Huawei MateBook 14 (i7-8565U, GeForce MX250) Laptop Review

[Redaktion]

The MateBook 14 is faster than the 2018 MateBook X Pro while offering an uncommon 3:2 display in contrast to the ubiquitous 16:9 form factor. Though powerful for the size, CPU Turbo Boost could be better and the lack of Thunderbolt 3 is glaring considering the >$1000 asking price.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Huawei-MateBook-14-i7-8565U-GeForce-MX250-Laptop-Review.420054.0.html

[WJens]

Hi,

first of all - thanks for testing the Huawei MateBook!

However, I don't understand that comment - "If your intention is mostly multimedia playback or gaming instead of word processing or browsing, however, then a more traditional 16:9 Ultrabook with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity like the Asus ZenBook S13 UX392 or Razer Blade Stealth would be a better fit." According to your tests the Asus notebook scores worse with respect to GPU performance. Or is this argument more about Thunderbolt 3? Thanks for clarifying - much appreciated.

[AA]

If you have no use for TB3 port, frankly I would recommend HP Envy 13 as a better choice over the MateBook or ZenBook.
1.2 kg carrying i5, MX150, 55 Wh battery for under $900 USD is a much better deal than paying over $1,400.

[NML]

IMO, they say so because for gaming / netlix you'll appreciate a 16:9 display versus de 3:2 of the MateBook.

Apart from that, yes, it is for the Thunderbolt 3 and the possibility of connecting an external GPU, provided that everything works well. I remember there is one LG gram that when plugged to an external GPU it is unusable due to high throttling after persistent CPU demands.

Other than that, I am also curious to see if everything TB3 offers is the connection to an external GPU. Given the prices seen, who is gonna take this road? I honestly think the user base for external GPU has to be very modest.

[avidly]

more traditional 16:9 Ultrabook with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity like the Asus ZenBook S13 UX392 or Razer Blade Stealth would be a better fit.

but asus doesn't have thunderbolt 3  ???

[WJens]

@avidly

good point! Did not check that myself. The authors verdict seems to be strange/hilarious.

I will definetly have a look at the Huawei notebook when it is available in Europe.

[sticky]

USB 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 in 2019...

And while 57 Wh battery may be decent for a 13" FHD, I'd have like to see at least 70 Wh on a 14"+ QHD screen that is almost 15" in size.

Also no front facing speakers? Weren't the speakers, large touchpad and 3:2 display supposed to be the highlight of Huawei's premium segment?