Huawei MatePad Paper presented: Tablet with e-ink display
Huawei's first e-book reader, the MatePad Paper, is quite large and meant for more than just reading books.
After Huawei briefly presented the MatePad Paper for the first time in February, detailed information about the tablet with an e-ink display follows at the sales launch.
Large display and grippy back
With a 10.3-inch monochrome e-ink display, the MatePad Paper is a very large e-book reader. If Huawei has its way, you will not only use the tablet for reading books. You can write on the touchscreen with the second-generation M Pencil, which is supposed to feel and sound like paper. Writing felt good on the sidelines of the product presentation - it actually reminded me a bit of paper - but it was too loud to judge the sound. The 1872 × 1404 pixel resolution screen covers 86.3 percent of the front.
The e-ink display has a Smart Refresh mode. In this, it automatically adjusts its refresh rate to the content on the screen. For text pages or PDFs, the refresh rate is correspondingly less than when you look at GIFs or browse the web. However, the screen remains slow compared to smartphones. This requires some patience when using the device, as it takes longer for the touchscreen to process touches.
The MateBook Paper has a back made of artificial leather. It gives the e-book reader a classy feel and ensures that it sits securely in your hand. The MateBook Paper has two speakers, for example for audio books, and four microphones in case you want to record audio with it.
More than an e-book reader with Harmony OS
Huawei provides the MatePad Paper with its own operating system Harmony OS, which I have already tried out on the classic tablet MatePad 11. This turns the e-book reader into more than just an electronic book or notepad. The Paper connects with other Huawei devices via the software to form a so-called "Super Device". Among other things, this leads to seamless data exchange, integration of the ink display as an external monitor, and the possibility to use the MatePad as an external hard drive.
Harmony OS also allows you to install apps. Among other things, you can supplement the preinstalled app "Huawei Books" with Kindle or Wattpad as a source for e-books. You can also read your emails or look at your calendar on the MatePad Paper. The multi-window function allows you to work with two apps in parallel.
The MatePad Paper is powered by the Kirin 620E with six cores. It is supported by four gigabytes of working memory. The internal storage is 64 gigabytes. The 3625 mAh battery is supposed to offer a standby time of four weeks and a runtime of six days in continuous browsing. The battery is charged with up to 25 watts via the USB-C port (USB 2.0). The e-book reader goes online via Wi-Fi 5 and connects to other devices via Bluetooth 5.2.
Price and availability
In Germany, the recommended retail price for the MatePad Paper is 499 Euros. Huawei did not yet provide any information about the price and availability in Switzerland. The scope of delivery includes the second-generation M Pencil and the case called "Paper Folio Cover".
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.