Over the past six years, laptop manufacturers have made significant strides in reducing bezel sizes and improving display resolution. While Huawei has stuck to a consistent design language, their latest offering, the 2023 MateBook X Pro, may not immediately wow you with its appearance. At first glance, it closely resembles last year's model, but it now comes in a visually striking white color option, and it received the expected annual upgrade to an Intel processor.
However, don't be fooled by its familiar looks. The MateBook X Pro packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by Intel's Raptor Laker Core i7 chip, it effortlessly handles a range of tasks, from light gaming to multitasking with office applications. The laptop boasts a beautiful 90Hz display, complemented by a six-speaker setup, delivering an excellent movie-watching experience.
True to the MateBook X Pro series, this laptop maintains its super sleek profile, weighing in at a mere 1.38kg/2.8lbs and measuring just 15.1mm thick at its thickest point. Despite its 14.2-inch screen, its compact dimensions of 310mm x 221mm to 15.1mm make it one of the most portable laptops available. The new antenna layout, called "Metaline," improves connectivity stability and speed.
Crafted from aluminum, the laptop shell features a unique micro velvet spray finish, providing a silky soft texture that you need to experience firsthand to fully appreciate. Huawei's commitment to a superior typing experience continues with the MateBook X Pro's full-sized keyboard, offering generous key travel of 1.5mm. The large trackpad with excellent haptics enhances the overall user experience, especially when adjusting brightness or volume with edge swipes.
Under the hood, the 13th-gen Intel Core i7-1360P power chip delivers impressive performance, particularly when paired with 12GB of RAM. Even with light gaming and photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, the machine maintains its speed and responsiveness. Running on Windows 11 Home, the software experience is smooth, although personal preferences may lean towards macOS.
It's worth noting that the MateBook X Pro does not have a dedicated graphics card, relying instead on Intel's integrated graphics. While it may not handle intensive video editing or gaming, it performs well for lighter gaming tasks. The touchscreen capability is an added bonus.
If you own a Huawei phone or tablet, the MateBook X Pro seamlessly integrates with them through Huawei's "Super Device" ecosystem. By simply tapping the phone on the laptop's trackpad, you can connect the devices and control the phone directly from the laptop's homescreen. This includes interacting with phone apps through the laptop screen and easily transferring files via drag-and-drop.
Battery life is solid, providing around eight and a half hours of active use, including streaming, web browsing, and social media. When solely watching videos on platforms like Netflix or YouTube, the laptop can last over 10 hours. Thanks to a 65Wh battery that supports fast charging at 90W speeds, you can quickly recharge when needed. The laptop also offers a satisfactory range of ports, including four USB-C ports (two with Thunderbolt 4 support) and a headphone jack, considering its sleek form factor.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. The 720p webcam quality is underwhelming, and Huawei's built-in video call features, such as beauty mode and automatic eye contact, may not always deliver consistent results.
Pricing may also be a deterrent, with the MateBook X Pro retailing at around $1,900 in Asia and Europe. However, Huawei has always positioned its productsat a premium price point, so this should come as no surprise.
In conclusion, the 2023 Huawei MateBook X Pro may not reinvent the wheel in terms of design, but it excels in performance, portability, and display quality. With its sleek form factor, powerful processor, and seamless integration within Huawei's ecosystem, it offers an enticing option for those seeking a high-performing laptop with a touch of elegance.