Huawei returned to the Android tablet market in 2018 with the MediaPad M5 series. At a time when larger smartphones and lightweight laptops were changing how people used portable devices, Huawei introduced a range designed for entertainment, productivity, and everyday use.
The lineup included three models: the compact MediaPad M5 8.4, the larger MediaPad M5 10.8, and the productivity-focused MediaPad M5 Pro. All three combined high-resolution displays, capable hardware, and premium metal construction. The Pro version added an active stylus for users who wanted to take notes, sketch, or work with documents.
Although the MediaPad M5 series is now an older tablet range, its design and features remain interesting for anyone considering a used Android tablet. Here is a detailed look at its specifications, performance, display quality, battery life, cameras, and practical limitations.
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Huawei MediaPad M5 and M5 Pro: Key Specifications
The MediaPad M5 series was designed to deliver a premium Android experience without relying on the highest prices in the tablet market. Its three models shared much of their internal hardware, but their screen sizes, batteries, and accessories created different experiences.
The MediaPad M5 8.4 was the most portable option. Its smaller screen made it easier to carry during travel, read articles, browse websites, and watch videos on the move.
The standard MediaPad M5 10.8 offered a larger display for films, online learning, and multitasking. The MediaPad M5 Pro used the same general screen size but added support for Huawei’s active M-Pen stylus, making it better suited to handwritten notes and creative work.
The main specifications included:
- Processor: Huawei Kirin 960 octa-core chipset
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Display: IPS LCD with a resolution of 2,560 × 1,600 pixels
- Storage: Depending on the model, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB
- Expandable storage: microSD support
- Rear camera: 13MP with autofocus
- Front camera: 8MP
- Operating system at launch: Android 8.0 Oreo with Huawei’s EMUI interface
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, and selected cellular versions
- Audio: Multiple speakers, with four speakers on the 10.8-inch models
Specifications can vary by model and regional configuration. Buyers should check the exact device before purchasing a used unit.
Premium Design and Comfortable Build Quality
Huawei gave the MediaPad M5 series a metal-and-glass design that looked more expensive than many budget tablets. Its brushed aluminium back added a premium appearance while providing a solid surface for everyday handling.
The rounded edges helped the tablet feel comfortable in the hand. Huawei also paid attention to the finish around the frame, creating a design that felt more polished than basic plastic-bodied alternatives.
Portability differed between the models. The 8.4-inch version was easier to hold for long reading sessions and travel. The 10.8-inch versions offered more screen space but required more room in a bag.
The larger models were still relatively slim for their size. However, their metal construction did not make them waterproof. Users should protect the tablet from spills, rain, and accidental immersion.
For buyers considering a second-hand device, the physical condition matters as much as the original design. Check the screen for pressure marks, the USB-C port for charging problems, and the frame for dents or bending before making a purchase.
High-Resolution Display for Movies and Reading
The display was one of the MediaPad M5 series’ strongest features. All three models used IPS LCD technology with a resolution of 2,560 × 1,600 pixels.
The 8.4-inch version offered a higher pixel density because it packed the same resolution into a smaller screen. Text appeared sharp, making the tablet suitable for ebooks, online articles, and documents.
The 10.8-inch display provided more room for videos, web pages, and productivity apps. Its larger viewing area was particularly useful for people who preferred not to watch films on a smartphone.
Colours were vibrant, and the display delivered good detail for its generation. Huawei also used curved 2.5D glass to create a smooth transition between the screen and its edges.
However, this is an older LCD display rather than a modern OLED panel. Users should not expect the same deep blacks or contrast associated with newer premium screens. Even so, its resolution remains useful for everyday reading and video playback.
Performance: Is the Kirin 960 Still Capable?
The Kirin 960 was a powerful processor for its time. Paired with 4GB of RAM, it allowed the MediaPad M5 series to handle common tablet tasks, including browsing, video streaming, reading, document editing, and many older games.
The hardware also helped the tablet switch between everyday applications without feeling like a basic entry-level device. For entertainment and general use, the performance was one reason the series received positive attention at launch.
However, modern expectations are different. Newer applications and games can demand more processing power and memory. Heavy multitasking may also expose the limitations of the older chipset.
Software support is another important consideration. The MediaPad M5 originally launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, and its current security and app compatibility depend on the software version installed. It should not be treated as equivalent to a new tablet with current security updates.
Before buying one today, check whether the applications you need still work properly. This is especially important for banking, work, education, and other tasks involving sensitive information.
MediaPad M5 Pro and the M-Pen Stylus
The MediaPad M5 Pro was designed for users who wanted more than a conventional entertainment tablet. Its main extra feature was the Huawei M-Pen active stylus.
The M-Pen supported 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. This allowed the pen to respond to different levels of pressure when used with compatible applications, making handwriting and drawing feel more natural.
Students could use a stylus to annotate documents, organise handwritten notes, and mark up study materials. Professionals could use it to make quick edits or add comments to files.
Artists and hobbyists could also benefit from pressure-sensitive input. However, the experience depended on the application being used, and the M-Pen did not automatically turn the tablet into a professional drawing workstation.
