Electricity flows through wires to deliver power, but it loses energy as it moves, delivering less than it started with. But that energy loss isn’t a given. Scientists at Penn State have found a new way to identify types of materials known as superconductors that allow power to travel without any resistance, meaning no energy is lost.
The catch is that these superconductor materials are limited in how they can be used in everyday life, especially because superconductivity requires extreme temperatures too low for things like next-generation energy or advanced electronic devices. With the support from the “Theory of Condensed Matter” program at Basic Energy Science of Department of Energy (DOE), a team at Penn State developed a new approach to predict which materials could behave as superconductors, potentially bringing us closer to discover new superconductors at higher temperatures.
The theoretical prediction of superconductors, particularly the high temperature ones, remain elusive as it is commonly believed that the existing superconductivity theory is applicable only to low temperature superconductors, explained Zi-Kui Liu, professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State.
“The goal has always been to raise the temperature at which superconductivity persists,” said Liu, who is lead author of a new study published in Superconductor Science and Technology. “But first, we need to understand exactly how superconductivity happens, and that is where our work comes in.”
For decades, scientists have typically subscribed to the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory explaining how conventional superconductors, which operate at very low temperatures, work. The BCS theory says the ability to conduct electricity with absolutely no resistance relies on electron-phonon interactions enabling electrons pairing up — called Cooper pairs — and moving through the material in a coordinated way that avoids collisions with atoms, which means they do not lose energy as heat.
“Imagine a superhighway just for electrons,” Liu explained. “If there are too many routes, electrons bump into things and lose energy. But if you create a straight tunnel for them, like the Autobahn in Germany, they can travel fast and freely without resistance.”
That resistance-free electron flow is what makes superconductors so attractive for real-world applications, Liu said. Without resistance, electrons can flow further with more energy — meaning if scientists can discover new superconducting materials at higher temperatures, it could lead to long-lasting power sources, transforming how we transmit and use electricity. The DOE project aims to understand superconductivity using theoretical tools known as density functional theory (DFT) to differentiate how electrons behave in normal conductors versus in superconductors. The hypothesis is that even though DFT does not explicitly treat the formation of Cooper pairs, the electron density predicted by DFT should resemble that due to Cooper pairs, so that researchers can model how the subatomic particles may behave in a potential superconducting material.
Until now, the BCS theory based on the formation of Cooper pairs and DFT predictions based on quantum mechanics have remained separate. Liu’s team found a way to connect them.
The key to the discovery, the researchers said, is a concept closely related to what is called zentropy theory. Zentropy theory combines ideas from statistical mechanics, which is the study of how large groups of particles behave, with quantum physics and modern computer modeling. Zentropy theory helps explain how the electronic structures of a material affect its properties as temperature changes, which in turn affects when it changes from a superconductor to a non-superconductor. However, zentropy theory requires understanding and prediction of the superconducting configuration of a material at zero Kelvin — the coldest temperature possible, also called absolute zero, where all motion of atoms and molecules stops. Liu’s team showed that even DFT, a popular computational method not originally designed for studying superconductivity, can reveal important clues about when and how this phenomenon occurs.
This approach is especially valuable because it offers a new approach to predict whether a material is a superconductor or not, and the zentropy theory can then be used to predict the transition temperature from superconducting to non-superconducting, Liu said. The BCS theory works well only for superconductors with very low transition temperatures since the Cooper pairs are easily destroyed at high temperatures, and currently there is no theory for high temperature superconductors. Through the DFT predictions, Liu’s team found that the resistant-free electron superhighway in high temperature superconductor is protected by a unique atomic structure resembling a pontoon bridge in rough water, so the superhighway can be maintained at higher temperatures predicted by the BCS theory.
The team used this method to successfully predict signs of superconductivity in materials including both conventional superconductors explainable by the BCS theory and a high temperature superconductor which is believed to be unexplainable by the BCS theory. The team further predicted the superconductivity in copper, silver and gold, which are not usually considered superconductors, probably due to their ultra-low temperatures. This new capability could help uncover new and superconducting materials at higher temperatures, according to Liu.
