Huawei MateBook X Pro review

Considering the spec listed before, that the MateBook X Pro absolutely flies through basic tasks shouldn’t be too surprising. The version here uses an Intel processor that is 40% faster than the previous model’s. Huawei is keen to point out its use of a U series CPU, rather than an M series, which is more often found in laptops of this size.

That point, coupled with Nvidia MX 150 graphics, leaves us with a laptop that’s prepared to take on nearly any major productivity task short of editing and rendering 4K media. The laptop keeps pace well enough with the comparably-specced Dell XPS 13, beating its Geekbench 4 Single-Core score and coming within the margin of error of most other benchmarks.

As for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the MateBook X Pro handily squashed it in both our Geekbench 4 and Cinebench tests, proving how much stronger Apple’s leading laptop would have been had it waited a bit longer for 8th-generation Intel processors. Meanwhile the MateBook X Pro’s dedicated graphics chip means it can handle media editing and rendering better than either competing device without issue.

In short, the more holistic power profile within the MateBook X Pro makes it perhaps an even more alluring alternative to the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Pro performance-wise, a surprising development.

Battery life

The wins don’t stop there. The MateBook X Pro is one of the longest-lasting Ultrabooks – much less Windows laptops in general – we’ve ever tested. At 6 hours and 12 minutes on the PCMark 8 battery test, this laptop beat Dell’s flagship by just under two hours. 

Meanwhile, it outlasted both the XPS 13 and MacBook Pro by more than two hours and 90 minutes, respectively, in the TechRadar local video rundown test. We definitely didn’t see the day coming that would have a laptop outlast both the best Windows laptop around and Apple’s leading MacBook.

At this point, you’re looking at a laptop that’s not only more powerful than both the top 13-inch models for Windows and macOS, respectively, but one that also lasts longer. How much does this laptop cost again?

Software and features

While the MateBook X Pro does promise a Microsoft Signature Edition of Windows 10 on its latest laptop, Huawei did inject just one app into the operating system: Huawei PC Manager. This service allows for more instant wireless connection between it on the MateBook X Pro and Huawei phones.

The PC Manager tool also allows for Huawei Share, a sort of Apple AirDrop competitor that permits file sharing with nearby devices at speeds using the service up to 20 Mbps. It’s a fine enough feature, but requires for not only the user to buy all-in on Huawei devices and services, but all of his or her friends and co-workers, too – a tall order.

Beyond that, the only other marquee feature of the MateBook X Pro is its USB-C, 65W power adapter that houses a smart controller, allowing it to deliver just the right amount of voltage and amps depending on what type of device is plugged in. Better yet, for this laptop, it offers up fast-charging capabilities, so it will charge the MateBook X Pro faster than you can burn its battery down.

 Final  verdict

Frankly, we’re stunned by Huawei’s sophomore effort in the laptop category. In one fell swoop, the MateBook X Pro presents an overwhelming alternative to our favorite laptop, the Dell XPS 13, and the MacBook Pro.

From its slick, subtle design to its luxurious typing and navigating experience, and its powerhouse performance to its storied battery life – not to mention a sublime touchscreen – the Huawei MateBook X Pro is an incredible laptop. Its apparent flaws are few and far in between, like the lack of an SD card slot and webcam trick that’s clever, but flawed nevertheless.

All told, the MateBook X Pro will be one of the answers we give readers and friends when they ask the broadest of questions: ‘what’s the best laptop?’ For that, it’s earned our Best in Class award.