It is also important to distinguish the models. The M5 Pro supports the active M-Pen, while the standard M5 8.4 and M5 10.8 do not provide the same active-stylus functionality. A basic passive stylus may work like a finger, but it does not offer equivalent pressure sensitivity.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity varied with screen size. The MediaPad M5 8.4 included a 5,100mAh battery, while the 10.8-inch models used a larger 7,500mAh battery.
This difference makes sense because larger displays generally require more energy. The compact model prioritised portability, while the larger tablets had more battery capacity to support their bigger screens.
Actual endurance depended on screen brightness, Wi-Fi use, video playback, gaming, and background applications. Independent testing found that the smaller tablet could deliver strong video playback endurance under controlled conditions, although demanding games consumed power much faster.
The series also supported fast charging through USB-C. That helped reduce the time needed to recharge between sessions.
When buying a used MediaPad M5, remember that battery health may have declined with age. A tablet that once lasted most of a day might now need charging more frequently. Ask about battery performance and test the device before relying on it for travel or study.
Four-Speaker Audio for Entertainment
Audio was another major strength of the MediaPad M5 range. The 10.8-inch models featured four speakers, while the compact 8.4-inch version used two speakers. Huawei worked with Harman Kardon on the audio experience.
For a tablet, the speakers delivered clear and relatively powerful sound. This made the devices suitable for watching films, following online lessons, listening to podcasts, and playing games without immediately needing headphones.
The larger models were particularly appealing for home entertainment because their display and speaker arrangement created a more immersive experience.
However, the series did not include a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users could connect compatible USB-C audio accessories or use Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
Those who want stronger sound for music can also consider a separate portable speaker, such as the Anker Soundcore 2. An external speaker is not essential for everyday tablet use, but it can provide a different listening experience when relaxing at home or travelling.
Camera Quality: Useful in Good Light
Huawei equipped the MediaPad M5 series with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. These specifications looked competitive for a tablet released in 2018.
In good lighting, the rear camera could capture reasonably detailed images for documents, notes, and casual photographs. The front camera was suitable for video calls and basic selfies.
However, megapixels alone do not determine image quality. The rear camera lacked a flash, which limited its usefulness in dark environments. Independent reviews also reported visible noise, weaker dynamic range, and reduced detail in low-light conditions.
This makes the camera best suited to occasional photography rather than replacing a dedicated smartphone camera. For scanning a page or capturing a quick reference image, it can still be useful.
The same advice applies to video calls. Good lighting and a stable internet connection will often make a bigger practical difference than the camera’s headline resolution.
Connectivity and Everyday Productivity
The MediaPad M5 series included USB-C, Wi-Fi, and microSD expansion. Selected versions also supported cellular connectivity, allowing users to access mobile data away from a Wi-Fi network.
Expandable storage was particularly useful for people who downloaded films, saved documents, or stored offline learning materials. However, microSD cards do not necessarily expand every type of application storage, so users should check the tablet’s software behaviour before relying on this feature.
The tablet could support common productivity tasks, such as reading PDFs, writing documents, attending online classes, and managing email. The M5 Pro’s active stylus made these activities more flexible.
A tablet can also be part of a wider connected workspace. For example, a wireless webcam can support remote meetings or monitoring when configured with a compatible computer or network system. This is a separate function from the tablet’s built-in camera, so compatibility and setup requirements should be checked before buying additional equipment.
Still, Android tablet applications were less consistently optimised for large displays than some desktop and tablet alternatives. Anyone planning to use the device for work should test their essential apps first.
Health and Fitness Uses: What a Tablet Can and Cannot Do
The MediaPad M5 can display workout plans, fitness dashboards, nutrition records, and exercise videos. Its larger screen makes it convenient for following home workouts or reviewing activity summaries.
However, the tablet does not replace a wearable fitness tracker. It cannot continuously measure your heart rate from your wrist while you exercise.
A device such as the Fitbit Alta HR is designed for that purpose. It tracks activity and wrist-based heart rate, allowing users to review relevant measurements through its companion app. The MediaPad M5 can then provide a larger screen for reviewing compatible health and fitness information.
This combination can be useful for people who want both portable activity tracking and a larger display for reviewing their progress. Health measurements from consumer devices are estimates and should not be treated as medical diagnoses.
Is the Huawei MediaPad M5 Worth Buying Today?
The Huawei MediaPad M5 series delivered an impressive combination of design, display quality, audio, and performance for its time. The 8.4-inch model was a strong portable option, while the 10.8-inch tablets offered more room for entertainment and productivity. The M5 Pro added useful stylus support for compatible workflows.
Its age is now the biggest drawback. The processor is older, the software began with Android 8.0, and long-term security support may be limited. Battery condition can also vary considerably between used devices.
If you find one at a low price and mainly need a tablet for reading, offline videos, browsing, or light tasks, it may still be worth considering. However, users who need current security updates, demanding applications, or long-term support should compare it with newer tablets before deciding.
Ultimately, the MediaPad M5 series remains a notable example of Huawei’s premium Android tablet design in 2018. Its display and speakers remain appealing, but the best buying decision depends on software compatibility, battery health, and the price of the specific device.