Huawei, while being known as one of the smartphone brands in the forefront around the world, also has other products that can be part of their ecosystem. One of those items is the MediaPad T5, which is their latest offering for those looking for tablets. I was given around two weeks to experience what the device has to offer.
Design
As expected of any device nowadays, the MediaPad T5 has a power button, volume buttons, a 3.5mm audio jack, a micro USB port, and dual external speakers. My only gripe with the T5 is how I am left feeling around for buttons and ports most of the time, because of how the tablet is configured to be used in landscape by default. However, it appears that I am in the minority as more than half of users with tablets 9″ and above use their devices on landscape mode, usually partnered with detachable keyboards. It only proves the T5 can be used for both productivity and viewing pleasure. The sleek, black metal exterior makes the tablet feel like high-end, but it is a bit heavy to carry around at 460g.
Display
Its 10.1-inch display with 1920 x 1200 Full-HD IPS resolution at 224 ppi and 16:10 aspect ratio makes it very conducive for viewing videos from streaming sites such as YouTube and Netflix. Not only that, it leaves for more room for multi-tasking such as taking notes, viewing documents, and in my case, photo editing.
Battery
With its 5,100 mAh battery, the T5 is indeed a powerhouse. A fully-charged battery had lasted me up to two days, while moderate usage of mainly video streaming lasts me over 24 hours.
Performance
As with my prior experiences with Huawei (I have been a user since 2016), I find their split-screen feature handy, especially if I want to do multiple things at once. Its octacore CPU, up to 3 GB RAM, and in-house EMUI 8 enables me to do that seamlessly and without app lags. People may have issue with its built-in memory of only 16GB, but it can be easily expanded by inserting a micro SD card of up to 256 GB. The T5 also has two nano SIM card slots at one’s disposal, for better connectivity aside from Wi-Fi.
The stereo sound from its external speakers also is also satisfactory, as well as when fitted with audio peripherals (which sadly are not included. Luckily, I have a personal brand-matching one I can test it with). The absence of the FM radio is somewhat surprising, but with the advent of music streaming, it could be something that can be overlooked.
Camera
Unlike its smartphone brethren, the T5 has not much camera features to boast. With simply a 5 MP rear and 2 MP front camera, it can do some basic captures.
Specifications
| Product | Huawei MediaPad T5 10 |
| Connection | LTE |
| SRP | PHP 9990 |
| Display | 10.1” |
| 1920×1200 FHD | |
| Processor | 8-core 4*2.36+4*1.7 |
| RAM | 2G |
| ROM | 16G |
| Battery | 5100mAh |
| Dimensions | 243*164*7.8mm |
| Weight | 460g |
| Material | Metal body |
| Speaker | Dual speaker |
| Camera | 5MP+2MP |
| WiFi | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4G&5G BT 4.2 |
| Color | Black |
Verdict
All in all, the Huawei MediaPad T5 is what it says it is; a thin and durable tablet with a vivid display and fast processing. It is made more for professionals on-the-go than anyone else, although their consumer website says it can also be meant for children who know how to operate such devices. If you’re looking for a no-fuss tablet, then this is it. What it lacks, however, can be found in Huawei‘s other devices, so you won’t really be missing out.