Using the Huawei MateBook D 16 2024 made me realize that I’m missing out on certain features that could have made my work so much easier. Just a few days of use enabled me, who is constantly hunched over writing and editing, to see what this latest from Huawei, a technology innovator, can do.
The build and sheer size of the Huawei MateBook D 16 2024 commands presence — and elicits curious looks — when taken out in public places. You cannot miss the corporate (a.k.a. minimalist) look and premium feel. But don’t be deceived by its build and looks, because it weighs only 1.68kg and measures only 17mm thin, just the perfect combo for a mobile office.
I didn’t have experience reviewing other Huawei products so I don’t have any basis for comparison or historical information. This review is based on personal experience derived from the loaner.
Design
Many people may get intimidated by the 15.6-inch size of the Huawei MateBook D16 2024, thinking that it’s quite a handful. Huawei designers compensated for its weight by making it just 1.68kg and measuring a mere 17mm thin. That is basically understanding the need for balance.
While some people would prefer a fancier design, the aluminum chassis is just perfect for no-nonsense individuals who want to keep it simple. Also, this keep-it-simple mindset somehow helped emphasize Huawei’s branding. There at the center of the laptop cover screams the all-caps brand and no person in a room or public would ever miss it.
On the other hand, the bezel is built using plastic while the other parts are based on alloy, which explains the lightweight design.
When I watched videos, I began to understand why the company wanted a large (in today’s mobile-driven world) laptop. Its screen-to-body ratio of up to 90% with a 16:10 golden aspect ratio, and ultra-narrow bezels, plus the Huawei FullView Display (16-inch eye comfort) ensure a truly immersive viewing experience. It may sound like a marketing pitch but truthfully, for someone who has spent 90% of viewing time on a tablet in the last few years, it was an eye-opener that I haven’t been enjoying my movies to the max. When we speak of widescreen, this is probably what most people are referring to.
My nephew who tested it for gaming experience was astounded by the vivid and vibrant display, which emphasized the limitations of the laptop he is using for gaming.
The Huawei MateBook D16 also received the TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certification. For someone who spends most of her waking hours in front of the computer, this is reassuring as it means that the display emits minimal blue light, which could cause eye strain. Dual-certified displays can help users maintain focus and concentration for longer periods (This is not to say, though, that you should abuse your eyes and just prolong the use.)
The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space for individuals who have to work on several spreadsheets or large space designs. In short, there is no need to constantly scroll from one page to the next. With more vertical space, users can comfortably work with multiple windows or applications side by side, making multitasking more efficient.
I didn’t get to see much benefit of the 180-degree hinge flexibility rather than just good-to-have innovation.
Huawei MateBook D 16’s minimalism extends to the limited ports: HDMI and USB. It depends entirely on the user’s type of work whether to judge the few ports as a good or bad thing. If we talk about portability, then I believe it is fine to have that few ports. But if your work requires intensive presentations, then you might need some hardware reinforcements to do your job.
However, in my case, it would be nice to have at least two USB ports since I’m not using a Bluetooth-enabled mouse. Thankfully, though, my printer is Wi-Fi enabled.
Performance
The Huawei MateBook D 16 2024 is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor with clock speeds reaching up to 2.60GHz. However, while overclocking can provide a significant performance boost for tasks that benefit from increased CPU clock speeds, it may require additional cooling solutions and careful tuning to ensure stability.
Core i9 processors also offer larger cache sizes, which makes them ideal for tasks that require intense computational power, such as gaming at high resolutions and frame rates, or running resource-intensive software like video editing applications.
Intel Core i9 processors typically feature larger cache sizes compared to lower-tier Intel processors. A larger cache enables faster access to frequently used data, improving overall system responsiveness and performance, especially in applications that rely heavily on data caching, such as content creation software.
Superhub
The SuperHub simplifies the process of transferring files, text, and images, as well as facilitating file sharing across different devices. Just drag any type of file format by long-pressing on it and then dragging it into the SuperHub’s floating window, where it is stored temporarily. Imagine tabs on smartphones but this one is displayed as cards. These items can be dragged out and placed into the desired application for sharing. SuperHub conveniently retains the last 50 items that were dragged and dropped, ensuring easy access to recently transferred files.
Similarly, Huawei Share enables you to transfer images, videos, documents, and other types of files between devices using Bluetooth. Just look for nearby devices that support Huawei Share and Wi-Fi Direct, and transfer those files.
Huawei Metalline Antenna
Huawei equipped the MateBook D16 with a Metalline Antenna to increase the signal conversion rate or simply put transmit data at quicker time than usual. According to Huawei’s manual, the uplink and downlink signals can be improved by 3.5dB.
Metalline antennas can provide improved performance, including higher gain, better efficiency, and reduced interference. This can result in stronger and more reliable wireless connections, faster data transfer rates, and extended range, which are crucial for applications like mobile communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT devices. And this is most useful when playing games. Imagine using a mesh router but it’s embedded in the device itself.
Battery
Huawei equipped its latest laptop offering with a 70Wh large capacity which promises exceptional endurance. The claim is up to 13.5 hours of local video playback, but as always, I usually test the battery of devices by playing image-intensive games. And as always, battery endurance depends on use.
The verdict is yes, the ample battery capacity ensured that I still went around the usual day of computer use without needing to constantly plug it in to charge. It offered me the flexibility to engage in other activities without being tethered to a power outlet.
The speakers, which are located on the underside of the device, offer a satisfactory level of loudness. Does it need more bass? Yes, but for me, it’s not something that would make me fussy. But maybe, for video editing, one might need some enhancements.
Keyboard
The addition of a numeric keyboard transported me back to the days of using desktops at the office. Since six years ago, I have been on laptops through and through, so the feel of using desktops is quite alien to me now. However, the full-size keyboard has a soft landing design with enough room for each key. It was a challenge, initially, but as I got to using it for a while, I managed to adapt.
All things considered, shall I get a Huawei MateBook D 16 2024? Yes. Some may question my penchant for portability but as mentioned above, the laptop may look huge but it is light and thin. Carrying it around is not a nuisance because I know that I am assured of the other important features such as a larger screen display.
The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024 offers four distinct variants, catering to diverse user needs:
- 12th Gen Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB internal storage, the first variant is priced at P38,999.
- 13th Gen Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, priced at P41,999.
- 13th Gen Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage, priced at P48,999.
- Core i9-13700H processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB internal storage, priced at P69,999
Huawei also launched the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, along with the Huawei MateBook D 16 2024, as an addition to its suite of devices designed for productivity and creativity.
Check out the Huawei MateBook D 16 at the Huawei Store.
For more information visit the website.
You must be logged in to post a comment.