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Digital art: tablets at MWC 2023
by Michelle Brändle
My art on tablets at MWC 2026
7/3/2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
From paper-like displays to extreme slim-downs and gaming power, I tried out the latest tablet highlights at MWC 2026 in Barcelona.
Surrounded by flashing lights and technological innovations, I set out on a quest to find the event’s most exciting tablets. Instead of just looking at spec sheets, I focused on practical testing. How do the latest matt displays and ultra-thin cases actually feel?
Huawei MatePad Pro: the art of superlatives
At the Huawei booth, I explored some of the creative possibilities, trying out both the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) and the brand new 13.2-inch model. I liked the 13-inch device’s stylish gold back.
What immediately strikes me is the matt display – you can hardly see any reflections from the bright exhibition hall. I’m particularly impressed by the pre-installed app Go Paint. Combined with the new M Pencil Pro and its three different tips, the resulting writing and drawing experience pleasant and precise.
I’m given the artwork I create on the tablet as a framed print. However, I initially used the wrong tablet and had to redraw my portrait of my colleague Ambra. Huawei liked it so much that they printed it out again and displayed it at their booth. The question is, who’ll become more famous as a result? Ambra or me?
TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus: reading and writing that’s gentle on your eyes
As an avid reader, the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is a real highlight for me. I can switch between three different modes at the touch of a button: the standard tablet mode for videos, Colour Paper mode with soft pastel colours and Ink Paper mode, which transforms the tablet into a greyscale e-ink reader. TCL will also be releasing a stylus for the tablet soon. However, their inaccurate and uncomfortable prototype has yet to convince me.
To make the display gentler on the eyes, there are settings such as a blue light filter, colour temperature adjustments and reminders for excessive screen time. The latest technology – Nxtpaper 4.0 – also supposedly minimises the flickering seen on its predecessors.
Honor MagicPad 4: the thinnest tablet of all
I’m surprised by the appearance of the Honor MagicPad 4. At 4.8 millimetres, it’s incredibly thin – although a thicker day-to-day tablet has never bothered me.
Besides the slim design, I also like the matt display, which I tested with the corresponding pen. Drawing feels really responsive and nice, even though there’s still no suitable art software.
Honor also boasts seamless integration with Apple devices. It can easily serve as a second screen for a MacBook while on the go, and you can move files between the tablet and an Apple device using a feature similar to Apple’s AirDrop. You’ll need an app called Honor Connect for your Apple device.
Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5: for gaming on the go
For a short gaming break, I grab the fifth-generation Lenovo Legion Tab – Lenovo skipped the fourth generation entirely.
With its 8.8-inch display, it’s pleasantly compact compared to other tablets and fits comfortably in your hand. I’m going up against Ambra on Motorola’s new football game Hero – and winning 3-0. The game was released this week, and it runs smoothly without any lag.
For me, the Lenovo Tab 5’s currently the most exciting tablet on the market because it delivers good performance in a small format.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro: nothing special
Xiaomi’s unveiling its new Pro tablet at MWC, featuring stylus support. And finally, it doesn’t look like an exact copy of the Apple Pencil.
Otherwise, the tablet doesn’t strike me as particularly innovative: solid specifications, but no matt display and no outstanding features. It’s certainly a lightweight all-rounder when you’re on the go – drawing and writing work very well on it.
Header image: Michelle Brändle
Ever since I learned how to hold a pen, I've been doodling away in bright colours. Thanks to my iPad, digital art has also become part of my life. That's why I love testing tablets – from the graphic design range to the regular kind. When I feel the urge to express my creativity without lugging lots of equipment, I go for the latest smartphones and start snapping away.
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