The researchers’ next steps are two-fold: One is to apply this new method to predict the transition temperature from superconducting to non-superconducting as a function of pressure using the zentropy theory in existing high temperature superconductors, and the other is to search for new superconductors with higher transition temperatures through a comprehensive database with five millions materials that the team has been building. The team would like to identify potential candidates with the right properties for superconductivity and work with experimental scientists to test the most promising ones.
“We are not just explaining what is already known,” Liu said. “We are building a framework to discover something entirely new. If successful, the approach could lead to the discovery of high-temperature superconductors that work in practical settings, potentially even at room temperature if they exist. That kind of breakthrough could have an enormous impact on modern technology and energy systems.”
Reference: Liu ZK, Shang SL. Revealing symmetry-broken superconducting configurations by density functional theory. Supercond Sci Technol. 2025;38(7):075021. doi: 10.1088/1361-6668/adedbc
This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.
With its latest recommendation in June 2025, the German Minimum Wage Commission has, for the first time, recognised 60 percent of the median wage as a formal reference point for setting the statutory minimum. The move marks a decisive policy shift and brings Germany into line with the European Minimum Wage Directive, which seeks to ensure adequate pay for low-wage workers across the European Union.
Under the German Minimum Wage Act, the Commission — made up of three employer representatives, three trade union delegates, and an independent chair — is required to recommend adjustments every two years. On 27 June 2025, it announced its latest proposal: the minimum wage should rise to €13.90 per hour on 1 January 2026, and then to €14.60 on 1 January 2027.
This two-step increase represents a cumulative rise of nearly 14 percent from the current level of €12.82, the largest hike recommended by the Commission since the minimum wage’s introduction in 2015. With inflation now back to around two percent, the decision promises significant gains in real purchasing power for more than five million low-wage workers.
Statutory Minimum Wage in Germany, 2015-2027 in Euro per hour
Smart, Progressive Thinking on the Big Issues of Our Time
Join 20,000+ informed readers worldwide who trust Social Europe for smart, progressive analysis of politics, economy, and society — free.
A Record of Low Adjustments
From its inception, the Commission’s decisions have been shaped by compromise: employers pushing for the smallest possible increases, and trade unions seeking larger ones. In its early years, both sides agreed to base adjustments on the development of collectively agreed wages — a criterion written into the Minimum Wage Act itself.
The outcome was that the Commission never confronted a core structural flaw in the system: the low starting point of the German minimum wage. Introduced in 2015, it stood at only about 48 percent of the median wage, according to OECD data. By 2021, this share — known as the Kaitz Index — had fallen to 45 percent, and the minimum wage had barely preserved its purchasing power against inflation.
This failure to raise the wage floor to a more adequate level exposed a key weakness in the legislation: the absence of clear, binding criteria for what constitutes an “adequate” minimum wage.
The Impact of the European Minimum Wage Directive
A turning point came with the European Minimum Wage Directive, which recommends that member states use a benchmark of 60 percent of the median wage when setting their pay floors.
When the Commission proved unable to agree on a structural increase, the German government took the unusual step of introducing an extraordinary increase in October 2022, raising the minimum wage by 15 percent to €12 per hour. In presenting the bill to Parliament, ministers explicitly cited the impending adoption of the EU directive as a primary justification.
However, soaring inflation meant that this extraordinary increase lost much of its real value before it even took effect. Subsequent rises in 2024 and 2025 were relatively small — and, for the first time, were adopted without consensus. Instead, the decision was pushed through by the votes of the employer representatives and the independent chair, against the opposition of the trade union members.
This backdrop provided renewed political momentum for a structural shift. Calls for a €15 minimum wage — equivalent to roughly 60 percent of Germany’s median wage according to OECD figures — grew louder. In the 2025 election campaign, three centre-left parties — the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Left Party — all pledged to deliver that level. As opinion polls have shown, the demand for a minimum wage of €15 also enjoys broad public support. In response to growing political pressure the Commission revised its rules of procedure in January 2025, adding the 60 percent median wage benchmark to its decision-making criteria. This addition would now sit alongside the traditional practice of tracking collectively bargained wage growth.
A New Orientation for the Minimum Wage
As the Commission prepared its June 2025 recommendation, political expectations were running high. Even conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz had described a €15 minimum wage as “desirable.”
