I did my research before purchasing this tablet so I was well aware of the Bluetooth/WiFi issue.
Just to reiterate: There is only one antenna in this tablet that is used for both Bluetooth and WiFi. This is only a problem if you try to use both technologies simultaneously, such as using a Bluetooth headset while watching Netflix or other streaming source. It will work, but the WiFi data rate drops significantly and causes buffering, lower quality, or both. Netflix, for example, will lower the quality to eye-cancerous levels to match the low download rate and avoid pauses while the show buffers.
The headset issue is compounded by the fact that there isn't any 3.5mm headset jack. Huawei included a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter so you can still use your favorite ear buds. That's great but you can't charge the battery while using the adapter, meaning you're kind of forced to use Bluetooth headsets if you want to remain plugged in. I'm sure there's a USB-C splitter that could be used to charge and use a wired headset at the same time but you have to purchase one separately.
Since I neither stream media a lot with a tablet nor use Bluetooth headsets it isn't a critical problem for me. It is an issue, however, so be aware of that before purchasing.
This Tablet replaces my 4 year old LG G Tab 8.3. It is similar in size and shape and will be used pretty much the same way - email, reading, light gaming, and other casual use. This isn't for business use.
The screen is excellent and boasts 359 PPI, compared to the 273 of the old tablet. I could never go back to sub 200 PPI. That just makes looking at the screen that much better.
The touchscreen is responsive - almost too responsive compared to the aging G Tab but I'm quickly getting used to it. One thing I miss about LG is the Knock-On feature to double-tap on the screen to wake it up. The M5 has a fingerprint reading Home button that also instantly unlocks the tablet so that's a reasonable replacement.
Out of the box Android 8.0 is installed. There is an over-the-air update available with security updates.
The casual games I play (Riptide 2, for example) work well. Video playback with the built in player works and VLC could always be installed, if desired.
The quad edge speakers are quite good and are far better than backward facing speakers. Build quality is good - no flexing or creaking.
There's never enough life in any battery but this one qualifies as "good enough." Fortunately, the included wall charger does offer "fast charge" - of a sorts. This isn't the same as Qualcomm's Quick Charge so third party chargers may not charge the M5 as fast. Some do support Huawei's FCP protocol so your mileage may vary.
If you are in the market for an 8 inch tablet then this would be a great option - if you can live with the limitations.
| Standing screen display size | 8.4 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 2560x1600 Pixels |
| Processor | 2.1 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Hard Drive | 64 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 10 Hours |
