There’s a MateBook for everyone!….just don’t game with it.

Consumer electronics brand Huawei is launching another lineup of MateBooks this year. First released in 2019, the laptop line returns in 2023 with 3 new offerings intended more for school and office use. The 2023 lineup consists of 3 units, the MateBook 16s, MateBook D14, and MateBook D14 BE, and comes with Huawei’s own tech advancements and other proprietary tech. The 2023 Huawei MateBook line also shares the same aesthetic as with previous releases, particularly the Huawei MateBook X Pro released in early 2020 with thin bezels, an aluminum body, and a very thin frame. Specs-wise Huawei is able to cover key segments from entry-level, mid-range to high-end with the new MateBook offerings. The top model, the MateBook 16s sports an Evo-certified 13th Gen Intel Core i9 13900H with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, up to 16GB of DDR5 memory, and 1TB of built-in SSD storage. While it does come with a 16″ screen and a 2.5K resolution the 3:2 aspect ratio and 60hz refresh rate might leave something to be desired for some users.

The Huawei MateBook 16s, the big boy

Next in line is the MateBook D14 which comes with a 12th gen Intel Core i5-1240P, Iris Xe Graphics, up to 16GB of DDR4 Memory, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. Screenwise while only having a 14″ 1980×1080 screen, the D14 does sport a 16:10 aspect ratio thanks to its thinner bezels compared to the 2022 model. Sitting at the entry level is the D14’s sibling the D14 BE or Business Edition with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB of memory, and a base storage capacity of 256 GB. Compared to the other models though the D14 BE is easily upgradable with support of up to 40GB of DDR4 memory and up to 1TB extra SSD storage.

Build Quality Impressions

While review units are not out in the wild yet, Huawei was gracious to extend a first look at their notebooks before launch. In terms of build all 3 come in aluminum frames giving it both a sturdy yet classy look similar to another popular laptop brand. All 3 models give a durable feel, especially the MateBook D14 BE which Huawei states is built for tough environments undergoing Military Grade certification to meet the diverse needs of enterprise work. The Huawei MateBook D14 BE also distinguishes itself from the Huawei D14 with its angled edges and slightly thicker build. In addition, The Huawei MateBook D14 BE’s build is also spill resistant so it can withstand accidental liquid spills, making it one small tough machine, just don’t purposely pour a lot of liquid on it.

Huawei MateBook D14

All models are also relatively lightweight sitting well under the 2 kg weight mark making them easier to carry around even with just one hand. The typing experience is relatively great with minimal flex on the keyboard area and a noticeably longer keystroke travel time compared to other notebooks giving softer touch to the typing feel. The touchpad positioning follows the common middle placement, and while it looks pretty large it’s big enough for one to scroll across the screen without lifting the finger while also avoiding the palm when typing most of the time. The touchpad buttons also have good feedback so you would really know if you’re pressing on them when doing mouse work. Screen bezels are also noticeably thin resulting in more display real estate although with only 300-400 nits brightness it’s easy to say that you would have to spend more time indoors with any of the new MateBook devices.

Huawei D14 BE, note the more angular edges compared to the D14

New tech to make you stop worrying about your WiFi

The 2023 Huawei MateBook lineup includes the Huawei Metaline technology that runs on top of the WiFi 6 support. As per Huawei, Metaline ensures ultra-long-distance connectivity while maintaining stable internet connections even in weaker networks. This works best in an office environment where the WiFi structure can get wonky because of obstacles like walls and cubicles or maybe even because your office space uses older tech with only 2.4 Ghz WiFi connectivity support.

The Super Device Ecosystem and other features. 

Another highlight of Huawei’s MateBook 2023 lineup reveal is the Super Device feature. The software-based tech links all your Huawei devices and enables a cross-platform workspace with your phone, tablet, and of course the MateBooks. Through Super Device cross-device file transfers are easy as dragging and dropping files, plus you can also share screens in between devices allowing for control of multiple devices all the time, want to check your phone while working on something on your MateBook no worries, Super Device has you covered. Another neat feature of Super Device is also being able to use your tablet as a secondary screen should you need it. This allows for a modular workspace setup that you can put virtually anywhere so long as there as the desk space allows it and quickly dismantle and work on your tablet or MateBook as normal. The feature though is exclusive only to Huawei products so you’re gonna have to buy a Huawei phone and Tablet as well should you want to take full advantage. In terms of other software features the new Huwaei MateBooks also come with AI-powered noise cancellation and AI camera features such as eye-tracking and virtual backgrounds enhancing the video call or video conferencing experience, great for home office work.

‘Complete’ Huawei Ecosystem on display

Huawei’s new MateBooks will be available soon in selected tech stores nationwide. Each will also already come with Windows 11 Home as the standard OS with other MS Office features to be available on a per-retailer basis.

Where to buy

Huawei MateBook 16s

Huawei MateBook D14

• Huawei Store (PCP)
• Website Page (PDP)
• Shopee 
• Lazada 

Huawei MateBook D14 BE

• Huawei Store (PCP)
• Website Page (PDP)
• Shopee 
• Lazada