Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro review

In my mind, great accessories makes a great gadget even better.  I love my 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9, and I want accessories to protect it and keep it looking great.  I want a protective iPad Pro sleeve that will protect it in my gear bag and when I’m carrying only it with me.  I’m even happier when the protective sleeve is attractive.  The Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for iPad Pro 12.9″ is both protective and beautiful.  It seems to be the perfect accessory for me!  When Lucrin offered a review sample to The Gadgeteer, I hastily asked to be chosen.

Design and Features

Founded in 1994, Lucrin is a Swiss luxury leather company that offers a collection of “beautifully designed everyday leather essentials that are colorful, timeless and easy to personalize.”  Lucrin says that customization is what they do best, and their ordering process is proof of that.

With every bag, you have a selection of leathers and colors.  You can customize this sleeve by adding your monogram or removing the Lucrin logo.  (Other bags and accessories offer more leathers, including exotic skins.)  I chose the granulated leather.  The beautiful red seen here was very tempting, but I opted for the Royal Blue because I wanted to coordinate this sleeve with the Oberon Design Sonoma Tote that I use as my gear bag.

You see that there are many colors, from the more masculine darks to the more feminine pinks, to choose from.  I think men and women are equally able to design a sleeve that suits their style.

Lucrin has a philosophy that I like.  They say:

The beauty of a leather article relies on several ingredients: a good leather craftsman, of course, as well as an expert tanner, along with a top quality hide and, if we go right back to the source, farms that make animal welfare their priority and good grazing.

Lucrin buys directly from the best tanners in Italy, Spain and South Africa (for ostrich leather). Each tannery we work with has been carefully selected for the quality of its hides and its expertise. These tanneries buy raw hides, prepare them and carry out dyeing as per the colors of the Lucrin catalogue and high-end texturing procedures.

As you can see from the photos in this review, the Royal Blue sleeve in granulated leather that I received shows the quality that went into every step of the processing.

I opted to leave the Lucrin logo on my bag, as you see.  The logo is very discreet, and not a major component of the design.  I brightened up the photo here to highlight the graining of the leather.  The top photo better represents the actual color.

The back of the sleeve is plain, with no pockets.  This sleeve is designed to hold only the iPad Pro 12.9 and nothing else.

Notice that the zipper pulls are little straps made of the same leather as the rest of the bag.

The interior of the bag is microfiber fabric to protect the iPad Pro from scratches.  The bag opens up completely, as seen here.  The zipper’s teeth are plastic, to further prevent scratching.  What you can’t see is the padding between the leather and lining that will cushion the iPad.

The microfiber fabric looks like suede.  In this photo, you can see the actual color of the lining fabric.  Notice also how even and straight the stitching is.  This Lucrin sleeve is beautifully constructed.

This is my 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9 laying inside the Lucrin Zippered Sleeve.  Although the iPad Pro isn’t cased in this photo, I did find that the Pro will also fit inside while wearing a thin TPU back cover.  The cover zips easily around the Pro with or without the TPU back cover.

Here’s the Lucrin sleeve beside my Oberon Sonoma bag.  The leather colors don’t match, but I wouldn’t expect bags from two companies to have an exact color match.  I still think the two bags complement each other beautifully.

Here’s the Lucrin sleeve, with my iPad Pro inside, fitting in the front of the Oberon bag.  The sleeve fits inside the compartment of that Oberon bag as if it were custom-made for it.  I don’t have to remove the sleeve from the tote to get my iPad Pro out.  I just unzip the sleeve a little past the top corners, and I can slip the iPad right out – cased or uncased.

What I like

  • Can be customized with the color and the leather texture you like
  • Well made
  • Beautiful leather exterior and protective interior
  • Works well to protect your iPad Pro in your gear bag or as you carry it to meetings

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

The Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro can be customized with color and leather type, so you can have your perfect zippered sleeve for your iPad Pro.  It’s well-constructed of quality materials, and it’s beautifully constructed.  I love this Lucrin zippered sleeve, and it makes a beautiful addition to my gear bag.

