Huawei has thrown a curveball in a market where bigger slabs of glass and metal are the norm. The MatePad Mini is a high-end, compact tablet that’s as thin as a smartphone and has enough power to compete with Apple’s iPad mini. The MatePad Mini was announced at a launch event in Shenzhen, China, in early September 2025. It fits Huawei’s “super powerful, super mini” philosophy. It’s only 5.1mm thick and weighs 255 grams, which is less than the iPad mini (6.3mm and 293g). This makes it the perfect pocket-sized companion for work, play, and creativity on the go. Shipping started in China on September 13, 2025, with prices starting at around CNY 3,299 (about $460 USD). People are already talking about it because of its cool features, like the ability to make calls and send messages via satellite.
Design and Build: Sleek, Strong, and Surprisingly Thin
The MatePad Mini is 198.6 x 127.3 x 5.1mm, which means it fits easily into a small bag or jacket pocket. The 3D woven fiber back panel and magnesium alloy frame make it light and give it a high-end, tactile feel like that of high-end smartphones. The “Harmony Star Ring” design on the back has a double-spiral engraving that looks like a wristwatch, which combines style and function.
The tablet comes in Obsidian Black, Snow White, Spruce Green, and a bright red. The circular rear camera module is similar to the design of Huawei’s newest foldables, like the Mate XTs, but it doesn’t stick out too much. The ultra-narrow bezels (as thin as 2.99mm) give the front a modern, edge-to-edge look and make the most of the screen space in a small package. A fingerprint scanner built into the power button on the side makes unlocking quick and safe.
What makes it different from other products? This is the first tablet in the industry to have a physical SIM card slot for making voice calls and connecting to 5G networks. You won’t need a separate phone in an emergency. It even lets you send and receive Beidou satellite messages, which is great for sending emergency texts in places where cell phone service isn’t available.This makes it hard to tell the difference between a tablet and a smartphone, which is great for people who travel or spend time outside.
Display: A Mini Marvel of OLED Brilliance
The MatePad Mini has an 8.8-inch flexible OLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels (16:10 aspect ratio) and a refresh rate of 120Hz that makes everything look smooth. The peak brightness is 1,800 nits, which is 12.5% brighter than competitors like the RedMagic Astra and way brighter than the iPad mini’s 500 nits. This makes it great for outdoor use or HDR Vivid content.It has 10-bit color support for bright images and is certified by SGS and TÜV Rheinland (Global Eye Care 3.0) to not cause eye strain.
For the “Soft Light” version (which costs an extra CNY 500 on higher storage models), Huawei has added its “Cloud Clarity Soft Light Screen.” This is a matte, anti-reflective OLED that spreads light like paper, which makes it easier on the eyes and lessens glare when reading or drawing for a long time. This isn’t just a gimmick; it will change the game for students and creators who use the device for hours. The speakers on the front make clear sound, and the 32MP selfie camera with a punch hole is hidden in the corner.
When you use the optional HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro stylus (with 2ms latency), the screen is great for taking notes and drawing. Apps like HUAWEI Notes and Born to Draw are designed for natural, pressure-sensitive input.
Software and Performance: HarmonyOS 5.1 Works with Kirin Power
The MatePad Mini has 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. It can easily handle multitasking, gaming, and light creative work. It is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 9010 chipset, which is also used in the Pura 70 Ultra. Huawei hasn’t released the exact specs yet, but early leaks suggest that it’s not a slouch. It has advanced 3D heat dissipation to keep it cool during long use. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2 (plus Huawei’s StarFlash for quick pairing), and USB-C 3.0 for fast data transfer and charging make this a great device for connecting to other devices.
The tablet runs HarmonyOS 5.1 and works perfectly with Huawei’s ecosystem. For example, you can easily share files, work on multiple devices at once, and use AI features like Celia (Huawei’s assistant) to screen calls and transcribe voice messages. Desktop animations and AR effects with pets make things more fun and unique. Keep in mind that Google services don’t work natively outside of China because of U.S. restrictions. However, Huawei’s AppGallery and other apps like Petal Search do a great job of filling the gap.
More Than Meets the Eye: Camera and Battery
Cameras on a small tablet? Of course. The back has a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, autofocus) for clear 4K video and detailed photos, as well as an 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) for group photos or close-up details. The 32MP front camera (f/2.4) is great for video calls and live streaming with RAW-quality output. The AI enhancements improve portraits by adding natural bokeh and color tuning.For its size, the battery life is great: a 6,400mAh cell can play videos for up to 15.5 hours, and 66W SuperCharge can charge it to 60% in just 30 minutes. There is no wireless charging, but the wired speed makes up for it.
Cost and Availability: A Good Deal in a Small Package
The MatePad Mini starts at CNY 3,299 ($460) for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in China. It goes up to CNY 3,799 ($530) for 12GB and 512GB, and up to CNY 6,499 ($910) for the 16GB and 1TB collector’s edition with a stylus and leather case. The Soft Light screen costs CNY 500 ($70) more, but introductory discounts take off CNY 100 ($14). We don’t know when the international rollout will happen yet, but since Huawei is a global company, you can expect it to be available in Europe, Asia, and some other markets soon. It may cost around €470 in Europe.
Why the MatePad Mini is Important: A New Look at Portability
Huawei MatePad Mini is more than just another tablet; it’s a brave step into the small premium market that hasn’t been well served. Huawei takes on Apple’s stronghold by offering better value and being thinner, brighter, and having unique features like calling and satellite support that the iPad mini doesn’t have.This little wonder is great for students who need to take notes, professionals who need a second screen, and travelers who want to connect to the internet without being online. As HarmonyOS gets better, it could become the operating system of choice for Huawei fans all over the world. If you want something portable and powerful, the MatePad Mini should be on your list.