Viewed against this backdrop, the final decision may seem underwhelming at first glance. The initial increase to €13.90 for 2026 largely follows the trajectory of collectively agreed wages. The second step, to €14.60 in January 2027, is designed to align with 60 percent of the median wage — at least when measured against preliminary April 2025 figures compiled for the Commission by the German Federal Statistical Office. These figures are slightly lower than OECD projections.
The adoption of the EU benchmark represents a major policy breakthrough. But the timing of its implementation carries a flaw: there is a 20-month delay between the April 2025 median wage calculation and the January 2027 adjustment. By then, nominal wages will have risen, and the new minimum wage will once again fall short of the 60 percent benchmark. One way to avoid this would be to incorporate wage forecasts into the Commission’s decisions — a step it has so far explicitly declined to take.
Nonetheless, the significance of the change is undeniable. By embedding the 60 percent median wage reference into its decision-making, the Commission has aligned German policy with one of the EU’s most important social-policy instruments. The decision also sends a political signal to the European Court of Justice, underscoring the directive’s role as a key achievement in European social protection.
Thorsten Schulten is Head of the collective agreements archive of the Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI) at the Hans Böckler Stiftung. He is also an Honorary Professor at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.
Malte Lübker is a researcher at the Economic and Social Research Institute (WSI) of the Hans Böckler Stiftung. His main areas of interest are pay, collective bargaining, income distribution (individual and functional) and redistribution through the welfare state.
Help Keep Social Europe Free for Everyone
We believe quality ideas should be accessible to all — no paywalls, no barriers.
Your support keeps Social Europe free and independent, funding the thought leadership, opinion, and analysis that sparks real change.
★
Social Europe Supporter — €4.75/month
Help sustain free, independent publishing for our global community.
★ ★
Social Europe Advocate — €9.50/month
Go further: fuel more ideas and more reach.
★ ★ ★
Social Europe Champion — €19/month
Make the biggest impact — help us grow, innovate, and amplify change.
Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) Shares in Taiwan closed at a new high Monday as buying in the bellwether electronics sector accelerated in the wake of gains posted by markets in the United States pointing to a possible higher opening later in the day, dealers said.
The Taiex, the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s weighted index, ended up 148.04 points, or 0.61 percent, at 24,482.52, an all-time closing high, after hitting a record intraday high of 24,515.65. Turnover totaled NT$443.50 billion (US$14.79 billion).
The market lost ground in early trading “largely due to fears over a tariff on semiconductors by the United States,” Moore Securities Investment Consulting analyst Adam Lin said.
Those fears were based on reports over the weekend that U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a levy of as high as 300 percent on semiconductors.
Among the major semiconductor stocks, contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the most heavily weighted stock here, closed unchanged at NT$1,180.00, while United Microelectronics Corp., a smaller contract chipmaker, lost 1.94 percent to end at NT$40.40.
Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designer AIchip Technologies Ltd. fell 1.74 percent to close at NT$4,230.00, while smartphone IC designer MediaTek Inc. bucked the downturn to close 1.45 percent higher at NT$1,410.00.
“But as investors spotted U.S. stock futures and other Asian markets posting gains, they moved to buy tech stocks outside the IC industry to push the index to a record high,” Lin said. “I suspect the buying largely came from domestic investors.”
Amid optimism toward artificial intelligence development, iPhone assembler and AI server maker Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), second to TSMC in terms of market value, rose 1.45 percent to close at NT$210.00.
Asia Vital Components Co., a supplier of cooling solutions for AI devices, rose 7.01 percent to close at NT$1,145.00, and printed circuit board maker Wus Printed Circuit Co. soared 10 percent, the maximum daily increase, to end at NT$102.00.
In addition, ITEQ Corp., which rolls out copper clad laminate (CCL) materials used in PCB production, also surged 10 percent to close at NT$129.00.
Meanwhile, smartphone brand HTC Corp. jumped 10 percent for the second consecutive session to end at NT$51.60 after the company introduced its AI glasses — the Vive Eagle — on Thursday.
In the old economy sector, petrochemical stocks continued an uptrend led by Nan Ya Plastics Corp., which soared 7.68 percent to close at NT$46.25 on optimism over its supply of CCL materials to PCB makers. Formosa Plastics Corp. rose 1.64 percent to end at NT$40.40.
