Just a few months ago, the larger MatePad Pro 13.2 made its debut. Now, we’re getting the MatePad Pro 12.2. Naturally, I had to ask if this was meant to replace the previous model. Surprisingly, no. Huawei isn’t phasing out the others. This is simply a new size option designed to give users more flexibility based on their workflow and needs.
If the 13.2 felt a bit too big for daily use, even though it was already fairly compact, then the 12.2 might be just right. It’s big enough for serious work, but still easy to carry around.
Keyboard: A Laptop-Like Experience
One of the standout features of the MatePad Pro 13.2 was its redesigned Smart Magnetic Keyboard. The good news? That same upgraded keyboard is now available for the 12.2.
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It comes with a built-in trackpad that adds full cursor support, letting you use the tablet more like a laptop. Multitasking, managing windows, and navigating HarmonyOS feels smooth and intuitive, especially if you're used to a traditional PC or Mac setup.
Another thoughtful touch is the magnetic slot for the M-Pencil, built right into the keyboard. No need to carry a separate case or worry about misplacing it.
Most tablet keyboards offer only one or two fixed viewing angles. The MatePad Pro 12.2, however, features a floating hinge design that lets you adjust the tilt freely.
This came in especially handy during our flight to the Pura 80 APAC launch. I had it propped up while working, then tilted it back when I reclined to watch a downloaded movie. It’s a small feature that really improves daily use.
WPS Office Included
To complete the laptop-like experience, Huawei bundled WPS Office with the MatePad Pro 12.2.
WPS is a solid alternative to Microsoft Office, with support for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. I’ve covered this in previous MatePad reviews, so I won’t dive too deep here. Just know that it's ready to go right out of the box.
Display: PaperMatte OLED
One of the biggest highlights of this tablet is its 12.2-inch PaperMatte OLED display. We’ve seen this tech in previous MatePad Pro models — tandem OLED panels that deliver vibrant colors, deep contrast, and improved power efficiency.
This PaperMatte OLED display has a resolution of 2800 x 1840 and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. And yes, it looks absolutely stunning.
What makes this one unique is the PaperMatte finish. I showed it to my fiancée Apple as soon as I unboxed it, and the first thing she noticed was the texture. It has a non-glare, paper-like surface that’s easier on the eyes, especially under bright lights or during long work sessions.
If you enjoy writing or drawing with the M-Pencil, the screen gives just the right amount of friction to feel like real paper. And even with the matte coating, visuals stay crisp and vibrant. Icons, videos, and images look like they’re floating just above the surface, without harsh reflections or washed-out colors.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the MatePad Pro 12.2 runs on Huawei’s Kirin chipset — the same flagship processor used in their top-tier devices. It’s paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, making it capable of handling document editing, split-screen multitasking, and creative work like sketching or light photo editing.
Throughout my usage, I didn’t experience any slowdowns. HarmonyOS is well-optimized for tablets, with fluid gestures, efficient app management, and solid multi-window support. Everything feels smooth and deliberate.
If you're already using other Huawei devices, features like SuperHub and Super Device take things further. You can drag and drop files between your phone and tablet, or turn the MatePad into a second screen for your laptop — all with just a few taps.
Battery Life
Despite the slightly smaller body compared to its larger siblings, the MatePad Pro 12.2 still packs a generous 10,100mAh battery. With a mix of browsing, video streaming, editing, and note-taking, I was able to get through a full workday without plugging in. That’s a big plus when choosing a tablet over a laptop.
When it’s time to recharge, the MatePad Pro 12.2 thankfully supports 100W fast charging. That’s important, because with a battery this big, anything slower than 88W would probably feel like it takes forever. With 100W charging, you can get a full charge in under an hour.
Cameras
The tablet has a 50MP main camera at the back and a 8MP front-facing cam. Nothing groundbreaking, but more than enough for video calls, online classes, or scanning documents.
Bonus points for the front camera being centered in landscape mode. It’s a smart touch that makes meetings and keyboard use feel more natural.
Final Thoughts
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2 is a well-balanced addition to Huawei’s tablet lineup. It brings over the best parts of the larger model—like the laptop-style magnetic keyboard with trackpad, sharp PaperMatte Tandem OLED display, and a suite of productivity tools—all in a more compact and travel-friendly form.
It’s a solid laptop alternative if you're mainly working on documents, digital art, or tasks that don’t require software outside of HarmonyOS. And if that sounds like you, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the balance of productivity and portability this device offers.