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In the MediaPad M2 10.0 Huawei has created a decent full-sized Android tablet with a number of pro features for a mid-range fee.
There are a couple of notable weak areas that betray its humble price point and detract from the experience, but the bang-per-buck quotient is strong with this one.
We liked
You'll struggle to find an Android tablet that sounds as good as the Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 at any price, courtesy of a meaty four-speaker set-up.
Those opting for the Premium model will also get a fine stylus bundled in. If you're into digital doodling or note-taking, it's a worthwhile option.
Regardless of the model, this is a well-built tablet for the price you'll pay.
We disliked
There's no getting away from it, Huawei's Emotion UI is one of the key things holding its Android products back from true greatness - and so it proves here. If this was pure(r) Android, you could probably add another half-point to the score.
Despite the general quality of the MediaPad M2's build for the price, it's undeniably a heavy, unwieldy bit of kit. Next to a recent iPad, it feels monstrous, and you won't want to hold it for long periods.
Finally, one of the main areas Huawei seems to have compromised here is one of the most important. The tablet's display simply lacks the sharp pop of its more expensive rivals.
Verdict
If you like the thought of the iPad Pro 9.7's stellar sound, metal build, and Apple Pencil compatibility, but don't fancy the price, the Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 is on a very short list of alternatives.
It sounds great, feels pretty good, and its M-Pen stylus has a fair amount going for it. All of this for a surprisingly low price.
But the very best tablets have at their core a slick UI, sharp display, and flawless performance - and the Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 isn't quite up to scratch in these vital areas.
It's a fine cut-price option, but the best tablets from Apple, Samsung, and Google remain a class apart.
First reviewed: June 2016
