The Huawei MediaPad X1 redefined what a tablet could be when it launched in April 2014. Blurring the line between a smartphone and tablet, it introduced full GSM voice-calling support, a slim aluminum body, and flagship-level features in a compact 7-inch form. Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat with EMUI 2, the tablet offered a refined interface and responsive performance for both work and entertainment.
Weighing only 239 grams and measuring 7.2mm thin, the MediaPad X1 was one of the lightest and slimmest 7-inch tablets of its time. It delivered a premium combination of portability, power, and durability, making it ideal for users who needed a single device for productivity, multimedia, and communication.
Design and Display
The Huawei MediaPad X1 features a 7-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1200×1920 pixels (~323 ppi), offering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. The 16:10 aspect ratio makes it perfect for video streaming, reading, and gaming. Its metal unibody construction and 74.5% screen-to-body ratio lend a sleek, professional look while ensuring durability.
At just 7.2mm thick, it rivals even modern tablets in slimness. The Snow White and Diamond Black color variants add elegance, while the balanced 239g weight makes it easy to carry for extended use.
Performance
Under the hood, the MediaPad X1 is powered by the Kirin 910 chipset with a quad-core 1.6GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and Mali-450MP4 GPU, paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage (expandable via microSDHC). This configuration ensures smooth multitasking, snappy app performance, and fluid HD media playback.
Whether browsing the web, streaming videos, or handling productivity apps, the tablet delivers dependable speed and stability. Huawei’s EMUI 2 interface further optimizes performance and improves energy efficiency.
Camera
The 13MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash captures sharp, detailed photos and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps. The 5MP front camera produces clear selfies and crisp video calls, making the tablet ideal for both personal and professional communication.
For a device released in 2014, its camera performance stood out, rivaling even some smartphones of its time.
Battery and Charging
Powering the MediaPad X1 is a robust 5000mAh Li-Po non-removable battery, which delivers all-day usage on a single charge. The tablet’s reverse wired charging feature allows it to serve as a power bank, providing power to other devices — a unique addition for its generation.
The efficient Kirin 910 processor and EMUI’s intelligent power management further enhance battery longevity, supporting extended reading, browsing, and multimedia sessions.
Durability
Crafted with precision, the aluminum unibody ensures strength and long-term resilience against daily wear. Despite its slimness, the tablet maintains structural integrity, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal.
The Corning protection layer on the display adds an extra level of safety against scratches, while the well-balanced weight distribution enhances handling comfort.
Huawei MediaPad X1 Full Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | Announced February 2014, Released April 2014 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body | 183.5 x 103.9 x 7.2 mm, 239g |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display | 7.0″ IPS LCD, 1200×1920 pixels (~323 ppi), 16:10 ratio |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2 |
| Chipset | Kirin 910 (28 nm) |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | Mali-450MP4 |
| Memory | 16GB internal, 2GB RAM, microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, AF, LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, 3.5mm jack |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (3G); dual-band (LTE) |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable, reverse wired charging |
| Colors | Snow White, Diamond Black |
| Models | 7D-501u, MediaPad X1 7.0 |
| Price | About 350 EUR |
Verdict
The Huawei MediaPad X1 remains one of the most impressive 7-inch tablets ever released by Huawei. With its Full HD display, Kirin 910 processor, and massive 5000mAh battery, it successfully blends smartphone versatility with tablet performance.
Its elegant metal body, powerful cameras, and voice-calling support made it a true hybrid device ahead of its time. Even today, the MediaPad X1 stands as a benchmark for compact tablets that deliver both productivity and portability in one refined package.
