ink and Android actually work?
HUAWEI Matepad Paper: A Quick Look
The HUAWEI Matepad Paper is a 10.3-inch tablet with a 1872 x 1404 resolution e-ink display. It's powered by a Kirin 828E processor, which is HUAWEI's own custom chipset. This means that while it doesn't run the full Android experience, it still provides a solid performance in daily tasks.
The Matepad Paper is available in two versions: one with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and another with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Both versions include a microSD card slot for additional storage.
The Good: A More Engaging E-reading Experience
The Matepad Paper's e-ink display is one of its main selling points, and it does not disappoint. The display is bright and sharp, with excellent contrast. We found the e-ink display to be exceptionally comfortable on the eyes, even after hours of reading.
HUAWEI Matepad Paper takes e-reading to a whole new level with its built-in reading app. The app is packed with features that enhance the reading experience. These include:
- Customizable fonts: The app allows you to adjust the font size, style, and weight to your liking.
- Smart adjustment: You can choose from different reading modes, such as night mode, sepia mode, and glare reduction mode.
- Notes and highlighting: The app makes it incredibly easy to take notes and highlight passages.
- Dictionary lookup: Look up definitions of words directly from the app.
- Audiobooks: The Matepad Paper can also play audiobooks through the built-in speaker or headphones.
Furthermore, the HUAWEI Matepad Paper boasts a number of features that are not typically found on dedicated e-readers. These include:
- Multitasking: You can switch between apps, such as the reading app, the notes app, and the web browser.
- Productivity apps: The Matepad Paper comes with a number of productivity apps, such as a calendar, a calculator, and a clock.
- File management: You can easily manage files on the Matepad Paper, thanks to the included file manager app.
The Bad: E-ink and Android Don't Mix
While the HUAWEI Matepad Paper excels in e-reading, its performance as a tablet is where things fall short. This is because the Android experience is severely limited by the e-ink display.
The Slowness of E-ink: The biggest issue with using the Matepad Paper as a tablet is its slowness. The e-ink display is simply not designed for fast-paced interactions. Navigating menus, scrolling through web pages, and playing games are all sluggish experiences on the Matepad Paper.
Limited Capabilities: The HUAWEI Matepad Paper runs a heavily modified version of Android, which is designed specifically for e-ink displays. This means that you can't install any apps that aren't specifically optimized for e-ink. While there are some great apps available, the selection is limited compared to a full Android tablet.
The User Interface: The interface on the Matepad Paper is designed for e-reading, with a focus on simplicity and readability. However, this comes at the cost of flexibility. You can't customize the interface in any meaningful way, which can be frustrating for those who are used to the more customizable nature of traditional Android tablets.
The Ugly: A Compromised Experience
The HUAWEI Matepad Paper is a device that tries to be everything to everyone. It's an e-reader, a tablet, and a productivity tool. But, in trying to do too much, it ultimately fails to excel in any one area.
Not a True Tablet: The Matepad Paper is not a good substitute for a regular tablet. It's too slow, the app selection is limited, and the interface isn't flexible enough for everyday tablet use. It's a significant departure from the fast-paced, interactive nature of regular tablets.
Not a True E-reader: While the e-ink display is perfect for reading, the Matepad Paper lacks the features and performance of a dedicated e-reader. It's bulky, heavy, and not as easy to use for reading on the go compared to a dedicated e-reader.
The Price: The HUAWEI Matepad Paper is priced at a premium compared to dedicated e-readers and even some budget tablets. It's simply not worth the price for the compromised experience it offers.
Conclusion
The HUAWEI Matepad Paper is a fascinating experiment, but one that doesn't quite work. It's a device that tries to be two things at once, but ends up being neither great at either.
We commend HUAWEI for pushing the boundaries of what's possible with e-ink technology. However, the Matepad Paper is not the device that will finally make e-ink displays mainstream.
If you're looking for a dedicated e-reader, there are much better options on the market. And if you're looking for a tablet, there are plenty of great choices available at a lower price.
FAQs
Q: Is the HUAWEI Matepad Paper worth buying?
A: It depends on your needs. If you're looking for a device that's primarily for reading e-books, the Matepad Paper is a good option. However, if you're looking for a general-purpose tablet or a dedicated e-reader, there are better choices available.
Q: Is the e-ink display good for reading?
A: Yes, the e-ink display is excellent for reading. It's bright, sharp, and easy on the eyes, even after hours of reading.
Q: What are the downsides of the HUAWEI Matepad Paper?
A: The main downsides of the Matepad Paper are its slowness, limited app selection, and high price.
Q: Can I play games on the HUAWEI Matepad Paper?
A: It's possible to play some simple games on the Matepad Paper, but the performance isn't ideal for demanding games due to the e-ink display's slow refresh rate.
Q: Is the HUAWEI Matepad Paper a good productivity tool?
A: The Matepad Paper can be used for basic productivity tasks, such as taking notes and browsing the web. However, it's not ideal for demanding tasks like video editing or programming.
Q: What is the battery life like on the HUAWEI Matepad Paper?
A: The battery life on the HUAWEI Matepad Paper is excellent, lasting for weeks on a single charge with light use.
Q: What are the alternatives to the HUAWEI Matepad Paper?
A: If you're looking for a dedicated e-reader, consider the Amazon Kindle Oasis or the Kobo Libra 2. If you're looking for a tablet, consider the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.