If you’ve been keeping an eye on premium Windows laptops over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed a recurring name popping up alongside the likes of Dell’s XPS line, Microsoft’s Surface devices, and of course, Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. That name is Huawei’s MateBook X Pro.
When it first launched, it caught attention because, let’s be honest, it looked strikingly similar to a MacBook. Many dismissed it as a clone. But over time, Huawei refined its formula, carving out its own identity in the ultrabook market. The latest iteration of the MateBook X Pro the 2024/2025 models proves that it’s not just another thin laptop trying to ride Apple’s coattails. It’s a serious contender in its own right.
In this review, we’ll dig deep into the MateBook X Pro, covering design, display, performance, battery, ergonomics, and real world usability. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in personal observations and light comparisons to give you a sense of what it’s actually like to live with this sleek machine.
So grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in.
First Impressions and Design
At under 1 kilogram (around 980 grams for the latest magnesium alloy model), it feels almost impossibly light for a laptop with this much power under the hood. To put it in perspective, it’s lighter than most tablets with keyboard cases attached. Slip it into a backpack or even a tote bag, and you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
The design philosophy here is clearly about mobility without compromise. Huawei has trimmed every excess gram and millimeter while still delivering a chassis that feels robust. The magnesium alloy body has a subtle matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges a small but appreciated detail. Unlike aluminum laptops that can feel cold to the touch, this finish is warmer and smoother.
The MateBook X Pro also has a certain understated elegance. There are no loud logos or flashy accents. Just a clean, minimalist look that whispers premium rather than shouting it. Think of it like a tailored suit versus a sequined jacket it’s classy, subtle, and timeless.
That said, not everything is perfect. The lid, for example, can feel a little flexible if you press on it. And while the overall chassis is solid, it doesn’t have the tank like rigidity of a MacBook Pro. Still, for something this thin and light, Huawei has struck a commendable balance.
The Display: A Visual Treat
We’re talking about a 3.1K resolution (3120 x 2080) panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The pixel density is so high that text looks razor sharp, images pop, and videos look almost lifelike. If you’re coming from a standard Full HD laptop, the difference is like switching from regular TV to 4K HDR.
Brightness is another highlight. With up to 1000 nits peak brightness, it punches well above most laptops in this class. That makes it usable even outdoors or in brightly lit offices where glare can be an issue. Huawei has also added an anti reflective coating that helps reduce unwanted reflections, though some users still report that it’s not perfect in direct sunlight.
Colors are vibrant and accurate, with 100% coverage of sRGB, AdobeRGB, and DCI P3 gamuts. For creative professionals photographers, designers, video editors this means you can trust the colors you’re seeing. And for casual users, it simply means Netflix, YouTube, and games look stunning.
What I particularly love is the 16:10 aspect ratio. It gives you a bit more vertical screen space compared to the more common 16:9. This might sound trivial, but when you’re working with documents, coding, or browsing the web, that extra vertical real estate means less scrolling and more content on screen at once.
In short, the MateBook X Pro’s display isn’t just good it’s arguably one of the best laptop screens you can find in 2025.
Performance: Small but Mighty
One might assume that a laptop this slim and light comes with performance compromises. That’s a fair concern historically, ultrabooks often meant weak processors and thermal throttling. But the MateBook X Pro manages to pack some serious horsepower.At the heart of the latest model is Intel’s Core Ultra 9 185H processor, paired with up to 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB NVMe SSD. That’s workstation level spec in a body that feels closer to an iPad Pro than a traditional laptop.
In real world use, this translates to snappy multitasking. You can run dozens of browser tabs, stream music, join a video call, and edit documents simultaneously without a hiccup. Creative work like Photoshop or Lightroom runs smoothly, and even video editing in Premiere Pro is very doable.
Of course, this isn’t a gaming laptop. The integrated graphics can handle some casual or older games, but don’t expect it to compete with a dedicated gaming machine. Still, for productivity, creative tasks, and general use, the MateBook X Pro delivers more power than most people will realistically need on the go.
The one caveat is heat. Under heavy loads, the laptop can get noticeably warm, and the fans do spin up. They’re not unbearably loud, but you’ll definitely hear them. It’s a trade off packing this much power into such a slim frame inevitably means active cooling is required.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is often the Achilles’ heel of ultrabooks, especially those with bright, high resolution displays. The MateBook X Pro fares reasonably well here.With its 70 Wh battery, Huawei claims around 12 hours of light use (think browsing, writing, streaming music). In reality, most users will see closer to 8 - 9 hours with mixed workloads still a full workday for many. Push the brightness to max and do heavier tasks, and that number will drop.
