HONOR MagicBook 14 review
The Honor HONOR MagicBook 14 ranks as the #409 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #317-ranked connectivity among 289 laptops. Consider the GIGABYTE A7 or GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HONOR MagicBook 14 is a decent budget laptop that delivers for everyday use. Weighing in at just under 1.5 kilos, it's lightweight and portable. The design may not be exciting, but it's professional-looking. The display is fine for indoors use, though brightness could be better. Performance-wise, the Intel model handles multitasking well, while the AMD model stutters with demanding tasks. Battery life is average at around 7-8 hours. Overall, if you're on a tight budget and need a laptop for general use, this is worth considering, especially at its affordable price point of £549.
Build
The HONOR MagicBook 14 has a sturdy build that's both durable and lightweight, weighing in at just under 1.5 kilos. The metal chassis can withstand proper punishment and the lid is flexible enough to absorb impact without feeling flimsy. While it may not be the most exciting design, the Space Gray color gives it a professional look that fits well in an office or business setting. Unfortunately, the port selection is slim, with only one Type-C USB and two USB-A ports available. However, the fingerprint sensor built into the power button is a great time-saver and works well as long as your hands are dry. If you're after top-notch build, consider Honor HONOR MagicBook X 14.
Display
The display on the HONOR MagicBook 14 is a 14-inch full HD panel with nearly 1% screen-to-body ratio. The bezels are slim, and the absence of a webcam is compensated by its repositioning within the keyboard. However, this design choice isn't ideal for video conferencing. The display itself is only just about bright enough indoors, but struggles in outdoor use due to limited color reproduction. It covers 65% of the sRGB gamut and 49% of Adobe RGB, making it unsuitable for creative work. Despite its limitations, the visuals are crisp, and the display's anti-reflective coating helps with indoor use. It’s worth checking out Honor HONOR MagicBook X 14, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The HONOR MagicBook 14's performance is satisfactory for everyday use. The Intel version handled multitasking and basic tasks without issues, but struggled with demanding titles. Gaming was possible, but stuttering occurred in more intense games. Geekbench scores were average. The AMD version performed similarly, but its power consumption was higher, resulting in shorter battery life. Storage was sufficient with a 256GB solid state drive, loading times were fast and downloads were quick on a decent connection. Overall, the laptop's performance is fine for general use, but may not be ideal for demanding tasks or gaming. Give Dell G7 17 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The HONOR MagicBook 14's battery life is a pleasant surprise. With an AMD version, I managed to get around 7-8 hours of mixed use per full charge, which is not bad for a budget laptop. The single internal SSD provides fast loading times and quick downloads on a decent connection. Charging the device via USB-C is convenient, but unfortunately, it's also used for charging, so you can't power up and connect a peripheral at the same time.
Connectivity
The HONOR MagicBook 14 offers limited port options, with a single Type-C USB for charging and connecting peripherals. This means you can't use the laptop to power up and charge at the same time. A slim selection of ports is also available, including an HDMI output and two USB-A ports. Consider discovering the power of GIGABYTE AERO 17, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The HONOR MagicBook 14 boasts a lightweight yet durable metal chassis, weighing just under 1.5 kg. It features a single USB-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The backlit spill-resistant keyboard offers comfortable typing and two brightness levels. A quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support provides decent audio quality. You might prefer GIGABYTE A7, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Honor MagicBook 14 is a reliable choice for everyday use. It boasts a durable metal chassis and fingerprint sensor built into the power button, making it easy to use without worrying about security. The device also has a spill-resistant keyboard and backlit keys, ensuring comfortable typing even in low-light conditions. Overall, the MagicBook 14's sturdy design and practical features make it a great option for students and professionals on a tight budget.
Pros
1. The HONOR MagicBook 14 is a great choice for students and business folk on a tight budget, offering good performance and features at an affordable price.
2. The laptop's durable metal chassis feels solid and can take some punishment, making it suitable for everyday use.
3. The fingerprint sensor built into the power button is a convenient feature that works well, saving time and effort when logging in.
4. The backlit spill-resistant keyboard is comfortable to type on for hours at a time, with adjustable brightness levels to suit your needs.
Cons
1. The HONOR MagicBook 14's design is not particularly exciting or attention-grabbing, making it feel like an unremarkable laptop.
2. The display panel is not the brightest and struggles in outdoor conditions, even with anti-reflection technology.
3. Color reproduction is lacking, covering only 65% of the sRGB gamut and 49% of Adobe RGB, which may be a disappointment for creative users.
4. The AMD version of the laptop is not as energy-efficient as the Intel version, resulting in shorter battery life.
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