Buying also rotated to the glass and ceramics industry, a market laggard, with Taiwan Glass Industrial Corp. soaring 10 percent to close at NT$37.40 and Hocheng Corp. rising 4.59 percent to end at NT$21.65.
In the financial sector, which rose 0.33 percent, Fubon Financial Holding Co. rose 0.23 percent to close at NT$89.00, and E. Sun Financial Holding Co. gained 1.03 percent to end at NT$34.35, while Cathay Financial Holding Co. lost 0.46 percent to close at NT$64.40.
“The U.S. tariff issues are expected to continue to affect market sentiment in the short term,” Lin said. “Investors should pay close attention to how foreign institutional investors act in the spot market on Wednesday, the futures settlement date.”
According to the Taiwan Stock Exchange, foreign institutional investors bought a net NT$4.48 billion in shares on the market Monday.
High baseline parathyroid hormone levels were associated with single-gland disease and successful localization of the affected gland on preoperative imaging, aiding surgical planning for hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, a decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels of < 70% and postoperative serum calcium levels > 10 mg/dL at 6 months predicted the risk for recalcitrant disease despite parathyroidectomy.
METHODOLOGY:
Monitoring biochemical profiles in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism enables surgeons to predict single-gland vs multigland primary hyperparathyroidism and monitor patients at a higher risk for recalcitrant disease.
Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the associations of preoperative imaging localization, intraoperative parathyroid hormone kinetics, and surgical pathology with baseline levels of intact serum parathyroid hormone and to establish independent risk factors for recalcitrant hyperparathyroidism.
They analyzed data from 1202 adult patients who underwent elective parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism between November 2006 and January 2023 at a rural tertiary care center; patients were stratified into two cohorts according to baseline parathyroid hormone levels: low (< 100 pg/mL; n = 536) and high (≥ 100 pg/mL; n = 666).
Recurrence was defined as hypercalcemia occurring after 6 months of postoperative normocalcemia.
The analysis included a comparison of preoperative imaging results, surgical pathology findings, intraoperative parathyroid hormone kinetics, and long-term outcomes between the two groups.
TAKEAWAY:
Among patients with high vs low levels of parathyroid hormone at baseline, preoperative imaging showed higher localization rates (90.8% vs 83.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.30-2.90), and single-gland disease occurred more frequently (89.2% vs 84.9%; OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.06).
Patients with high baseline parathyroid hormone levels also demonstrated better intraoperative kinetics than those with low baseline parathyroid hormone levels (decline of 70.1% vs 63.6%; difference, 6.5 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.5-11.2 percentage points).
A postoperative calcium level < 10.0 mg/dL at 6 months and a decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels of > 70% were linked to better recurrence-free survival outcomes.
IN PRACTICE:
“These findings, when applied appropriately, may help surgeons select the optimal surgical approach and provide patients with the best opportunity for a cure while minimizing risk of recalcitrant disease,” the authors of the study wrote.
SOURCE:
The study was led by Ryan N. Hellums, DO, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pennsylvania. It was published online in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
LIMITATIONS:
There may have been surgeon-dependent variability in the use and interpretation of intraoperative parathyroid hormone kinetics. Institutional guidelines for preoperative imaging modalities and intraoperative parathyroid hormone use were absent during most of the study period. The assessment of recurrence was based solely on biochemical profiles rather than pathologic analysis of reoperative cases.
DISCLOSURES:
The authors reported having no relevant conflicts of interest.
This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is reportedly set to arrive on 14 November across PC, PlayStation and Xbox platforms, according to fresh leaks. The next entry in Activision’s long-running shooter series is expected to be unveiled in full at Gamescom Opening Night Live on 19 August, but industry tipster Billbil-kun has already shared details on its release schedule and pricing.
Supported consoles and PC availability
In a report published by Dealabs, the leaker claimed that Black Ops 7 will launch simultaneously on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and PC via Steam, Battle.net and the Xbox app. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 will not likely receive the title at launch, despite Microsoft previously committing to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo’s platform under a 10-year agreement signed during its 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
While no Switch 2 port has been confirmed, Microsoft has reiterated its plans to support the console with first-party releases, and third-party publishers have already brought major titles to the upgraded hardware. This suggests that a version of Black Ops 7 for the system may still be on the cards.
