Huawei MateBook 13: The Laptop that does it all, for a few hours

Huawei’s MateBook 13 is a MacBook Air competitor, through and through. But with an attractive price point, a beautiful 3:2 display, and the option for discrete graphics, can the MateBook 13 rise above its similarities to Apple’s laptops?

When we say the MateBook 13 resembles the MacBook Air, we aren’t kidding. It has a silver aluminum chassis, thin profile, glossy screen, limited port selection, and black chiclet keys. There’s even a “Space Grey” color variant. Seriously. Apparently, Apple never trademarked that name.

But those are all surface-level comparisons. And these days, what thin-and-light laptop doesn’t have a little bit of Mac DNA in themit It’s hard to ding the MateBook 13 too much for the influence it wears on its sleeve. And the MateBook 13 does do a little to set itself apart.

We like the way the keyboard stretches nearly edge-to-edge on the deck. The thinned-out bezels framing the screen look nice, too. Even the textured logo on the lid adds some much-needed spice to the laptop’s simple finish. What really stands out, though, is the display. Its 3:2 aspect ratio gives the laptop a boxy look that feels tailor-made for productivity.

It’s not quite as refined as the MacBook Air, though. The lid has a little bit of give in the center, and there’s the slightest amount of flex near the center of the hinge. Huawei’s effort doesn’t feel cheap, but the Air certainly feels most robust.

Every laptop has compromises. The best balance these traits to create an overall satisfying product. For a small group of people out there, a 13-inch MacBook that can play Fortnite will make sense. The MateBook 13 is that. The $1,000 base model is also a compelling option because of its price point. We like the 3:2 screen and keyboard. But with shortcomings in battery, touchpad, and port selection, other laptops are a better option.

The Huawei MateBook 13 undercuts a lot of laptops in this category by a few hundred dollars. The XPS 13 with a similar configuration, for example, will cost you $1,200. The XPS 13 is a better laptop in nearly every way, but you do pay for the advantage. The same goes for the Surface Laptop 2, which has a similar 3:2 screen but costs $1,200 for a similar configuration.

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[madboyreadynow]

I don't understand anything this guy is saying. This is one of the best laptops I have ever had. Its amazing. The battery like any other battery is determined on usage and the brightness of the screen. This screen gets really bright so if you have it on high yes the battery will drain fast and that’s with any laptop. This is a must buy you will love it.

[HistoriCutsHub]

Concerned about battery life?
1) The laptop is small why expect something greater?
2) It's a USB C charged laptop so why worry?

[maudywardy]

As an owner of a matebook 13 2020 this review is perfect

[andreapaltrinieri]

[QUESTION] Is it possible to replace the SSD? what kind is it, 2280? I know replacing would spoil the warranty but I found a good deal for a second hand

[hembeerkaur]

I have had this laptop for almost 4 years. Everything works perfect the only problem is battery liffe. yes, it has a poor battery life. From a student who doesnot play any games, only school work.

[aardee]

Hi and thanks a lot for the awesome review, even though the left port doesn't support display output, can we at least connect a dock with usb type a, Ethernet and/or SD card along with usb-c pass through charging?

[aristoz]

The i5 version also has a nvidia mx150 but no touch screen ;)

[bradavon]

The Huawai MateBook 13 AMD version is 550. MacBook quality for 550 😱

[Tigerex]

cant you just disable the dedicated gpu, when you want better battery life?
And you can always plug in when gaming or bring an externalm usbc charger around.?

[oobroono]

wow so cool .I love Huawei MateBook 13 too:)

[said]

USA is suffering I hope China will lead the

[jasonsumaya]

Who the heck will play fortnite for this HUAWEI sissy?