Welcome to my in-depth blog post on the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025)! If you’re on the hunt for a premium tablet with a massive screen, top-tier design, and some clever features like the anti-reflective PaperMatte display, you’re in the right place. I’ve unboxed and tested this beast of a device, and I’m here to share everything you need to know—straightforward, simple, and packed with insights. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned gadget lover, this review will help you decide if this tablet is worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s dive in!

What’s in the Box? Unboxing the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025)

First things first—let’s talk about what you get when you crack open the box. Huawei doesn’t skimp here, and the unboxing experience feels premium right from the start. Inside, you’ll find:

• The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) tablet itself.
• A cleaning cloth to keep that PaperMatte screen smudge-free.
• A smart magnetic keyboard dock (more on this later—it’s a game-changer!).
• A 100W power adapter with both Type-A and Type-C compatibility.
• A USB Type-A to Type-C cable for charging and data transfer.

Straight away, Huawei hooks you up with the essentials—and then some. The inclusion of the keyboard dock is a big win, especially for productivity fans. No need to shell out extra for that accessory, which is a nice touch considering the tablet’s price tag (£999 in the UK, though deals pop up on Huawei’s site).

Design and Build: A Sleek, Massive Tablet

The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) sticks closely to the design of its predecessor, the original MatePad Pro 13.2, but with a few tweaks that make it stand out. At 13.2 inches, this tablet is a whopper—perfect for big-screen lovers but not so great if you’re trying to stuff it into a small bag. Despite its size, it’s impressively thin at just 5.5mm and weighs only 580g. For a tablet this large, that’s light enough to carry around, though holding it one-handed for long periods might tire you out (especially if your arm workouts are limited to lifting coffee mugs).

Front: Skinny Bezels and a Notch

The front is all about that massive OLED display with super-skinny bezels. There’s hardly any wasted space, giving you a huge canvas for work, play, or creativity. The only interruption is a small notch at the top (or bottom, depending on how you hold it) housing the front camera. It’s subtle, not some giant eyesore, and helps with grip. Those tiny bezels can make the screen unresponsive if your thumb slips onto it, but flipping the tablet so the notch is under your hand solves that issue.

Frame and Back: Premium Materials

The frame is made of magnesium alloy—light, strong, and slightly curved for a comfy hold. It’s got a matte finish that resists fingerprints, which is a bonus for keeping it clean. The back is glass fiber with a textured, matte gold finish (the only color available in the UK). It looks slick, feels great, and doesn’t get grubby easily. There’s a slight camera bump in one corner, causing a tiny wobble when laid flat, but it’s not a dealbreaker. One downside? No water resistance here—if you need that, check out something like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series instead.

Display: The Star of the Show

The 13.2-inch OLED display is where the MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) shines—literally and figuratively. With a crisp 2880 x 1920 resolution, everything looks sharp and clear. The 144Hz refresh rate keeps animations and scrolling silky smooth, whether you’re gaming or swiping through apps. But the real standout feature is the PaperMatte finish.

What’s a PaperMatte Screen?

Huawei has layered a textured, anti-reflective coating over the OLED panel, making it perfect for outdoor use. I tested it under bright studio lights (simulating sunny conditions), and glare was barely an issue—even at medium brightness. Crank it up to max, and this screen is eye-searingly bright (up to 1000 nits full-screen, 2000 nits peak for HDR). Whether you’re sketching at the park or watching Netflix at the beach, visibility is top-notch. Compared to the non-PaperMatte version from last year, colors might be slightly less vibrant, but they’re still punchy and far from dull.

Perfect for Multitasking

This massive display is built for multitasking. Split-screen mode is a breeze—resize windows, save your favorite app combos, and flip them around effortlessly. Watching movies? You’ll get some letterboxing with widescreen content, but for productivity or creative work, the 3:2 aspect ratio is a dream.

Performance: Smooth, but Not a Gaming Beast

Under the hood, the MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) runs on Huawei’s Kirin T92 chipset with 12GB of RAM. Huawei’s tight-lipped about the specifics, but everyday performance is solid—apps open quickly, multitasking is seamless, and HarmonyOS 4.3 feels snappy. Storage options are 256GB or 512GB, but there’s no microSD slot or SIM support—it’s Wi-Fi-only, so you’ll need to hotspot for mobile data.

