Huawei MatePad Air (2026) First Impressions: Premium Tablet Gets an OLED Upgrade
During its recent event in Malaysia, Huawei unveiled the Pura 90s series alongside the FreeClip 2 S earphones and the latest iteration of its mid-range tablet — the MatePad Air (2026). We had the chance to get hands-on with the new tablet, and here’s our first look at what Huawei has improved this year.
Display: The Big Upgrade to OLED
The most significant change for the MatePad Air (2026) is its display. While the previous model used a standard IPS LCD panel, the new version swaps it for a vibrant OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. The 12-inch panel also features Huawei’s PaperMatte coating, which reduces reflections and gives the screen a paper-like texture that’s excellent for reading — not just for multimedia consumption.
For audio, the tablet is equipped with a 6-array stereo speaker setup, delivering an immersive listening experience for movies, music, and games.
Performance and Internals
Under the hood, the MatePad Air (2026) is powered by Huawei’s Kirin T93C SoC. This chipset is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, while storage is fixed at 256GB with no other options. Huawei claims the T93C is capable enough for some AI-powered productivity features, though it’s not quite as powerful as the chips found in Huawei’s flagship tablets.
Camera Changes
Huawei has simplified the rear camera setup. The new model now features a single 50MP main shooter — the 8MP ultrawide camera from the previous generation has been removed. Given that tablets are rarely used for photography, this change is unlikely to be missed. The front camera remains a 12MP shooter for video calls and selfies.
Battery and Charging
The tablet packs a generous 10,100 mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging — a significant upgrade that should keep you going through long work or entertainment sessions.
Design: Thin and Light
Despite its 12-inch screen, the MatePad Air (2026) remains impressively thin and light. It measures just 5.3mm in thickness and weighs only 509 grams — roughly 50 grams lighter than its predecessor. Available color options include Sakura Purple, Airy Blue, and White.
Accessories and Software Features
As with previous Huawei tablets, the MatePad Air (2026) supports a detachable keyboard that ships with most bundles at launch, along with the M-Pencil stylus. The M-Pencil enables several smart capabilities, including an Air Mouse feature that lets you interact with on-screen content from a short distance without touching the display.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei MatePad Air (2026) successfully bridges the gap between affordable tablets and premium offerings. With its vibrant OLED display, PaperMatte technology, thin profile, and capable Kirin chipset, it delivers strong value for anyone looking for a versatile tablet that handles both productivity and entertainment with ease. The addition of 66W fast charging and the lightweight design make it a compelling option in the mid-range tablet space.
