The Huawei MateBook 14 2024 marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the MateBook 14 2023, by introducing an OLED display for the first time in the series. This new model features a 450-nit OLED panel, replacing the previous 300-nit IPS LCD, and also becomes the first stylus-compatible MateBook.
Performance and Specifications:
- Processor: The MateBook 14 2024 is powered by the more efficient and faster Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, as opposed to last year’s i7-1360P.
- Weight and Design: The laptop is lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 1.31 kg and measuring 14.5 mm thick. It features a classic, understated design with a fresh green color option alongside a more standard grey.
- Charging: The laptop ships with a 65W charger and includes a built-in USB-C cable. Configurations include the Core Ultra 5 125H or Core Ultra 7 155H, 16 GB of RAM, and storage options of either 512 GB or 1 TB.
Display:
- The OLED display is the standout feature, providing a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It offers 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage, and 95% Adobe RGB coverage, making it excellent for photo and video editing.
- The panel supports up to 120Hz refresh rate and can automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz based on the content.
- Brightness levels reach around 460 nits in SDR mode and peak at 550 nits in HDR mode, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
- The keyboard features 1.5mm key travel, a two-row Enter key, and a backlight with two brightness levels. It’s well-suited for extended typing sessions.
- The trackpad, however, has a plastic surface, which feels less premium compared to glass alternatives. This affects smoothness and user experience, especially for gestures.
Camera and Audio:
- The laptop includes a centered 1080p webcam with decent quality. Huawei’s PC Manager app offers virtual backgrounds and beauty filters.
- It has dual speakers on the underside, providing solid sound quality with reasonable bass, making it suitable for media consumption.
Connectivity:
- Port selection is good, with a USB-C port (for data, charging, and DisplayPort), a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack on one side, and another USB-A port on the opposite side. However, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 might be a dealbreaker for some users.
Performance and Battery Life:
- Equipped with Intel’s Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H, the MateBook 14 2024 performs admirably, handling intense workloads and multitasking without significant throttling.
- It has a 70Wh battery, offering impressive longevity. The laptop managed about 10 hours and 20 minutes during a YouTube video loop at 400 nits and 9 hours and 10 minutes during a browsing test, showcasing solid battery performance for daily tasks.
Conclusion
The Huawei MateBook 14 2024 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and well-equipped laptop for everyday use. With its powerful Intel processor, vibrant OLED display, solid battery life, and good build quality, it offers great value for money. Priced at £1,199 (or £999 during promotions) or €1,350, it competes well against mainstream rivals like the Asus Zenbook 14, Acer Swift Go 14, and Lenovo ThinkPad E14.
However, potential buyers should consider the absence of Thunderbolt 4, the reliance on last-gen Intel processors, and the plastic trackpad, which could detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the MateBook 14 2024 stands out as one of the best options in its segment, especially for users who prioritize display quality and performance.
Pros:
- Above 400-nit OLED touchscreen with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate
- Useful 3:2 aspect ratio for productivity
- Impressive battery life (10 hours of video streaming)
- Relatively lightweight for a 14-inch laptop
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- No Thunderbolt 4
- Limited to Intel, with competitors offering better performance
- Utilizes last-gen Meteor Lake processors, while Lunar Lake is now available
- Plastic trackpad feels less premium
- Lacks facial recognition for Windows Hello; only supports fingerprint scanning
The MateBook 14 2024 is set to start shipping in the second half of October.