Switching From Samsung Tab S5e To Huawei Mediapad Pro 10 5 What Am I Missing

Moving from the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e to the Huawei MediaPad Pro 10.5 is more than a simple upgrade—it’s a shift in ecosystem, functionality, and user experience. While both tablets are designed for productivity, media consumption, and portability, they operate under fundamentally different software environments and hardware philosophies. Understanding the trade-offs helps ensure your transition is smooth and that you're not caught off guard by missing features or unexpected limitations.

Key Differences in Hardware and Design

The Samsung Tab S5e and Huawei MediaPad Pro 10.5 occupy similar price brackets but target slightly different audiences. The Tab S5e emphasizes sleekness and AMOLED display quality, while the MediaPad Pro leans into performance with its Kirin 990 chipset and higher refresh rate screen.

Feature	Samsung Tab S5e	Huawei MediaPad Pro 10.5
Display	10.5” Super AMOLED (60Hz)	10.8” LTPS LCD (90Hz)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 670	HiSilicon Kirin 990
RAM / Storage	4GB / 64–128GB	6GB / 128GB
OS	Android (One UI)	HarmonyOS (no Google Mobile Services)
Audio	Quad speakers tuned by AKG	Quad speakers with Histen 7.0
Pencil Support	S Pen (included on some models)	M-Pencil (sold separately)

The MediaPad Pro offers a faster processor and smoother 90Hz display, which enhances scrolling and drawing responsiveness. However, it uses an LCD panel instead of AMOLED, meaning deeper blacks and true contrast are lost—something media-focused users may notice during movie playback or nighttime reading.

Tip: If OLED contrast matters to you, consider using dark mode apps and wallpapers to simulate deeper blacks on the MediaPad Pro.

Losing Access to Google Services

The most significant change when switching to the Huawei MediaPad Pro is the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS). Due to U.S. trade restrictions, Huawei devices launched after 2019 do not include access to the Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, or Google Maps.

This means you can no longer:

• Download apps directly via the Google Play Store
• Use seamless Google account sync for contacts, calendar, and email
• Access location services like Google Maps without workarounds
• Enjoy background push notifications from many Western apps

Instead, Huawei provides its own ecosystem through the AppGallery and Petal Services. While AppGallery has grown significantly, it still lacks many niche or region-specific apps available on Google Play.

“Huawei’s pivot to HarmonyOS and AppGallery is impressive, but users dependent on Google workflows will face friction.” — Lin Zhao, Mobile Ecosystem Analyst

Workarounds for Missing Google Apps

You can sideload Google apps using third-party tools like GSpace or LZPlay, which create isolated containers to run Google services. However, these solutions are not officially supported, may break after updates, and introduce security concerns.

Alternatively, use web-based versions of Google services:

• Gmail: Use browser or Microsoft Outlook app
• Google Drive: Access via browser or sync with Dropbox/OneDrive
• YouTube: Use the mobile site or install via APK (though updates won’t be automatic)

Productivity and Stylus Experience

If you used the S Pen on your Tab S5e, you’ll find the M-Pencil on the MediaPad Pro to be a worthy successor—but with caveats. The M-Pencil supports low latency and pressure sensitivity, ideal for note-taking and sketching. However, unlike the S Pen, it doesn’t magnetically attach to the tablet and must be charged separately via an adapter.

The MediaPad Pro also supports Huawei’s Smart Magnetic Keyboard, which doubles as a cover. It offers a good typing experience but isn’t as widely reviewed or accessible as Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard.

Multi-Window and Multitasking

Samsung’s One UI offers refined split-screen, pop-up view, and Dex mode for desktop-like productivity. Huawei’s EMUI (now HarmonyOS) supports multi-window functionality, but it’s less intuitive and lacks the polish of Samsung’s implementation.

You can drag and drop between apps, but floating windows are limited. For heavy multitaskers, this may slow down workflow efficiency—especially if you relied on Dex for external displays.

