Huawei MateBook Fold: A New Era in Portable Computing
The Huawei MateBook Fold was unveiled in China earlier this year, offering a unique and innovative design that redefines the concept of portability in laptops. Unlike traditional devices, the MateBook Fold unfolds into an impressive 18-inch single screen, presenting a novel approach to mobile computing. What stands out even more is its remarkably lightweight form factor, weighing just 1.16 kg (1.45 kg with the detachable keyboard), making it one of the lightest laptops available today.
Initially, I was doubtful about the MateBook Fold’s functionality and responsiveness. However, after a hands-on experience for half an hour, I found that its exceptional design and form factor far exceeded my expectations. The device’s lightweight and thin profile, reminiscent of carrying a large book, made it surprisingly comfortable to hold and transport.
Unmatched User Experience
The MateBook Fold features a sleek design that efficiently utilizes its space. When folded, it has minimal gaps, with a detachable magnetic keyboard that attaches seamlessly to the back of the laptop. This design avoids the clunky feel seen in comparable products like the Asus Zenbook Duo. The strong magnets keep the keyboard securely in place, while providing a comfortable user experience.
The laptop runs on Huawei’s proprietary Harmony OS, which feels exceptionally responsive. Unlike Windows on devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro, the MateBook Fold supports smooth gesture controls, facilitating quick actions like activating the on-screen keyboard with a simple ten-finger tap.
I’ve previously utilized the Surface Pro 11 and Asus Zenbook Duo, but they often require a keyboard due to the disconnect of touch interactions with Windows. However, after just 30 minutes with the MateBook Fold, I found Harmony OS to be significantly superior in terms of touch response.
Typing on the detachable keyboard exceeded my expectations, offering a tactile experience with 1.5 mm key travel and a pressure-sensitive touchpad, both ensuring a reliable experience without erroneous touches.
Stunning Design and Display
The Huawei MateBook Fold boasts a remarkable thinness of just 14.9 mm when folded and 7.3 mm when unfolded. For comparison, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and Asus ZenBook Duo are thicker and heavier, making the MateBook Fold a lightweight alternative for those on the move. Additionally, the laptop is equipped with two USB-C ports. Although some ports are lost for the light build, the overall portability remains an attractive feature.
(Image credit: Prakhar Khanna/Future)
The device features an 18-inch OLED display with a 92% screen-to-body ratio and a minimal crease, supporting a 4:3 aspect ratio. When folded, it transforms into a 13-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It also includes a kickstand for versatile usage in both horizontal and vertical orientations, ensuring readability even in brightly lit environments due to its peak brightness of 1,600 nits.
Powerful Performance
While I didn’t have an opportunity to test the performance mechanics of the MateBook Fold, it houses an in-house processor accompanied by options of 32 GB RAM and storage choices of 1 TB or 2 TB. Aspects such as battery life are still a point of curiosity, particularly its 74.60Wh capacity, but with this power, it promises a robust performance for multitasking or entertainment purposes. Six built-in speakers and four microphones further enhance its entertainment potential, alongside an 8MP front camera for crystal-clear video calls.
The Perfect Companion for Mobility
As a frequent traveler and freelancer, thin and light devices are a necessity for me, and the Huawei MateBook Fold emerges as my dream laptop. Its ability to combine a large display in a foldable format is unmatched, pushing the frontiers of mobile computing.
However, the MateBook Fold comes with a hefty price tag of ¥23,999, which translates to approximately $3,330 / £2,490 / AU$5,200. For those contemplating purchase, it’s important to note that certain mainstream software may not be compatible with Harmony OS, which might limit its usability. Nonetheless, for those needing a lightweight, productivity-focused device, the Huawei MateBook Fold stands out with its innovative approach and functionality.
For more detailed insights, check out the original review Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
