Huawei MateBook 13

Metascore

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 8 expert reviews

Excellent:

2
Good:

4
Average:

0
Bad:

2

The MateBook 13 isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t have the brand appeal or pedigree of systems like the MacBook Air or XPS 13. But it’s well built, well equipped, and a refreshingly straightforward take on what a portable, mainstream laptop should be. And the fact that it’s pound-for-pound one of the best values for a $1,000 laptop doesn’t hurt either.

As reviewed by Gizmodo

Last revision on January 31, 2019

Editors Liked

Powerful performance
Good keyboard
Great build quality
Compact design with 3:2 display
Can play most 3D games
Good price
Combo fingerprint reader/power button
Comes with a free dongle that includes ethernet and extra ports
Nvidia MX150 GPU included in top-tier model

Editors Didn't Like

Screen is a bit dim
Short battery life
Muffled, tinny sound
Limited USB-C ports
No Thunderbolt 3 support
Only two configs
Crazy-loud fans
No USB-A ports
Both models only support 8GB of RAM

Direct Competitors and Related Products

Expert reviews and ratings

By PCWorld on January 31, 2019 80

Huawei's 13-inch notebook integrates a full-powered discrete GPU plus Intel's Whiskey Lake processor into a well-made laptop that skimps a bit on battery life.

By ZDNet on January 29, 2019 87

The Huawei MateBook 13 provides a high screen-to-body ratio touchscreen experience with specs matching Apple's MacBook Air for hundreds less. It's an attractive aluminum machine designed to help you get work done wherever you may be while offering some improvements from Huawei's phone experience.

By Engadget on January 29, 2019 84

The Huawei MateBook 13 offers powerful performance, a comfortable keyboard and a roomy trackpad in an uninspired chassis. Throw in a serviceable but somewhat dim display and mediocre battery life, and you’ve got a good but ultimately unexciting laptop.

By TomsHardware on January 29, 2019 60

The Huawei MateBook 13 has sleek, Mac-inspired looks and strong performance at a good price, but weak battery life holds it back.

By The Verge on January 29, 2019 75

If you are looking for the most compact premium Windows laptop with a 3:2 display, discrete graphics, and a great price, the MateBook 13 is it. But most people should just go with the MateBook X Pro instead.

By LaptopMag on January 29, 2019 60

The MateBook 13 is a speedy and attractive ultraportable laptop with a very good keyboard, but it's battery life is too short.

By PriceBoon on January 29, 2019 94

While Apple offers a wide range of storage options, Huawei offers more manageable storage options. The MateBook 13 has 8 GB of soldered memory, instead of a maximum of 16 for the Air. Either a 256- or 512-gigabyte SSD are available for the supposed clone. Apple, however, lets you configure the Air with 128 GB to 1.5 terabytes.

By PCMag on January 29, 2019 80

Discrete graphics, an unusual screen aspect ratio, and a tempting price make Huawei's MateBook 13 ultraportable worth a look for traveling execs or even light gamers.

By Gizmodo on January 29, 2019

By Ars Technica on January 29, 2019

The Matebook 13 is a solid laptop, and its higher-end model may be compelling enough to sway customers away from Huawei's more expensive device. However, it may not be enough when faced with other manufacturers' competitors. The year of 2019 is still young, so those looking for a new 13-inch Ultrabook should wait until competitors like Dell, HP, and Lenovo release their newest devices before going all-in on the Matebook 13.

By TechAdvisor on January 12, 2019

It may sound cliché to compare the MateBook 13 to the MacBook Air, but it’s hard not to. With such similar designs there’s little to tell the laptops apart on aesthetics, and as soon as you look at the internals Huawei’s laptop pulls sharply ahead.

By XiaomiToday on November 08, 2018

In general, the HUAWEI MateBook 13 is a typical Huawei notebook, with solid materials and workmanship, combined with tireless innovation, making it a rare notebook product on the market. But according to the information disclosed, it is sold. The price will be known in December, but it will definitely be competitive in Huawei style.

Load More Reviews…

Huawei MateBook 13

Metascore

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Similar Products

Price: $1,300

TechSpot Metascore

Excellent:

Good:

Average:

Bad:

Editors Liked

Editors Didn't Like

Direct Competitors and Related Products

Apple MacBook Air (2018)

Razer Blade Stealth - 2019

HP Spectre Folio 13

Dell XPS 13 (9380) 2019 Edition

Microsoft Surface Book 2 13"

Asus ZenBook S13

Expert reviews and ratings