In the ever-evolving landscape of portable computing, super light laptops are not an entirely novel concept, but encountering sub-1kg machines remains an infrequent occurrence. Those equipped with screens larger than 13 inches are even rarer. The latest iteration of the Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024) not only ticks these rare boxes but also sets a high standard in terms of specifications, design, and build quality. This review aims to delve deep into what makes this laptop stand out and explores its features, performance, and overall value proposition.

Introduction: The Lightweight Marvel

The 2024 edition of the Huawei MateBook X Pro is an exemplary feat of engineering. It’s a beautifully crafted device, offering remarkable speed and incredible portability. At first glance, it’s hard not to be impressed by its sleek design and the wealth of thoughtful features packed into its slim frame.

Design and Build Quality: A Masterclass in Minimalism

From the outside, the Huawei MateBook X Pro might appear understated with its bluish-grey matte finish and wedge-shaped profile. However, this minimalistic approach is part of its charm. The laptop’s magnesium alloy chassis is not just for show—it contributes significantly to its rigidity and durability. Despite its lightweight nature, the MateBook X Pro feels robust and sturdy, with no creaking or flexing when pressure is applied. This is a testament to Huawei’s engineering prowess, achieving a balance between weight and structural integrity.

The interior design follows the same minimalistic philosophy, with a matte finish surrounding the touchpad and keyboard. This finish feels pleasant under the fingers and is resistant to fingerprints, a welcome departure from the smooth brushed or anodized finishes common in premium ultraportables.

Display: An OLED Marvel

The MateBook X Pro’s display is a standout feature. It boasts a 14.2-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing a practical and immersive viewing experience. The screen’s resolution of 3,120 x 2,080 pixels and variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz ensure that visuals are sharp and fluid. The use of flexible OLED panel technology, similar to that found in foldable phones, helps keep the weight down without compromising on quality.

Huawei has included a range of factory-calibrated presets for its OLED display, accessible via its Display Manager software. These presets include modes for sRGB, BT.709, AdobeRGB, and several P3 color space profiles, ensuring that the display is highly versatile and color accurate. The screen’s peak brightness reaches an impressive 600cd/m2 in non-HDR mode and 1,219cd/m2 with HDR content, making it suitable for a variety of lighting conditions.

Hardware and Performance: Cutting-Edge Components

Under the hood, the MateBook X Pro (2024) is powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, coupled with 40W Intel Arc Graphics and Intel’s discrete NPU (neural processing unit). This formidable combination is supported by 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, ensuring that the laptop can handle demanding tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and one USB-C 3.2 port. While the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack and a card reader might be disappointing to some, the inclusion of these high-speed ports caters to the needs of most professional users.

The haptic touchpad is another highlight. It spans the full width of the wrist rest, providing ample space for gestures and navigation. Its haptic feedback is precise, and additional features like the ability to adjust screen brightness by sliding a finger along the edges of the touchpad enhance usability.

Audio: Surprisingly Potent

Despite its slim profile, the MateBook X Pro (2024) delivers impressive audio performance. The speakers, located on either side of the keyboard, produce loud, detailed, and full-bodied sound. While bass might be lacking, the overall audio quality is more than adequate for podcasts, radio, and audiobooks. For a more immersive experience when watching movies or listening to music, headphones are still recommended.

Keyboard and Typing Experience

The keyboard on the MateBook X Pro, while not the best in its class, offers a decent typing experience. The keys are well-spaced, and the key travel is satisfactory, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The inclusion of a dedicated key for voice typing is a nice touch, although the keyboard does feel slightly rattly under the fingers. Given the laptop’s premium price, a more refined typing experience would have been expected.

Performance and Battery Life: A Mixed Bag

Performance-wise, the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H ensures that the MateBook X Pro (2024) handles most tasks with aplomb. Its Intel Arc Graphics provide enough power for light gaming and creative tasks, though it can’t compete with laptops equipped with discrete GPUs from Nvidia or AMD.

Battery life, however, is a mixed bag. Initial tests showed a battery life of just under 7 hours. After disabling Huawei’s Super Turbo mode, which was found to be quietly engaging during certain applications, the battery life improved significantly to just under 11 hours. Super Turbo Mode, designed to manage system resources dynamically, seems to have a detrimental effect on battery life without providing clear benefits, making it advisable to disable it for regular use.

Verdict: A Premium Laptop

The Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024) is a remarkable piece of hardware, characterized by its lightweight design, excellent build quality, and impressive display. However, its high price and limited availability due to geopolitical issues with Intel could be significant barriers for potential buyers.

In conclusion, the Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024) is an exceptional laptop, but its premium price tag and certain design choices may not appeal to all. It represents the pinnacle of Huawei’s laptop offerings but faces stiff competition from both Apple and other Windows-based machines. For those who prioritize a lightweight and well-built laptop with a stunning display, the MateBook X Pro (2024) is a worthy contender, provided you can justify the cost.

At a retail price of AED 7,999, the Huawei MateBook X Pro (2024) is among the most expensive ultrabooks on the market.