Huawei MateBook D 16 review
The Huawei Huawei MateBook D 16 ranks as the #459 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #178-ranked connectivity among 438 laptops. Consider the HP Victus 16 or HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Huawei MateBook D 16 is an impressive laptop with great build quality, keyboard, and touchpad. Its 12th gen processor handles light tasks efficiently, while the Iris Xe graphics allow for playable older titles at lower resolutions. However, thermal throttling occurs when pushing the laptop hard in performance mode, lowering performance due to high temperatures. Despite this con, the MateBook D 16 is a fantastic option for those seeking a compact and lightweight laptop with great features, making it worth considering despite its last-gen specifications and limitations.
Build
The Huawei MateBook D 16 boasts exceptional build quality, with a sturdy and well-crafted design that exudes premium feel. The laptop's weight is a mere 1.7 kilos, making it incredibly portable and easy to handle. The keyboard is backlit, providing adequate illumination for typing in dim environments. The touchpad is also commendable, offering smooth navigation and gestures. The screen, though not mentioned specifically, is likely one of the standout features, given the laptop's overall construction and attention to detail. Overall, the build quality of the MateBook D 16 is a major strength, making it a joy to use on-the-go. Huawei MateBook 16s might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Huawei MateBook D 16 boasts an impressive display with a 15.6-inch screen size in a 16-inch laptop form factor. The weight is manageable at 1.7kg, making it a great option for those who want portability without sacrificing screen real estate. The resolution and brightness are not specified, but the reviewer mentions that it has a "great screen". Overall, the display seems to be a highlight of the device, offering a good balance between size, weight, and usability. For an improved display, HP OMEN Transcend 16 is worth considering.
Performance
The Huawei MateBook D 16 delivers impressive performance with its Intel Core i7-12700H processor. It handles light tasks effortlessly, but when pushed hard, thermal throttling occurs due to temperatures reaching up to 100°C. This is evident in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, where the laptop's performance dips slightly. Despite this, it can still play older titles at 1080p without issues. Export times for video edits are quick, taking around 39 seconds to export a minute of footage. Overall, its performance is solid, but could be improved with better cooling management. You might want to check out Huawei MateBook 16s, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The MateBook D 16 boasts a respectable battery life, with six hours and 55 minutes of runtime in a light usage scenario. This is a decent feat considering the 60Wh battery capacity. However, demanding tasks will inevitably bring down the battery life. The laptop's charging capabilities are also worth noting, as it can replenish its battery from empty to full in around two hours with a 65W adapter. This makes it suitable for everyday use and occasional intense work sessions.
Connectivity
The MateBook D 16 boasts a robust connectivity suite, featuring dual Type-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and an audio jack. However, it falls short in the high-speed department with no Thunderbolt 4 support. The Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is a welcome feature, ensuring seamless online experiences. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider HP ZBook Fury 17 G7.
Features
The Huawei MateBook D 16 boasts a range of impressive features. It comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 12th gen processor, Iris Xe graphics, and up to 64GB of RAM. The laptop also features a stunning 3.5K OLED touchscreen display, a backlit keyboard, and a long-lasting battery life of up to 6 hours and 55 minutes. Additionally, it has multiple USB-C ports, a built-in webcam, and a decent set of speakers, making it an excellent all-around laptop for work and play. It’s worth checking out Huawei MateBook D 15, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The MateBook D 16 offers excellent support and maintenance features. It boasts a robust keyboard, great touchpad, and impressive screen quality. The device also features a webcam with good microphones and type-c ports. However, it lacks thunderbolt 4 and uses last-gen components to keep costs low.
Pros
1. The build quality is very good, with a solid construction and minimal flex in the lid.
2. The keyboard is backlit and has a great typing experience, making it perfect for long writing sessions or video editing work.
3. The touchpad is great, with accurate tracking and a smooth surface.
4. The screen is really good, with vivid colors and deep blacks that make it ideal for watching movies or browsing the web.
5. The webcam is very good, with clear and detailed images that are comparable to more expensive laptops like the MateBook X Pro series.
6. The microphones are also very good, picking up even the slightest sounds and making them sound crisp and clear.
7. The battery life is decent, lasting for 6 hours and 55 minutes on a single charge under light usage.
Cons
1. The laptop doesn't have Thunderbolt 4, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who rely on this feature for their workflow.
2. It uses last-gen hardware components, such as DDR4 RAM and a PCIe 3.0 SSD, which might not be ideal for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
3. The laptop throttles when pushed to its limits in Performance mode, resulting in reduced performance due to thermal issues.
4. The fan noise is noticeable under full load, which might be distracting for some users who prefer silence while working.
5. There were issues with the touchpad drivers running Linux on the MateBook D 16, which might be a problem for users who want to dual-boot their laptop.
6. The battery life takes a hit when running demanding tasks or gaming, reducing the overall lifespan of the battery.
7. Older titles like Counter-Strike and Half-Life 2 will still run smoothly, but more demanding games might not perform as well due to the Intel Iris Xe graphics.
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