Pricing and editions
On pricing, the standard edition of Black Ops 7 is said to launch at $69.99 (EUR 79.99), while the premium Vault edition is expected to cost $99.99 (EUR 109.99). Physical copies will reportedly be available for PlayStation and Xbox platforms. Pre-orders are tipped to open on 20 August, immediately following the game’s showcase, the report added.
Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Black Ops 7 continues the storyline of David Mason, a key character fromBlack Ops 2. Set in 2035, the title marks the first time in the franchise’s history that two Black Ops instalments have been released consecutively, followingBlack Ops 6 in 2024.
A full reveal is expected at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live event on 19 August, streamed globally from 8pm CEST (11:30pm IST).
Helen Mirren may play a retired spy in her new film “The Thursday Murder Club,” but the Oscar winner insists that the next James Bond “has to be a guy.”
In a new interview with Saga Magazine (via BBC News) alongside her “Thursday Murder Club” co-star and former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, Mirren said her character Elizabeth is a “more realistic” portrayal of a spy.
“So many women have worked in that world. She’s a manifestation of a reality, that’s for sure,” Mirren told Saga, adding: “But not so much fun as Bond!”
Mirren continued: “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.”
Ever since Daniel Craig retired his version of Bond in 2021, rumors have been swirling about who will play the legendary spy next — and if it could potentially be a woman. Chatter intensified after Amazon took control of the Bond franchise in February, with insiders telling Variety in June that Amazon is interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson are at the top of the wish list (yes, Elordi is Australian, but that’s apparently not a dealbreaker). “Dune” helmer Denis Villeneuve is on board to direct the new James Bond film with “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight writing.
Speaking to Saga, Brosnan said he has nothing but well wishes for the next person lucky enough to take on the 007 role. “I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character,” he said.
“I adore the world of James Bond. It’s been very good to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving,” Brosnan added. “And I’m just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: ‘Show us what you’re going to do.’”
KL Rahul of India (L) checks the face of Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan after being hit by a ball during the Asia Cup Super Four match between India and Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium on September 11, 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. – AFP
Former India cricketer Kedar Jadhav has stirred debate ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 by commenting on the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan next month.
Speaking on the matter, he went on to emphasise that while India has the strength and capability to win against any opponent, including Pakistan, he firmly believes the match itself should not take place.
“I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, wherever India plays, it will always win. But this match should not be played, and I can say this with confidence that they will not play,” Jadhav stated.
His comments come after legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh also voiced a similar stance regarding India’s potential boycott of Pakistan in the tournament.
“Why do we give them so much importance?” Harbhajan questioned.
Harbhajan recently participated in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), where the India Champions refused to play Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and the semi-final.
The Indian side, featuring the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan, took this stand following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.
Explaining his stance, the 45-year-old added: “For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose family often doesn’t get to see him, who sometimes sacrifices his life and never returns home – their sacrifice is immense. Compared to that, skipping one cricket match is a very small matter.”
Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) already confirmed the Asia Cup 2025 schedule. The tournament, set to be held in the UAE, will begin on September 9 with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opener.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are placed in Group A along with UAE and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Pakistan will open their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the marquee clash against India on September 14.
The tournament will be played in the T20 format as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, raising the possibility of a second India-Pakistan clash on September 21. The final is scheduled for September 28.
A great addition to any home is a good video doorbell. Getting one makes it easier to see who’s at the door — helpful for avoiding unwanted visitors or guiding delivery drivers to a safe spot — and it also doubles as a security feature.
And the good news is that right now you can get your hands on the Blink video doorbell for just $40, which is a 43% discount, and only $5 more than it was during Prime Day. Act fast though, as this deal won’t be around for long.
We don’t expect this deal to stick around for long, and you do need to be an Amazon Prime member to snag this huge discount. But other than that, ordering couldn’t be easier. You’ll also get to choose between the black and white versions.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
The Blink Video Doorbell’s latest iteration includes head-to-toe HD coverage, so you can see everything going on outside your door. The battery runs for up to two years at a time, and you still get support for two-way voice communications and more. That’s great if you’re waiting for a delivery but are stuck elsewhere.
The included Sync Mobile allows you to save videos using a paid subscription service, but local storage is also offered.
