Huawei MatePad 12 X (2026): A practical look at the 4-in-1 tablet for productivity everywhere
Released just under a month ago, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) has officially arrived on Philippine shores. It’s pitched as a 4-in-1 round productivity tablet with key components stacked up for the new collaborative device already included out of the box. This includes a flipstand keyboard case, a wireless mouse, and the new M-Pencil Pro, which comes packed with several smart features.
To see how that promise works, BusinessWorld used the new MatePad 12 X for over a week. Tested in several practical settings, it simulates how students and young professionals will use it both indoors and outdoors.
The device has an official price tag of P37,999 and is available at Huawei’s official stores and website, as well as on many e-commerce platforms. PC-level WPS Office software is also included.
PC-Class Productivity
Right out of the box, the MatePad 12 X is bundled with four key pieces of hardware to produce a PC-level experience: the tablet itself in white, the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, the Huawei Mouse, and the new M-Pencil Pro.
THis tablet has a 12-inch display using HUAWEI’s 3rd Gen Ultra-clear PaperMatte Display, a proprietary technology found in their high-end tablets. As a user of other tablets in the past, I noticed that the display allowed me to work for long hours because it does not strain the eye, thanks to the anti-flicker and anti-reflection features.
For a tablet display, its maximum brightness of 1,000 nits is suitable for the work that needs to be done in cafes; basically, it can be used outside. The display also has a refresh rate of 144Hz and a resolution of 2800 x 1840, supported by P3 color gamut and HDR Vivid.
For those whose work is always on the go, the tablet and its hardware are portable and convenient. The tablet weighs only 555 g and is 5.99 mm thick with an all-metal unibody design. Multitasking is smooth as butter, handling multiple applications without lag thanks to its 12GB RAM. As a first-time user of HarmonyOS on a tablet, the split-screen touch may feel strange at first, but it can be mastered with regular use.
The included Smart Magnetic keyboard, with 1.5 mm key height and 16 mm keycaps, is very responsive, and the tactile “click” is a nice touch. The HUAWEI mouse was also responsive and smooth, offering a standard navigation option. For document processing, the device includes WPS Office 3.0, which allows users to access Word and Excel files for better productivity.
Battery Life
Another highlight of the MatePad 12 X (2026) is its long-lasting battery with a capacity of 10,100 mAh. In my testing, it managed to last a full day of consecutive installation events. It can also last three days with regular media scrolling and occasional playback. The charging speed is decent, supporting 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge, which stays close to the product’s claim of reaching 100% in about 85 minutes in real-world conditions.
IM-Pencil Pro
The new IM-Pencil Pro is especially useful for seamless note-taking. Writing on this tablet is almost close to the texture of paper thanks to the PaperMatte display. It includes smart features like pinch, rotate, and double-tap, as well as tactile feedback.
The pencil also features a “Star Ring” design, which serves as a stylish aesthetic that also houses its own NearLink technology. This NearLink connection offers 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, which improves interaction with the tablet. In addition, it offers smart interactions within the GoPaint app, allowing users to maximize pencil development.
Other Features
Another notable inclusion is low-access Wondershare Filmora, a useful social media content editing app. The app is easy to use and includes the necessary editing tools that work with M-Pencil Pro for animation. It is also powered by AI to help users organize efficiently. According to Huawei, users can access a 30-day free trial but are advised to cancel the subscription at the end of the trial to avoid being charged.
Final Decision
The HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) backs up its 4-in-1 productivity claim, as it combines the hardware needed to replace a laptop while maintaining multitasking capabilities. It’s perfect for young professionals, students, and artists who need a flexible, compact, and efficient device with long battery life. If budget isn’t an issue, this tablet is a solid candidate for a portable workstation. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