Price: $265.00, as configured for this review
Where to buy: Customize and purchase at Lucrin
Source: The sample of this product was provided by company Lucrin

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Lucrin Zippered Sleeve for 12.9″ iPad Pro review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 27, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Summer 2018 gadget giveaway!


To celebrate summer, we are giving away thirteen awesome prizes. One winner takes it all! Entering is easy! Just answer three questions in a comment at the bottom of this post and if you’re willing to jump through a few extra hoops, you can earn up to three additional entries which will greatly increase your chances of winning. Please read the details on the prizes and the rules before you submit your entries for a chance to win our spring gadget giveaway prize pack!

Prizes:

One person will win a prize pack consisting of 1 of each of the 13 products shown below:

Wiplabs SLOPE large tablet stand

SLOPE is a Premium Micro-Suction tablet stand that is compatible with any tablets that have a flat back of four 8 to 10.5inches. 

Price: $49.99
Check out our review: Wiplabs Slope universal tablet stand review
Website: Amazon

Wicked Audio Bandido Bluetooth earbuds

A necklace style pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds that feature:

  • Tough, but comfortable metal housing
  • Improved sound. Enhanced Bass and High Fidelity due to metal housing
  • 5 Hour Battery Life
  • Rechargeable batteries with included charging cable
  • Neck Lock technology keeps your earbuds on your neck even when you’re not listening
  • Control your music without digging out your phone. Mic and track control right from the Bandido Wireless Earbud
  • Noise Isolating to help you focus on what’s important, your tunes

Price: $34.99
Website: Wicked Audio

WILLGOO Carrying Case for Apple IPad Pencil and accessories

Carrying Case for Apple IPad Pencil and accessories

  • Safely keep all in one storage for your apple pencil and accessories.
  • Built-in 1700mAh lithium battery charge your iPad pencil and mobile phone when they are out of power.
  • Magnetic cover protect your Apple pencil and its accessories when you throw the case into a backpack or purse.
  • Easy to put into your bag and carry outside.

Price: $25.99
Website: Pendorra  

Satechi Aluminum Type-C Pro Hub

The solution to your data transfer needs. This hub is compatible with your MacBook Pro 13” and 15” models, complementing your Apple accessories while completing your desk set-up.

  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4K HDMI
  • Expansion ports

Price: $99.99
Website: Satechi

Star Wars USB Wall Charger – BB-8

The cutest plug-in charger a Star Wars fanatic could ask for, with up to two USB ports

  • Officially-licensed Star Wars merchandise
  • A ThinkGeek creation & exclusive
  • Let the Beebs charge your electronics
  • Charges two devices at once
  • Plugs into any standard grounded U.S. outlet (Type B)
  • Input: AC 100V to 240V, 50/60 Hz 150mA / Output: D 4.75V to 5.25V, 500mA
  • USB Ports: 2.1A + 1.0A

Price: $24.99
Website: Thinkgeek

Marshall Major III Headphones

The individual listening device that delivers big-stage performance sound, reinforcing why this headphone is an icon in the making.

  • Custom-tuned 40 mm drivers
  • Empty 3.5 mm socket is perfect for sharing audio with someone else
  • 3D hinges for a more streamlined look
  • One button remote with microphone

Price: $79.00
Website: Marshall

Casemate Tough ID iPhone case

 

The solution to losing your cards by keeping everything you need in the palm of your hand.

  • Handcrafted genuine leather with red stitching detail
  • Two separate slots for your cards
  • Full shock absorbing layer

Price: $59.99
Website: Casemate

Awair Glow

Awair Glow tracks toxins and chemicals in your air and gives you personalized recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy

  • LED shows real-time air quality levels
  • Built-in night light

Price: $99.00
Website: Awair

Elgato: Thunderbolt 3 Dock

supports a dual 4K display, quick transfer speeds and fast notebook charging for your MacBook Pro and Windows notebook with only one cable

  • Built-in DisplayPort that can drive any display up to 4K resolution
  • Connect a second 4K display to the USB-C port
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • 2 USB 3.0 ports
  • 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports

Price: $299.95
Website: Elgato

Samson Z45 Professional Studio Headphones

Lightweight, low-profile design with genuine lambskin cushioning, which is collapsible for portability. This is pair can travel with you in your backpack with no hassle.