Where the MateBook X Pro shines is fast charging. The included 90W USB-C charger can juice the battery to 50% in just half an hour. That means even a short coffee break can give you a few more hours of runtime. And since it charges via USB-C, you can use the same charger for your phone, tablet, or other devices a convenience that can’t be overstated when traveling.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Typing on the MateBook X Pro is a pleasant experience. The keyboard has decent key travel, crisp feedback, and a quiet action that makes it suitable for office or library use. The backlighting is even and adjustable, so you can work comfortably in dim environments.The touchpad, however, is where Huawei goes bold. It’s a large haptic glass touchpad that supports gestures and edge controls (like adjusting volume by sliding along the side). It feels futuristic, though not everyone will love it. Some users report accidental inputs, while others rave about the extra functionality. Personally, I found it took a day or two to adjust, but once I did, it became second nature.
It’s worth noting that the MateBook X Pro doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack a controversial omission. For most people who’ve already gone wireless, this won’t be a big deal. But if you’re an audiophile with wired headphones, you’ll need a USB-C adapter.
Webcam and Audio
Earlier MateBook X Pro models had a rather odd quirk, the webcam was hidden under a function key in the keyboard, popping up like a tiny periscope. While clever, the angle was… less than flattering. Thankfully, Huawei has moved past this design.The current MateBook X Pro comes with a 1080p webcam placed in the traditional top bezel. It’s sharp, clear, and bolstered by AI features like auto framing, background blur, and eye contact correction. For remote workers or frequent video call participants, this is a big win.
Audio is equally impressive. The laptop features multi speaker sound with AI enhanced noise reduction for calls. Music playback is surprisingly full bodied for such a slim device, though bass is naturally limited. Still, for movies, podcasts, and casual listening, it more than delivers.
Software and Ecosystem
One area where Huawei tries to stand apart is its ecosystem integration. If you own other Huawei devices like a smartphone, tablet, or monitor the MateBook X Pro can act as a central hub.Features like Super Device allow seamless file transfers, multi screen collaboration, and even using your phone as a secondary camera. It’s Huawei’s answer to Apple’s Continuity and AirDrop, and it works well if you’re already in their ecosystem.
On the software side, the laptop runs Windows 11 with some Huawei tweaks. Thankfully, Huawei keeps the bloatware to a minimum. Most of the additions are useful utilities rather than intrusive apps you’ll want to uninstall immediately.
Real World Use: Living With the MateBook X Pro
Specs and features are one thing, but what’s it like to actually live with this laptop day to day?Here’s a snapshot, imagine you’re on a business trip. You slip the MateBook X Pro into your bag, and it barely adds weight. On the plane, you flip it open and the screen immediately makes your neighbor glance over with curiosity. During the flight, you work on a presentation, watch a movie, and maybe even edit a few photos all on a single charge.
Arriving at your hotel, you plug it in for half an hour, and suddenly you’ve got enough juice for the evening’s video calls. The keyboard feels reassuringly good for typing long emails, and the touchpad gestures speed up navigation. When you hop on a call, the webcam and audio impress your colleagues. And when the workday is done, you unwind with Netflix, enjoying the OLED’s deep blacks and vibrant colors.
That’s the MateBook X Pro experience in a nutshell, light, premium, capable, and versatile.
The Downsides
No laptop is perfect, and the MateBook X Pro does have its shortcomings.a. Thermal management: It can get hot and noisy under heavy workloads. If you need silent operation, this isn’t the machine for you.
b. Limited ports: It relies heavily on USB-C, and while that’s the future, some people will miss having a variety of ports.
c. Price: At around $2.000+ depending on configuration, it’s firmly in premium territory. You’re paying for design, portability, and display quality as much as raw performance.
d. Ecosystem lock in: Some of its best features shine only if you already own other Huawei devices.
Final Verdict
The Huawei MateBook X Pro has matured into more than just a MacBook lookalike. It’s now a distinct, premium ultrabook that offers a unique blend of style, performance, and portability. Its OLED display is one of the best you’ll find on any laptop. Its build is refined, its keyboard and touchpad are enjoyable, and its performance is strong enough for serious work.It does stumble in areas like thermals and expandability, but those are compromises most ultrabooks face. The bigger question is whether you’re willing to pay a premium for the MateBook X Pro’s combination of lightweight design and luxurious user experience.
For many, the answer will be yes. And if you’re looking for a Windows laptop that can confidently stand toe to toe with the MacBook Air and even the MacBook Pro in some respects, the MateBook X Pro deserves a serious look.