Gaming? It’s Complicated

Gaming is where things get tricky. With no Google Play Store (more on that below), you’re stuck with Huawei’s AppGallery or sideloading APKs. I tried some games via APKs, and while lighter titles ran fine, heavy hitters like Asphalt hit login snags. The 144Hz display and decent power make gaming smooth when it works, but the app situation limits your options. If gaming’s your priority, this might not be the tablet for you.

Software: HarmonyOS 4.3—No Google, No Problem (Sort Of)

The MatePad Pro runs HarmonyOS 4.3, Huawei’s Android-based OS. It’s familiar if you’ve used Android—customizable icons, wallpapers, and layouts, plus Huawei’s Super Device feature for seamless syncing with other Huawei gear. The downside? No Google Play Store or native Google apps. You get Huawei’s AppGallery instead, which lacks big names like Spotify and Netflix.

Workarounds

You can use Huawei’s Petal Search to find and install APKs online, but it’s less secure than a proper app store—proceed with caution. Split-screen multitasking is a highlight here, making the most of that giant screen. The always-on display option is a letdown, though—it only activates with a tap and shuts off after 10 seconds.

Keyboard and Stylus: Productivity Boosters

Smart Magnetic Keyboard

The included smart magnetic keyboard comes in two parts: a back cover that props up the tablet and the keyboard itself. It connects via Huawei’s NearLink tech (zero latency—awesome!) and sticks together with magnets. The keys are full-sized with decent travel, stretching edge-to-edge with no wasted space. There’s a touchpad, but no backlight—tough for late-night typing. It’s perfect for turning this tablet into a laptop replacement.

M-Pencil (Sold Separately)

The M-Pencil stylus isn’t included, but it’s a must for creatives. Paired with Huawei’s GoPaint app, it’s great for sketching and note-taking. The PaperMatte screen feels like real paper under the stylus, making it a joy to use. If you’re artsy, budget for this extra.

Audio: Booming Speakers

The MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte has a multi-speaker setup that delivers loud, crisp sound with decent bass. It’s so powerful that you could hear it clearly in a busy train station. No headphone jack, though—you’ll need Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C dongle.

Cameras: Overkill for a Tablet

Up front, an 8MP selfie camera handles video calls well, even in tricky lighting. Around back, there’s a 13MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide—total overkill for a tablet. They’re fine for document scanning, but who’s snapping pics with a 13-inch slab? Let me know if you find a good use for them!

Battery Life: All-Day Power

The 10,100mAh battery keeps this tablet going for hours—think split-screen work, music streaming, and video playback for most of a workday. It’s not the longest-lasting out there (Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs edge it out), but it’s solid. With 100W SuperCharge, it juices up fully in under an hour—faster than the 88W of the last model.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Stunning 13.2-inch OLED PaperMatte display—great outdoors.
• Sleek, lightweight design for its size.
• Including a keyboard boosts productivity.
• Loud, clear speakers.
• Fast 100W charging.

Cons

• No Google Play Store—app access is limited.
• Tiny bezels can mess with touch responsiveness.
• No water resistance or headphone jack.
• Pricey at £999 (stylus extra).

Is the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) Worth It?

At £999 (with occasional Huawei deals), this tablet isn’t cheap, but it’s a premium package for the right user. If you want a giant, anti-glare screen for outdoor use, multitasking, or creative work, it’s a fantastic pick. The keyboard inclusion sweetens the deal for productivity buffs. But if you rely on Google apps or want a gaming powerhouse, you might need to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 PaperMatte (2025) is a bold, beautiful tablet that nails design, display, and productivity. Its PaperMatte screen is a standout, and the build quality screams premium. Yes, the lack of Google support and occasional quirks (like those skinny bezels) are hurdles, but for Huawei fans or anyone in its ecosystem, this is a top contender. What do you think—worth the splurge? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s chat tech!

Author Section

Chris Barraclough
Tech Journalist & Reviewer
Expect in-depth tech reviews, comparisons, unboxings, and hands-on features with the latest UK smartphones, laptops, wearables, apps, and gadgets. With over 15 years of experience, Chris has written for Tech Radar, edited Mobile Choice magazine, and presented YouTube tech videos for Tech Radar and Recombu. He dives deep into every device for real-life insights, covering premium and budget tech alike. Subscribe for more Tech Spurt!
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