  • Ideal for professional recording and DJ reference
  • Tuned for a natural, warm mid-range
  • Lightweight, low-profile design with genuine lambskin cushioning
  • Collapsible, closed-back design with 90° rotating ear cups
  • Premium 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets
  • 15Hz–22kHz frequency response

Price: $99.99
Website: Samson

Phiaton BT 220 Earbuds

 

Compact earphones with wireless technology and IPX4 water-resistant design combine durability and outstanding sound. Perfect for the gym you’ll be using on campus.

  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • Multipoint connection
  • Inline remote control

Price: $119.00
Website: Phiaton

Polar M200 GPS Running Watch

The best workout is the one you do. The easy-to-use Polar M200 with wrist-based heart rate monitoring motivates and guides you every step of the way. This takes away the stress of keeping track of fitness, and helps you focus on school.

  • Advanced GPS
  • Activity tracking
  • Heart rate training
  • Smart notifications

Price: $149.95
Website: Polar

Kano Computer Kit


Computer-crafting kit that teaches coding to help you build your own computer. Computer science education at an early start for children who know what they’ll study early on.

    • Powered by Raspberry Pi 3 and Kano OS
    • Learn to code

Price: $149.99
Website: Kano

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 07/01/2018 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. Are you a regular visitor or a brand new visitor to The Gadgeteer?
  2. What types of reviews do you enjoy reading the most?
  3. What types of news articles do you enjoy reading the most?

Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.

Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is giving away a giant prize pack of 13 gadgets. Entering the contest is easy! https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/06/27/summer-2018-gadget-giveaway

Get a 4th bonus entry by liking The Gadgeteer homepage on Facebook.

Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.

At some point on 04/29/2018, I’ll pick one random winner using random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my email in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize pack is claimed.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).

2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.

3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.

4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

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Summer 2018 gadget giveaway! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 27, 2018 at 7:45 am.

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Credit card tools, travel bags, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are bringing you several crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s featured campaigns are products for people who like to travel and like EDC wallet tools. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Tail it: 4 new affordable GPS trackers with global range

What is it?
Tail its are small 2G, 3G, 4G, and WiFi item trackers that are ultra affordable.

Why do I like it?
Most item finders/trackers that are on the market use Bluetooth, but the Tail it uses 2G, 3G, 4G, and WiFi, which means once the item is out of Bluetooth range of your phone, you will still be able to track it. Tail it doesn’t require a subscription or any other extra fees and the battery life lasts anywhere from 3-8 weeks depending on the version.

Where can I find more info?
The Tail it campaign ends on 7/19/18 and they have already passed their funding goal of $12,342. You can pre-order a Tail it starting at $86. After the Tail it campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PocketRule – the complete reference tool, in your pocket.

What is it?
PocketRule is a 3pc set that includes a ruler, protractor, and maker/designer/scientist/engineer reference card that is made of fiberglass and designed to fit in your wallet.

Why do I like it?
I like the PocketRules tools because they are wallet sized. That means that they will also fit in the cardholder that you might have in your journal, which is where I’d keep mine for better doodles and diagrams.

Where can I find more info?
The PocketRule campaign ends on 7/25/18 and they are close to reaching their funding goal of $3,600. You can pre-order a PocketRule starting at $11. After the PocketRule campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SmartRuler – Titanium Creative Design Credit Card Multi Tool

What is it?
SmartRuler is a credit card sized ruler with additional EDC features.

Why do I like it?
If I had to choose between the PocketRule (campaign shown above this one) or the SmartRuler, I’d go with the SmartRuler because they are made of aluminum or titanium instead of fiberglass and they double as a multi-tool with a bottle opener, hex wrench, headphones holder, smartphone stand, and more.

Where can I find more info?
The SmartRuler campaign ends on 7/26/18 and they have already surpassed their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a SmartRuler starting at $13. After the SmartRuler campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Bento Bag: Most Thoughtful Travel Bag Ever

What is it?
The Bento Bag is a carry-on travel bag.

