Huawei MatePad Air (2026) Launched with a 12-inch OLED "PaperMatte" Display
Huawei has unveiled the MatePad Air (2026), successor to last year's MatePad Air, and the headline upgrade this time is the display. The tablet finally moves on from IPS LCD to a 12-inch 2.8K OLED panel running at 144Hz, with an optional PaperMatte coating that mimics the feel of writing on paper.
Key Highlights
- 12-inch 2.8K OLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, up to 1,200 nits peak brightness, optional PaperMatte coating
- Huawei's new Kirin T93C chipset, up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
- 10,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging
- 50MP rear camera, 12MP front camera, Wi-Fi 7, and six-speaker audio
Design and Display
The MatePad Air (2026) keeps things slim and lightweight, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and feels premium in hand. It's available in Pink, White, and Light Blue.
The big change is up front: a 12-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color gamut, and an 87% screen-to-body ratio. It supports HDR, peaks at 1,200 nits, and runs at around 1,000 nits for standard use. For note-taking and sketching fans, Huawei also offers a PaperMatte Edition, adding a matte coating that gives the screen a paper-like texture.
Performance, Camera, and Battery
Inside, the tablet runs on Huawei's own Kirin T93C chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, running HarmonyOS 4.3 out of the box.
For imaging, there's a 50MP rear camera with autofocus and an upgraded 12MP front camera — useful for sharper video calls and document scanning. The tablet also retains a six-speaker audio setup and a large 10,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1). Huawei is also offering a Smart Magnetic Keyboard and M-Pencil Pro as optional accessories.
Specifications at a Glance
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 12" 2.8K AMOLED, 144Hz, 1,000 nits (optional PaperMatte) |
| Chipset | Kirin T93C |
| RAM/Storage | 8/12GB RAM, 256GB storage |
| Rear Camera | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Battery | 10,100mAh, 66W charging |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 |
Price and Availability
The Huawei MatePad Air (2026) is up for pre-order in Europe, with sales starting August 1:
- 8GB + 256GB: €849 (~NPR 149,999)
- 8GB + 256GB PaperMatte Edition (with keyboard/M-Pencil): €899 (~NPR 157,999)
- 12GB + 256GB (with keyboard): €999 (~NPR 175,999)
There's no confirmed launch date for Nepal yet, but if it arrives, expect pricing to start around NPR 149,999.
With its sharp 144Hz OLED display and paper-like writing option, the MatePad Air (2026) looks like a strong pick for note-takers, sketchers, and anyone wanting a premium tablet experience without stepping up to Huawei's flagship MatePad Pro.
Sources: Gsmarena, Gadgetbytenepal, Phonearena
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