Huawei has launched itself into the PC world by making 3 new products available on the market: Huawei MateBook X, MateBook E and MateBook D.
Among the 3 products, Huawei MateBook X is certainly the most interesting. It is a notebook with a 13.3 "display, compact, elegant and powerful.
But let's start step by step.
Huawei Matebook X: technical characteristics
MateBook X is available on the Italian market from the end of June 2017 at a recommended retail price of € 1399. The Italian version of this notebook is equipped with an Intel Core ™ i5 processor, with 8 GB of memory and a 256 GB SSD.
- Display: 13.3” IPS, 2160×1440
- Processor: Intel Core ™ i5-7200U
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit Home
- Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 RAM, 256GB ROM
- Front camera: 1MP
- Battery: 41.4Wh
- Audio: Dual microphones and dual Dolby Atmos Sound System speakers
- Sensors: fingerprint sensor, accelerometer
- Connectivity: IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz + 5GHz 2 × 2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.1
- Dimensions and weight: 286 mm x 211 mm x 12.5 mm, 1050 grams.
- Colors available in Italy: space gray (gray)
But we have had the opportunity to try the Rose Gold version, definitely suitable for a Princess. I assure you, it is not exaggerated at all and it has its own why.
In addition to the pink coloring, Huawei has also created a Prestige Gold version
Huawei MateBook X: package contents
[Obviously, in order to be so thin and portable, Huawei MateBook X is devoid of any input other than 3 USB Type-C inputs.
The supplied adapter will therefore allow you to use external HDs, USB sticks, but also to connect an external monitor or a projector via HDMI or VGA.
Great absent the slot for SD cards, in my opinion very important for all those who use this PC for both work and leisure.
Huawei MateBook X: materials, display and keyboard
This little fellow from Huawei really shows his teeth. Robust in construction and elegant in design. While using it, you never have the feeling of having a cheap product in your hands. Therefore promoted in terms of design and materials.
However, given the size I would have expected a "convertible-like" product, perhaps with a 360 ° rotatable display. And instead nothing.
The 13-inch display - with 2K 2160 x 1440 pixel resolution and Gorilla Glass 5 corning - features an 88% screen-to-body ratio and 4.4mm outer bezel. Looking at it for the first time is a little intimidating. It performs well in any light conditions. Be careful when using it outdoors as it is a bit reflective. Big absent on this Huawei MateBook X is the touch screen. The first time I turned it on I was trying to scroll through the pages of the sites by sliding my finger on the display. Bitter disappointment.
Finally, the backlit keyboard - and in the same color as the device - has nothing to envy to a 15 "notebook. The island keys are very comfortable even when used during long writing sessions. For those who are journalists or bloggers, the keyboard it's the top.
Even the mousepad - of important dimensions - does its job very well.
Huawei MateBook X: unlock with fingerprint and audio quality
Huawei has "borrowed" the technology it developed for smartphones and installed it on this PC. Thanks to the fingerprint reader integrated in the power button (and with an independent encrypted chip), you can turn on your PC and access your account without having to type any password. This should therefore protect your data and speed up the tedious login process at the same time.
The Dolby Atmos audio compartment developed in collaboration with Dolby is housed between the keyboard and the display. The audio is very good and all in all powerful. Not bad really.
Huawei MateBook X: performance
It is interesting how in very small notebooks like this, powerful processors like Intel i5 can find space without the help of fans for heat dissipation. (Ah, in the rest of the world the MateBook X is also available with an Intel i7 processor).
This solution that does not include the fan is well managed as the PC heats up minimally (when enough, without ever becoming hot) and does not emit any type of noise.
Processor and RAM are never affected during light use sessions such as watching movies, writing notes, articles, compiling Excel files and sending emails.
Not bad even when editing short videos. In short, it is an excellent work tool for all those who need excellent performance (not at the top of course) concentrated in a small, sturdy and very light product.
Conclusion: buy it or not?
Is the Huawei MateBook X worth your precious money or not? It is certainly deserving. It is not perfect but you can certainly overlook it: I would have liked a touch display and maybe a configuration that winks at convertible products. But it is beautiful, resistant, (let's say it is available in pink), light and performing. Really a great product. The price is around 1399 euros. Not exactly cheap but you know, you get what you pay for.
So this time Huawei has really outdone itself: MateBook X passed with flying colors.