Why do I like it?
I like the Bento Bag because it has a variety of features that are important to in-flight travelers. The bag opens like a suitcase for easy packing, has special easy-access pockets for a variety of your gear and a pass-through charging port for your device, all while remaining small enough to stow under the seat in front of you on a plane.

Where can I find more info?
The Bento Bag campaign ends on 7/16/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a Bento Bag starting at $149. After the Bento Bag campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

PLEVO – The World’s Most Innovative Smart Luggage

What is it?
PLEVO is a rolling luggage set with a built-in removable battery pack, GPS tracking, smart lock, built-in digital scale, garment hanger, and travel assistant app.

Why do I like it?
I like PLEVO luggage because they have so many built-in features including a hanging garment rack, removable/replaceable 360-degree wheels which are a must-have and the set is covered by a lifetime warranty. They also look unlike any luggage I’ve seen before which means you probably won’t grab the wrong bag off the luggage carousel at the airport.

Where can I find more info?
The PLEVO campaign ends on 8/3/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a PLEVO starting at $245. After the PLEVO campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Credit card tools, travel bags, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 26, 2018 at 4:22 pm.

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Keep your cool with the Kapsul connected air conditioner

There are lots of smart, connected thermostats for controlling your full-house HVAC unit, but you’re stuck with manual controls for window air conditioners.  Kapsul is changing that by bringing connectivity and app control to the window unit.

The Kapsul W5 unit has the performance of a traditional 5,000 BTU window air conditioner.  At only 7″ tall, Kapsul brings a new, more attractive look to the window units, and it’s twice as quiet as traditional window units.  And Kapsul says their “patented window frame adapter can be installed by one person in minutes, creates a perfect airtight seal, and eliminates the possibility of improper installation, or worse yet, a unit dropping out of the window.”

The W5 has on-board temperature, humidity, ambient light, and kilowatt sensors.  The app lets you monitor all these conditions and control the W5’s performance from anywhere you have internet access.  Plus, the Kapsul W5 is compatible with Nest, Google Assistant, and Alexa, so you can control the W5 with your voice, too.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Type: 5,000 BTU Window AC
  • Dimensions: 7″ X 20″ X 22″
  • Window Size: 21″ to 36″ wide
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • Power Type: 120V AC 
  • EER: 11 energy efficiency rating
  • Temperature: in Fahrenheit
  • Operation: between 70º – 110º F
  • Certifications: FCC and ETL

Right now, Kapsul is taking pre-orders for their W5 unit.  By ordering now, the W5 will be $499, $100 off the normal price.  Delivery is expected in the Spring of 2019; your card will not be charged until your unit is ready to ship.  Learn more at the Kapsul website.

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Keep your cool with the Kapsul connected air conditioner originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 26, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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HUAWEI MediaPad M5 Android tablet review

When it comes to buying an Android tablet, there aren’t many choices if you are looking for a premium device. Sadly, even Google themselves have gotten out of the tablet category, which is a real shame. If you haven’t been a fan of the expensive glass-backed tablets from Samsung, I have another option for you to consider. It’s the HUAWEI MediaPad M5, and it’s a beauty.

What is it?

The MediaPad M5 is actually a series of Android tablets from HUAWEI that include an 8.4-inch, and two 10.8-inch tablets. One of the 10.8-inch versions of the tablet is the Pro version. I was sent the 10.8-inch regular version of the M5 for this review.

Hardware specs

OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
CPU: 2.1GHz Kirin 960 Series Chipset
Memory: 4 GB RAM+32 GB ROM, or 4 GB RAM+64 GB ROM
microSD card slot
Display: 2560 x 1600 pixels, Enhanced ClariVu 10.8-inch display
Network: LTE FDD/LTE TDD/WCDMA/GSM (Enabled only on the CMR-AL09 version)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Camera: Rear camera: 13 MP, F2.2, Auto Focus (PDAF), Front camera: 8 MP, F2.2, Fixed focus
Audio: Quad stereo speaker, HUAWEI Histen sound effect, Harman Kardon audio certified, Supports Hi-Res Audio
Battery: 7500 mAh Quick Charge 9 V/2 A
Dimensions: 10.18 x 6.76 x 0.29 inches (258.7 mm x 171.8 x 7.3 mm)
Weight: 1.1lb (About 498 g)

What’s in the box?

