For the average user, the answer in 2021 was no. The risk of bricking the device, combined with the cost of unlocking the bootloader and the instability of early GSI ports, made sticking to stock EMUI/HarmonyOS the smarter choice.
However, for the tech enthusiast, the MatePad 10.4 remained a fascinating device. It highlighted the resilience of the developer community in the face of locked-down hardware. Even without a plethora of dedicated Custom ROMs, the device survived 2021 as a capable media consumption tool, proving that great hardware could often outlast software limitations. huawei matepad 104 custom rom 2021
The Huawei MatePad 10.4 (specifically the models bearing the Kirin 810 and 820 chipsets) was widely regarded as one of the best mid-range Android tablets of its time. With a sharp 2K display, quad speakers, and a premium build, the hardware was undeniably solid. For the average user, the answer in 2021 was no
However, the year 2021 was a turning point for Huawei devices. Due to ongoing trade restrictions, many units shipped without Google Mobile Services (GMS), relying instead on HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) and AppGallery. For power users, this made the pursuit of Custom ROMs not just a hobby, but a necessity to unlock the device's full potential. The Huawei MatePad 10
Here is a retrospective look at the Custom ROM situation for the Huawei MatePad 10.4 during 2021.
Some users wanted to go backwards to EMUI 10.1 (Android 10) from HarmonyOS 2.0 due to app compatibility. There was a small community creating "downgrade ROMs" that removed Huawei ID verification.