HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2025) Unboxing & First Look: Paper Matte Edition Review

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

• 📦 The unboxing reveals the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2025) Paper Matte edition, a stylus, and a folio case with an integrated keyboard.
• ⚠️ A defect is immediately noticeable on the folio case, with the fabric already lifting from the rigid part, suggesting potential durability issues.
• 📱 The tablet itself has a solid build, though the color is not a personal favorite of the reviewer.

Accessories and Setup

• ✍️ The included stylus comes with extra nibs, with one rubberized option feeling closest to a traditional pencil.
• 🔌 Initial attempts to wirelessly charge the stylus from the tablet failed, indicating a need for device setup first.
• ⚠️ The setup process requires Wi-Fi, which the reviewer expresses frustration with, highlighting concerns about data gathering.
• 🖊️ After a failed initial connection, the stylus successfully paired, and the writing feel on the matte display is described as realistic, though the stylus shape and weight are preferred on Samsung's alternatives.

Display and Camera Specifications

• 📏 The tablet features a 12-inch LCD IPS display with a resolution of 2800x1840 and a 144Hz refresh rate.
• 💡 It boasts a peak brightness of 1000 nits and an optional Paper Matte finish, though it lacks HDR10+ certification.
• 📸 The rear camera is a 50MP sensor capable of 4K30 video, and the front camera is an 8MP sensor for 1080p30 video.

Internals, Performance, and Price

• 🔋 It houses a ~10,100 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage with no expandable options.
• ⚙️ The Curion T92B processor's performance is difficult to ascertain due to poor search results, but initial speculation suggests it may not be competitive with high-end Snapdragon or Dimensity chips.
• 💰 Priced at nearly €700, the tablet is considered expensive, especially when compared to alternatives.

Keyboard Experience and Final Verdict

• ⌨️ The magnetically attached keyboard is functional, but the reviewer criticizes the UI for not opening typed links directly, instead performing a web search.
• 🤔 Harmony OS 4.3 is described as an annoying, heavily modified Android that avoids Google services.
• 🏆 The reviewer strongly recommends alternatives like the Samsung Tab S11, citing its superior processor, AMOLED display with higher brightness and HDR10+ certification, and better overall value for a similar or lower price point.