HUAWEI MediaPad M5 10.8-inch Android tablet
Charger
USB Type-C Cable
USB Type-C to 3.5 mm headset jack adapter cable
Eject pin for the microSD card holder
Quick Start Guide
Warranty card

Design and features

The HUAWEI MediaPad M5 is a big beautiful tablet. Although I wish it had ultra-thin bezels like the HUAWEI P20 smartphone that I reviewed recently, I can deal with the relatively narrow bezels that it does have.

The MediaPad has the HUAWEI logo on the bottom edge with the tablet when you are using it in landscape orientation and the fingerprint reader is on the right edge.

In landscape orientation, the front-facing camera and status LED are located along the top edge above the display.

The back side of the MediaPad is made of aluminum that has a smooth feel. It’s so smooth that the tablet is pretty slippery. So you will definitely want to consider some type of back cover or case if you purchase this device.

The right side of the tablet (in landscape orientation) has a one-piece volume button at the top and a smaller power button below it. Also on that side is the microSD card slot. There is an issue with the location of these buttons when you use the tablet in portrait mode because the buttons end up on the bottom edge of the device which is the opposite side I would expect them to be. Granted, the MediaPad is designed to be used primarily in landscape orientation. That said, even in that orientation, the fingerprint reader seems to be is in a strange location on the right side of the display. However, the location of the fingerprint reader works out for a reason you’ll understand when I talk about navigating the user interface.

Along the bottom edge of the MediaPad is a set of built-in speakers that have been tuned by Harman Kardon and provide 360-degree surround sound. In the center are 3 electrical contacts for a future accessory.

In the upper right corner is a rear-facing camera and another set of speakers along the top edge of the tablet.

Last year I purchased a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 to replace a Tab 2. In the image above, the Samsung tablet is on the right with the MediaPad M5 next to it on the left. The larger screen size of the 10,8-inch MediaPad makes a huge difference when reading, surfing, and watching videos on this device in either orientation.

Display

The 10.8-inch MediaPad M5’s 2K IPS display is bright and crisp with vibrant colors. I have been impressed by how nice everything looks on it from websites to viewing my Google Photo image collection, and watching a video using the Netflix app.

The 2D curved screen edges are a nice touch as well. 2D curved screens aren’t a new feature for smartphones, but I believe this is a first for an Android tablet and I like the way it feels when holding the tablet between my two hands because there are no uncomfortable edges.

Camera

I think it’s safe to say that 99% of the people who shop for a new tablet are not going to base their decision on the built-in camera. Yes, the M5 has a built-in camera yes, it takes pictures. But the image quality is not going to blow you away and again, 99% of the people who buy this tablet aren’t going to care about the camera quality because who goes around using their tablet as a camera anyway? All that said, here are a couple example images.



The two pictures on the left where taken with the 13MP rear camera the picture on the front used the 8MP front-facing camera. Neither are especially great. But the front camera should work fine for video calls.

Fingerprint reader

The fact that I had some issues with the fingerprint reader won’t come to a surprise if you’ve read more than a few of my device reviews. Yes, fingerprint readers tend to have problems with my alien DNA. The MediaPad’s fingerprint reader worked for me some of the time, but not all of the time. The real unfortunate thing here is that the MediaPad does not share the face unlock feature that the HUAWEI P20 has. It’s a shame because that unlock method has worked really well for me. As it is, I have been using a combination of the fingerprint read and a good old-fashioned PIN number with the M5.

The fingerprint reader does have a second use besides scanning your fingerprints. It can also be used to navigate the tablet by using gestures like the ones shown above. How well does that work? Pretty well since the reader is on the right side of the display where your thumb would naturally rest while using the tablet in landscape orientation.

