Tablet sales are down, but Huawei still bets on premium hardware
Tablets never dominated other device categories and have been losing ground in recent years. As sales fall, the selection of true premium tablets has thinned. Still, Huawei’s MediaPad M5, introduced this spring, represents one of the stronger entries left in the category. Muropaketti put the device through its paces to see whether it can reinvigorate a sagging tablet market.
Huawei keeps the lineup simple
Part of the tablet slowdown is self-inflicted: manufacturers are releasing fewer new, compelling models. Huawei, however, continues to push the MediaPad line. The current family includes the M5 model tested here and an M5 Pro variant whose main difference is an included M-Pen stylus.
Multiple configurations and sizes
The MediaPad M5 is available with and without 4G connectivity. Huawei offers the M5 in two sizes: the unit Muropaketti tested has a 10.8-inch display, and there is also a smaller, cheaper 8.4-inch version.
Where it sits against rivals
Apple’s iPad remains the primary rival, particularly now that the base iPad supports Apple Pencil. In that respect, the closest MediaPad sibling is the M5 Pro. On Android, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S3 is a reasonable competitor, although it premiered last year and is now due for a successor. Other makers such as Asus and Lenovo still sell tablets, but their lineups skew toward more budget-oriented models. Huawei also offers the earlier MediaPad M3 as a lower-cost alternative.
Packaging and what’s in the box
Huawei packages the M5 in a sturdy white box with gold lettering to emphasize a premium feel. In the box you get a quick-charge power adapter (5V/2A), a USB-C cable, a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter, and a quick start guide.
Media-focused testing
Muropaketti evaluated the tablet to determine how well it handles media consumption. The review focused on whether the MediaPad M5 has enough to revive interest in tablets among users who value media playback and premium build.