HOME SECURITY DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
Why this deal matters
It’s easy to forget your doorbell when outfitting your smart home, but it has the potential to be a vital part of the equation. Smart video doorbells can help prevent missing packages while letting you avoid conversations you’d rather skip. And right now, you can do all that and more for just $40.
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Huawei MatePad 11.5: one-minute review
If you’re looking for a new tablet to take to uni, or just to use in your downtime, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 is a solid affordable option.
It packs plenty of power for everyday use, with 8GB of RAM and a very capable processor, a commendable 2.5K resolution, and even a 120Hz refresh rate, meaning you’ll typically get smooth, hassle-free performance. Yes, for more demanding applications, such as larger online games, you can’t expect peak performance, but for £349 (or £399 with a keyboard), that’s to be expected.
Like a lot of the best cheap tablets, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 has a decently colourful display, albeit not the brightest or most detailed. But the real draw here is the anti-glare tech, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Pair that with the PaperMatte texture of the screen, which emulates a pen-to-paper feel effortlessly, and you’ll almost certainly enjoy what’s on offer here – especially if you’re big into drawing.
One of the key drawbacks for the MatePad 11.5, however, is the restrictive nature of its AppGallery storefront. Due to some restrictions on Huawei, you won’t be able to install apps from Google, Meta, and a whole host of others – not natively, at least. There’s a lot missing on AppGallery – not just Google stuff, but also some of the most popular mobile games. For many (including me), that’s a big problem.
Design-wise, the MatePad 11.5 is nothing special – it’s a little slimmer than its predecessors at 6.1mm thick, but a tad heavier. That’s perhaps due to an enhanced battery – you get a 10,100mAh capacity battery this time around, which enables multiple days of general use.
You get pretty standard camera quality, a handy foldable case/keyboard (if you choose to bundle it with the tablet), and M-Pen 3rd Gen compatibility, which all help to make the MatePad a capable, well-rounded tablet for students and casual users alike.
Unfortunately, its restrictions in terms of software, as well as its insistence on littering the home screen with bloatware, mean that you can do a little bit better in this price class – check out the ‘Also consider’ section for recommendations. Otherwise, head on over to our list of the best tablets around.
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: price & release date
£349 without keyboard
£399 with keyboard
Launched in August 2025
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 launched in August 2025, and is available either with, or without a keyboard. If you’re fine with the tablet on its own, this model will set you back £349, but you’ll have to throw in an additional £50 to get the keyboard thrown in.
It’s also worth noting that anyone hoping to use the Huawei M-Pencil with this tablet will have to purchase it separately. I used the compatible Huawei M-Pencil 3rd Gen with the MatePad, which is available for £64.99 on Huawei’s digital storefront at the time of writing.
You can purchase the MatePad 11.5 in either Space Grey or Violet, though it’s worth noting that only the Space Grey edition can be bought without a keyboard.
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
OS
HarmonyOS 4.3
Chipset
Kirin 8020, octa-core
RAM
8GB
Storage
256GB
Display
11.5-inch TFT LCD (2456 × 1600)
Weight
515g
Battery
10,100mAh
Charging
40W wired
Cameras
13MP rear, 8MP front
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: display
Paper-like TFT LCD screen ideal for drawing
Decently bright, colourful display…
…but pricier models offer more detailed, sharper quality
As you may have guessed, this Huawei tablet has an 11.5-inch display, making it compact enough to throw in a smaller-sized bag. It uses a PaperMatte TFT LCD screen, which is fantastic for drawing tools thanks to an almost paper-like feel.
Yep, whether I was writing out words or painting a masterpiece (a doodle of a penguin), the Huawei M-Pen seamlessly glided across the slate, while still feeling controlled and precise.
In terms of picture quality, I’d argue that the MatePad 11.5 is good, rather than great. There are, of course, some obvious limitations for this type of display, especially given it’s priced in the more budget-friendly range. As a result, images don’t always look the most detailed or eye-poppingly bright. Still, you’re getting a commendably colourful, essentially glare-free screen, which offers solid “2.5K” video quality.
That’s right, this model uses a 2456 x 1600 resolution, meaning you can stream shows on Netflix or videos via YouTube to a fairly high standard. Peak luminance is 600 nits, which means the tablet can be used in well-lit outdoor conditions as well as inside, ideal for outside study sessions or meetings.
