TechRadar Verdict
Simply put, the Huawei MateBook D 16 is a good laptop.
If it’s possible for you to look past that, its a decent laptop ideal for any professional.
Huawei MateBook D 16: Two minute review
Ah, the Huawei MateBook lineup.
On the surface, the build quality is fairly decent, particularly for the price.
There are a ton of ports on board, and the branding is subtle and refined.
Its very much an XPS imitator in a lot of ways, just at a considerably lower price.
Where that refinement ends, however, shows up when you start actually using the thing.
Sadly, the keyboard just isnt up to spec.
Its without a doubt.
Its one saving grace is that it is rather quiet because of that.
As for performance, well its certainly there.
In day-to-day tasks and light office work, the Huawei MateBook does exceedingly well.
Its quick, smooth, and paired with that IPS panel, makes for a pleasant experience.
The review unit I have in for testing is available for 1200 / 1300.
One glance at its exterior, and youll notice the similarities between the two.
Huawei has gone for a smooth aluminum finish across the MateBook, giving it an impressively svelte look.
All other branding is fairly subdued as well.
Over my time testing the MateBook, its color accuracy never wavered on that front.
Then we get onto the keyboard, and well, its a bit underwhelming, to say the least.
Spongey is the word.
And thats not dedicated mechanical keyboards Im talking about here either.
Not that thats necessarily a bad thing when it comes to trackpads.
For ports, theres not a huge amount here, but the bases are covered.
Audio is enough bugbear for sure.
You get down-firing speakers on the MateBook, which are fine.
At its heart, the CPU inside my review unit is actually fairly decent for a lightweight mobile processor.
The Intel Core i9-13900H comes with a total of 14 cores.
Another moderately impressive area, particularly given the price is that SSD too.
Getting into gaming, however, was another matter.
Similarly, I also ran it through a couple of 3D Mark tests.
Doing everything from very light casual gaming to watchingYouTube, and responding to emails and work.
That said, it does charge quickly as well, thanks to an included 65W adapter.
Should you buy a Huawei MateBook D 16?
You’re a keyboard perfectionistThe spongy keys on this thing are just not an enjoyable experience.
If youre used to premium chiclet or mechanical keyboards, look away.
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