I do wish the MediaPad also had traditional onscreen navigation icons for back, home, and running app list. The really weird thing is that my device DID have onscreen navigation buttons. You can even see them in a few of the images in this review. But they disappeared and now I don’t know how to get them back. I even read a few other reviews where people complain about the lack of onscreen buttons, but they don’t mention anything about the buttons having been on their MediaPads in the first place like my device. I know I didn’t imagine them because the images in this review are proof that they existed at one point. So, what gives HUAWEI?

Audio quality

The 10.8-inch MediaPad M5 has 4 Harmon Kardon speakers built into the long sides of the tablet and they have terrific sound when using the tablet in either orientation. I enjoyed listening to music through Spotify and watching video on Youtube and Netflix. It was loud enough for two people sitting side by side watching a movie on Netflix with the tablet propped up about 3 feet away.

If you prefer to listen to audio in private, the MediaPad lacks an earphone jack so you’ll need to use the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or Bluetooth headphones which brings up a pretty big issue with this tablet which I’ll talk about next.

Bluetooth and WiFi problems

If you want to use a pair of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones with the tablet, they will work just fine, but there is a caveat. The tablet uses the same antenna for Bluetooth and WiFi, so trying to use both at once results in slow WiFi speeds.

You can see examples of this in the image above where I used the Speedtest application to test the WiFi speed with Bluetooth turned off, with it turned on, and with a device connected and turned on. With Bluetooth turned off, my WiFi speed on the tablet is typically between 15 – 17Mbps, but as soon as I turned on Bluetooth and tried the Speedtest test again, the WiFi speed fell to 5-7Mbps. Then if Bluetooth was enabled AND a paired Bluetooth device was active, the speed dropped even further to as low 2Mbps at one point.

Is this problem a deal breaker? It depends on the types of activities that you use your tablet for. I mainly tested the tablet surfing my favorite sites while listening to music using Google Play, and using Bluetooth earbuds while watching Netflix shows. Did I notice a problem? Not too much other than lag while a Netflix video was buffering that longer than normal before the video started to play. Other than that, I didn’t notice a problem. But you have to understand that I used a T1 line at my home for a decade, so I’m used to slower (sub 2Mbps) network speeds.

Software and user interface

Like the HUAWEI P20 and the HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro that I’ve reviewed, the MediaPad M5 ships with Huawei’s own skin on top of stock Android Oreo. That skin is called EMUI. EMUI doesn’t make Android look that much different from stock Android Oreo, but it does include Huawei’s versions of the stock apps like the calendar, clock, calculator, etc. There are more apps (aka Bloatware) included on the MediaPad like Booking.com, Kid’s Corner, Game Suite, Quik video editor, and WPS Office, but they can be uninstalled if desired.

The MediaPad M5 also includes a special desktop mode that allows the M5 to have a Windows-style look and feel with multiple movable windows and a taskbar at the bottom. But unlike the HUAWEI smartphones, the MediaPad does not have the ability to output to a large monitor when used with an HDMI USB-C adapter.

Battery life and performance

The 10.8-inch MediaPads have a large 7500mAh battery which does an impressive job of powering the tablet for several days with light use and easily through a full day of moderate use. The performance with the tablet has impressed me. I feel like it’s snappier than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3. I had no problems launching apps, scrolling pages, etc.

What I like

  • Vibrant display
  • Good value for the price
  • Great audio
  • microSD card slot

What needs to be improved

  • Bluetooth and Wifi speed issue
  • Odd power and volume button location
  • No earphone jack

Final thoughts

The HUAWEI MediaPad M5 lives up to its name with its large display and Harman Kardon speakers. This tablet is a great device for surfing, and watching videos on your favorite streaming service. The tablet isn’t perfect though due to the issue with using WiFi and Bluetooth at the same time. If you can get past that problem, the price and features of the HUAWEI MediaPad M5 do make it one of the nicest Android tablets that are currently available.

Price: $359.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by HUAWEI.

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HUAWEI MediaPad M5 Android tablet review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 26, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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