Tip: Use Huawei’s “Parallel Worlds” feature to run two instances of social media apps—one personal, one professional—without logging out.

Media and Audio Performance

The Tab S5e was praised for its quad AKG-tuned speakers and AMOLED screen, making it a top choice for streaming. The MediaPad Pro counters with four speakers powered by Histen 7.0 audio enhancement and a 90Hz display for smoother video playback.

In real-world use, the Huawei tablet delivers louder and more balanced audio, especially in landscape mode. However, the lack of HDR support and lower color accuracy compared to AMOLED means Netflix and Disney+ content won’t look as vibrant—particularly in dark scenes.

Additionally, due to licensing restrictions, Huawei cannot offer Dolby Atmos on all apps, limiting high-end audio immersion unless you use compatible third-party players.

Software Updates and Long-Term Support

Samsung provides up to three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches for the Tab S5e. Huawei, on the other hand, is committed to long-term support for HarmonyOS, with promises of two major OS upgrades and monthly security updates for select devices.

However, Huawei’s update rollout is often slower and less transparent than Samsung’s. Users in Europe and Asia typically receive updates before those in North or South America.

Another consideration: app compatibility over time. As developers optimize for newer Android versions and Google APIs, Huawei’s independent ecosystem may fall behind in supporting future app standards—especially for banking, healthcare, or government services that require Google SafetyNet.

Mini Case Study: A Student’s Transition

Maya, a university student, switched from her Tab S5e to a MediaPad Pro for its stronger processor and better note-taking capabilities. She loved the speed and battery life but quickly ran into issues syncing her Google Calendar and accessing her course materials stored in Google Drive.

She spent several evenings setting up alternative accounts and downloading files manually. Eventually, she installed Microsoft OneNote synced with her school account and used the Huawei Browser’s built-in PDF annotator for class readings. While functional, the process required more manual management than her previous setup.

“It works,” she said, “but I spend more time managing apps than studying.”

Checklist: Preparing Your Huawei MediaPad Pro

Before fully relying on your new device, complete these steps:

1. Back up data from your Samsung tablet using Samsung Cloud or a third-party service
2. Set up Huawei ID and sync contacts via SIM or vCard export
3. Install essential apps from AppGallery (Microsoft Office, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat)
4. Explore Petal Search to find APK alternatives for missing apps
5. Configure keyboard and M-Pencil settings for optimal input
6. Enable dark mode to improve visual comfort on the LCD screen
7. Test cloud storage sync with non-Google providers (Dropbox, OneDrive, Huawei Cloud)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Samsung Notes to the Huawei tablet?

Yes, but not directly. Export your notes as PDFs or text files from Samsung Notes, then transfer them via USB, email, or cloud storage. You can import them into Huawei Notes or third-party apps like Evernote or OneNote.

Is the Huawei MediaPad Pro good for reading eBooks?

It’s decent, though not ideal. The LCD screen lacks the deep blacks of AMOLED, which can cause eye strain during prolonged night reading. Use warm lighting filters and install Kindle or Moon+ Reader with custom themes to reduce glare.

Will WhatsApp work normally?

Yes. WhatsApp is available on AppGallery and functions almost identically. Messages, calls, and media sync properly, though backup defaults to Huawei Cloud instead of Google Drive.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your New Device

Switching from the Samsung Tab S5e to the Huawei MediaPad Pro 10.5 means trading ecosystem reliability for raw performance and innovation. You gain a faster chip, smoother display, and strong audio—but lose seamless Google integration and some long-term software confidence.

The key to success lies in preparation: migrating your data thoughtfully, embracing alternative services, and adjusting expectations around app availability. With the right setup, the MediaPad Pro can become a powerful tool for productivity and entertainment—even outside Google’s ecosystem.

🚀 Ready to optimize your Huawei experience? Share your tips or challenges in the comments below—your insight could help others make a smoother switch.