Oh, and one more thing, the MatePad 11.5 has a 120Hz refresh rate, meaning scrolling, drawing, and menu navigation is nice and smooth – but we’ll speak a little more about that in the performance section.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: design
Thin yet fairly hefty
Convenient folding case/keyboard
Classy yet limited colour options
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 is a pretty run of the mill tablet design-wise. It’s decently slim with a thickness of 6.1mm, yet it’s still got a decent amount of weight to it at over 515g. Its volume buttons are nicely sized and positioned on the right side of the tablet, while the power button resides up top.
You can grab this model in either Space Grey or Violet, and both options play to the minimalistic vibe of the slate nicely. Some may hope for a few more options though, especially given that the latest entry level iPad comes in four eye-catching colour variants.
Something I really like about the MatePad 11.5, though, is the keyboard/case combo that it can be purchased with. The tablet easily slots in, protecting the screen when you’re out and about.
Meanwhile, the base of the device can be attached to the case to create a stand, enabling you to use the tablet almost as a laptop. This is quick and easy to set up, and gives the MatePad 11.5 a real air of flexibility.
The keyboard itself is very condensed, and some may find it to be a little cramped. But the keyboard’s compact form factor is useful if you want to use it on a train, for example, and I found that I adjusted to its smaller size fairly quickly.
The actual quality of the keyboard is fairly impressive – it’s responsive, but the keys do admittedly look a little cheap. It’s also worth noting that there’s no trackpad here, something you’ll find on a model like the Huawei MatePad Pro PaperMatte Edition.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: software
Quite a bit of bloatware
Restrictive app store
OS is simple yet effective
Unfortunately for the Huawei MatePad 11.5, things get a bit sticky when we’re talking about software. I’ll start by saying that setup, though fairly straightforward, felt a little frustrating at times due to the density of pop-ups and permission requests. And after I got through to the tablet’s home menu, I was also met with a healthy portion of bloatware: Honour of Kings, Temu… Baby Panda World?
I’ve mentioned it in some of my other reviews here at TechRadar, but I really dislike this – I want the essentials, sure, but I can download Baby Panda World on my own accord, thank you very much.
Speaking of downloads, you’ll make the bulk of these via Huawei’s AppGallery, which is unfortunately not the best digital storefront I’ve used. It’s fairly simple to use, yes, but there’s a lot missing from here. I’m not going to drill into the political background here, but essentially, a lot of the apps you’d expect to see on an app store in 2025, just aren’t.
Google apps will appear in search, but are only available via a third party site. And still, this won’t download the relevant apps, it simply grants access, meaning you may as well just use Google Maps or YouTube, for example, via the web. Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram are missing too, which some may find frustrating. My go-to game for testing, Genshin Impact, was also missing.
There are some stand-ins available – Petal Maps works well if you need directions, restaurant recommendations, and the like. But if you want easy access to the widest range of software, the MatePad 11.5 might not be for you.
Meanwhile, Huawei’s HarmonyOS is well laid out, responsive, and plenty familiar for Android users. The OS enables a bunch of useful productivity features that students will welcome too, such as split screen and floating window modes. Both of these worked great in my experience, though it’s worth noting that not every app is compatible with split-screen mode.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: performance
Up-to-scratch for daily productivity needs
Computing power not top-tier, but enough for scrolling, streaming, and light gaming
Compact yet effective keyboard
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 is a pretty steady performer, coming through with 8GB of RAM and a Kirin 8020, octa-core chipset, meaning it’s plenty good enough for daily productivity and entertainment needs.
Whether I was drawing on the impressive GoPaint software, surfing the web, or watching video content, the tablet had more than enough firepower to handle such tasks. The 120Hz display also enables navigation that’s smooth and easy on the eye.
More demanding activities – such as playing larger online games like PUBG Mobile – will show some slight limitations in terms of framerate and graphical quality. But still, you should be able to game, stream, and work without too much of a compromise on performance.
And again, this tablet is marketed more towards those studying or working, and it’s certainly powerful enough for those basic necessities. The MatePad 11.5 is also very pleasant to use for such activities. For tasks like note-taking, I found scribbling on the PaperMatte surface to be incredibly fluid, while typing on the keyboard was accurate and keys were pleasant to press down on.
