The Huawei MatePad Air 2026 is a lightweight tablet that builds substantially on its predecessor, arriving thinner, lighter and with a more premium display than the MatePad Air 2025. After spending close to two weeks with the device across everyday use and a full suite of tests, it stands out as one of the more effortless tablets to hold and operate.
Design and Display
The MatePad Air 2026 features a thin, all-metal build measuring just 5.3mm and weighing 509 grams, despite its 12-inch screen. That makes it slimmer than an iPad Air M4 and only marginally thicker than an iPad Pro M5 fitted with an OLED panel.
Its back has been treated with a pearlescent e-coating process, giving the surface a softer, warmer and friendlier feel than bare metal. This finish is more durable and less prone to scratching than anodised metal, which means the tablet can be used comfortably without a bulky protective case.
The most significant upgrade is the switch from an IPS LCD to a 12-inch OLED display. It carries Huawei’s PaperMatte coating, a matte finish that lends itself well to writing, drawing and reading. In display testing, the panel reached a maximum brightness of 767 nits at 20% APL and 797 nits at 100% APL, with a colour temperature of 7027K and a greyscale Delta E of 6.52.
Pricing and Accessories
In Europe, the MatePad Air 2026 is offered in two configurations. The version with standard glossy glass is priced at €849, roughly £730. A bundle featuring the PaperMatte glass alongside either the keyboard or the M-Pencil stylus accessory is priced at €899, roughly £775.
While this positions the tablet above the cheapest options on the market, the bundle presents a relatively attractive proposition, particularly for those drawn to a matte display for handwriting and sketching.
Everyday Experience
The combination of the slim chassis, reduced weight and tactile rear coating makes the MatePad Air 2026 comfortable to pick up and use for extended periods. The device was assessed across display, performance and battery measurements, with the OLED panel and PaperMatte surface forming the centrepiece of its appeal.
The Huawei MatePad Air 2026 measures 5.3mm thick and weighs 509 grams, making it thinner than an iPad Air M4.
Source
Image: phonearena.com
