Huawei's new MediaPad M5 tablets support hi-res audio

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The three-strong range, announced at MWC 2018, offers high-resolution audio support via the headphone jack, and boasts Harman Kardon-tuned speakers.

Buyers will be able to choose from either 8.4in and 10.8in 2K displays, both of which pack a 2560 x 1600 resolution.

A Pro version of the larger model will also be available - it will work with Huawei’s M-Pen stylus - while an optional keyboard case will work with both 10.8in devices for greater productivity.

It’s a bit of a shame to see Huawei opting for IPS panels here though – while we like the brightness they can offer, they just can’t match AMOLED for contrast. The IPS specification means these tablets won’t be compatible with HDR content either.

Battery size varies, too. There’s a 5100mAh cell in the smaller tablet, while a 7500mAh powers the larger ones. Due to the extra legwork required in powering a larger screen, both should be able to provide around 10-11 hours of video playback.

Plug in a pair of headphones though, and you’ll have high-resolution support all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Verity Burns
Verity Burns

Verity is a freelance technology journalist and former Multimedia Editor at What Hi-Fi?. 


Having chalked up more than 15 years in the industry, she has covered the highs and lows across the breadth of consumer tech, sometimes travelling to the other side of the world to do so. With a specialism in audio and TV, however, it means she's managed to spend a lot of time watching films and listening to music in the name of "work".


You'll occasionally catch her on BBC Radio commenting on the latest tech news stories, and always find her in the living room, tweaking terrible TV settings at parties.