There’s also a rear and front-facing camera if you need to quickly snap a slide, for example. These aren’t particularly wonderful quality-wise, but get the job done.
The M-Pen is also extremely comfortable to hold and never let me down with mis-inputs or glitchy behaviour. This is sold separately, but I’d highly recommend adding it to your arsenal if you’re interested in a Huawei tablet, it really feels excellent to use whether drawing or writing.
While we’re talking performance, a quick word on AI. This isn’t front and centre, nor is it shoehorned into every application on the Huawei MatePad 11.5 – something that’s almost refreshing at this point.
There are however, a few AI tools, such as AI handwriting enhancement on the Notes app, which simply makes your scribbles a little clearer. Other inclusions, like AI Voice and AI Search are pretty commonplace in the market, but I didn’t really feel the need to use these.
Finally, gestures all work smoothly and enable you to cycle through the tablet’s menus without a hitch. You can switch to button controls if you’d prefer, but I was more than happy to stick with swiping up to close apps, back to return to a previous page, and away from a corner for the annotation tool.
(Image credit: Future)
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: battery
Generous 10,100mAh battery capacity
40W wired charging
Most users should get well over a day’s use from one charge
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 boasts a 10,100mAh capacity battery, so as you can imagine, one charge will last a considerable amount of time. Huawei states, in fact, that you can expect 14 hours of uninterrupted local video playback – of course, if you’re streaming at the highest resolution possible, you’re not gonna get quite so much.
I watched a 2.5K video at high brightness for a matter of three to four hours and the battery depleted by around 50%, for instance. Generally, though, I found that there was more than enough battery life to enable multiple days of gaming, drawing, note-taking, and streaming.
And although 40W wired charging may not seem all too impressive, you can still bring the MatePad 11.5 back to life fairly swiftly. Huawei says that the tablet can reach full charge from 0% in 94 minutes thanks to Huawei SuperCharge – but that’s only if you use the official plug and cable included in the box.
When using my UGreen Uno Charger 100W and a longer USB-C cable, it took more than two hours to reach 100%.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Huawei MatePad 11.5?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Display
Not the brightest or most detailed, but decently bright, pleasing PaperMatte texture.
4/5
Design
Pretty standard looks-wise, decently slim, convenient case.
3.5/5
Software
AppGallery omits a lot of crucial apps, some restrictions, but UI is simple and well presented.
2.5/5
Performance
Mighty enough for general productivity, even though it’s barely a powerhouse.
4/5
Battery
Good battery capacity, need to use an official charger for Huawei SuperCharge.
4/5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Huawei MatePad 11.5: also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell – Column 0
Huawei MatePad 11.5
Apple iPad 11-inch (2025)
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro
Starting price
£349.99
£329
£379.99
OS
HarmonyOS 4.3
iPadOS 18
Android 14
Chipset
Kirin 8020, octa-core
A16
Mediatek Dimensity 8300
RAM
8GB
6GB
8GB
Storage
256GB
128GB / 256GB / 512GB
128GB / 256GB
Display
11.5-inch TFT LCD (2456 × 1600)
11-inch IPS LCD (2360 x 1640)
12.7-inch IPS LCD (2944 x 1840)
Weight
515g
475g (without cellular), 480g (with cellular)
620g
Battery
10,100mAh
28.93Wh
10,200mAh
Charging
40W wired
45W wired
45W wired
Cameras
13MP rear, 8MP front
12MP rear, 12MP front
13MP rear, 8MP front
Huawei MatePad 11.5 review: how I tested
Tested for one week
Tried out all major features
Streamed video, played games, made notes, used drawing tools
I used the Huawei MatePad 11.5 as my primary tablet for one week, using it for everything from note taking through to video streaming. During this period, I tested out just about every possible feature, including the tablet’s cameras, drawing tools, gaming capabilities, app store, various settings, and so much more.
On top of that, I measured the time taken for the MatePad 11.5 to hit full charge, assessed the quality of the included keyboard, and experimented with the M-Pen 3rd Gen, which we were sent alongside the tablet itself.
I’ve tested tons of tech here at TechRadar, including drawing tablets, the newest smartphones, audio gear, and TVs. And more generally, TechRadar has reviewed 100s of tablets and has been testing products for more than 15 years.
