The entry-level and mid-range technology market is arguably the most vibrant sector in consumer electronics right now. It is here, amidst fierce competition from the likes of Apple and Samsung, that buyers are faced with an overwhelming array of choices. In Europe, Huawei remains a tenacious contender, continuing to launch hardware that often defies its price tag. We’ve taken a close look at the manufacturer’s latest offerings for early 2026—specifically the new MatePad 11.5 S tablet and their updated audio lineup—to see if the hardware can truly compensate for the well-documented software limitations.
The MatePad 11.5 S: Display Dominance
With the MatePad 11.5 S (2026), Huawei has clearly prioritised the visual experience above all else. Priced competitively around £319, this tablet is an intriguing proposition for students and creatives who might find the cost of an iPad Air or Galaxy Tab S prohibitive.
The design is somewhat utilitarian; at 6.1mm thick and weighing 515g, the aluminium chassis is comfortable enough to hold, though it lacks the luxurious finish of premium rivals. There is no advertised water resistance, which is a shame, but the build quality feels satisfactory for the class. However, the real story here is the screen.
The 11.5-inch, 2,800 × 1,840 IPS display punches significantly above its weight. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a matte finish that is genuinely impressive. The anti-reflection coating handles direct interior lighting with ease, and the nano-level etching process provides a tactile, almost analogue friction when using a stylus. It solves the “sparkly” grain often seen on matte panels and makes outdoor usage far more viable.
Power and Peripherals
Under the bonnet, the Kirin 9000WE processor, paired with 8GB of RAM, handles 4K drawing in GoPaint without complaint. The audio setup is equally robust, with a quad-speaker array delivering a surprising amount of bass and volume, though the mids can sound a touch muddy.
The tablet’s Achilles’ heel, however, is stamina. The 8,700mAh battery—roughly equivalent to Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11—struggles to feed that power-hungry 144Hz 2.8K screen all day. In practice, you are looking at around five hours of streaming YouTube at 480p via the browser. It is serviceable, but hardly marathon-ready.
On the accessories front, the optional keyboard adds a steep £100 to the bill but is brilliantly designed. The magnetic backplate separates from the keys, allowing you to use the kickstand independently—a clever touch. The M-Pencil Pro is technically marvellous, boasting over 16,000 pressure levels, but at £129, it is likely overkill for a budget-conscious buyer. Furthermore, the lack of Google and Microsoft suites remains a significant hurdle for integration into a standard Western workflow, though Huawei’s own Notes and GoPaint apps are formidable alternatives.
Audio Performance: The FreeBuds Verdict
Moving from visuals to audio, Huawei has also expanded its headphone portfolio, ranging from budget-friendly options to the upper mid-range. Our lab tests of the current lineup reveal a consistent philosophy: warm, balanced sound profiles and exceptional battery life, even if the noise cancellation (ANC) doesn’t quite dethrone the market leaders.
Leading the pack are the FreeBuds Pro 4, which secured a “very good” rating in our testing. Retailing at roughly €125 as of February 2026, they offer a pleasant, non-fatiguing sound signature. While you won’t find the aggressive bass or crystalline highs of some competitors, the audio is well-rounded. The ANC is solid, though it lacks the absolute silence provided by Sony’s WF-1000XM5 or the AirPods Pro. Where the Pro 4 truly shines is endurance; with ANC active, they managed an impressive 7 hours and 54 minutes on a single charge.
The Budget Alternative
For those watching the pennies, the FreeBuds 5i are the standout value option at €65. Surprisingly, their noise cancellation is extremely effective for this price bracket, filtering out environment noise competently. They are comfortable, thanks to multiple ear tip sizes, and nearly match the Pro model’s stamina with a run time of 7 hours and 50 minutes.
Call quality on the 5i is decent, though quiet speakers might find their voice doesn’t carry as clearly as they’d like. Both models feature fast charging—10 minutes in the case yields over two hours of playback—and decent app support for EQ customisation.
Ultimately, Huawei’s 2026 strategy appears to be offering premium hardware features—be it a matte high-refresh screen or long-lasting ANC earbuds—at aggressive price points, asking the user to accept compromises in ecosystem integration or ultimate polish.
