Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite: A Budget-Friendly Android Tablet for Entertainment

The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite is a budget-friendly Android tablet that aims to provide an affordable entertainment experience without compromising on features and performance. As a member of the MediaPad series, it inherits the legacy of offering high-quality displays, decent processors, and sleek designs at an attractive price point.

Design and Display

The MediaPad M5 Lite boasts a sturdy metal body with a subtle curvature that fits comfortably in one’s hand. The device measures 246 x 159 x 7.8mm and weighs around 470 grams, making it easy to carry around. On the front, you’ll find an impressive 10.1-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Colors are vibrant, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use.

The display also features Huawei’s proprietary Kirin HiSilicon technology, which provides better color accuracy and a wider viewing angle compared to standard LCDs. Additionally, the tablet includes a dedicated reading mode that reduces blue light emission for improved eye comfort during extended usage periods.

Performance

Under the hood, the MediaPad M5 Lite is powered by Huawei’s octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710A processor, coupled with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. The device runs on Android 10 (EMUI 9.1) out of the box.

For general tasks such as browsing, streaming, and social media, the MediaPad M5 Lite performs adequately. However, demanding applications like gaming or video editing may require some patience due to the device’s limitations. Huawei has also included a dedicated Mali-G51 MP4 GPU for graphics processing.

Camera

The MediaPad M5 Lite features an 8-megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture. While the cameras are not spectacular, they’re sufficient for casual photography or video calls. The device also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery Life

The MediaPad M5 Lite is equipped with a large 7500mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of web browsing and 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 11-12 hours of mixed usage, which is impressive for a budget tablet.

Connectivity and Ports

The MediaPad M5 Lite features a USB-C port with support for fast charging (up to 18W) and OTG connectivity. The device also supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2, and 4G LTE connectivity in select regions.

Audio

For audio enthusiasts, the MediaPad M5 Lite features a pair of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience. However, sound quality is average at best, and we recommend using external headphones for better audio fidelity.

Conclusion

The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite is a solid budget-friendly Android tablet that offers a great balance of features, performance, and price. Its impressive display, decent processor, and long battery life make it an attractive option for users who need a device for casual entertainment or productivity on-the-go.

While it may not be the best choice for demanding applications or gaming enthusiasts, the MediaPad M5 Lite is a great value proposition for those seeking a reliable and affordable Android tablet. With its competitive pricing starting at $150 (3GB + 32GB) and going up to $200 (4GB + 64GB), it’s definitely worth considering.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 710A
  • RAM: 3GB or 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB or 64GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card slot
  • Display: 10.1-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200 pixels), Pixel density: 224 PPI
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours web browsing or 10 hours video playback
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C with fast charging support, OTG connectivity
  • Camera: Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with f/1.8 aperture, Front-facing 2-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture