The Ideal 16in Work Laptop

Huawei is in any case launching the most important computer within the MateBook vary outdoor of China, with the AMD-flavoured MateBook 16 now that can be purchased in portions of Europe, and a UK unencumber anticipated (however nonetheless unconfirmed) within the close to long term.

Sporting an enormous 16in FullView show, the most recent AMD processor and a singular facet ratio adapted to productiveness, the MateBook 16 can be a hit for far off employees, however creatives could be a little bit disenchanted – particularly given the high-end asking worth. 

Is the Huawei MateBook 16 well worth the top class ticket? Keep reading to determine.  

Design & Build 

• Stylish design very similar to others within the MateBook vary
• Fairly moveable for a 16in computer, however it is heavy at 2kg
• Premium sandblasted aluminium chassis

Huawei hasn’t rewritten the rulebook on the subject of the design of the MateBook 16, taking a look similar to each and every different fresh MateBook – simply larger. That’s now not essentially an issue although; similar to the remainder of the variety, the MateBook 16 appears to be like swish, top class and let’s be fair, faintly like a MacBook Pro.  

Considering the huge 16in show on be offering, the chassis isn’t as huge and unwieldy as it will’ve been, measuring in at 254.9 x 315 x 17.8mm, even though this is a little at the weighty aspect at simply shy of 2kg. It remains to be a giant computer although, make no mistake, and also you’ll most probably fight up to I did to discover a rucksack or computer bag large enough to hold it with me.  

That’s in large part all the way down to Huawei’s selection of subject material, carrying an absolutely aluminium chassis with the vintage Huawei sandblasted end to lend a hand scale back the marks, fingerprints and smudges that aluminium has a tendency to select up through the years. It’s to be had completely in a Space Gray end, which has a moderately pink shimmer to it in some lighting, however that’s nonetheless now not moderately as crowd pleasing as some high-end laptops. 

Regardless, if you’re in the marketplace for a big-screen computer with a top class, understated design, the Huawei MateBook 16 ticks numerous packing containers.  

Screen

• Gorgeous high-res 16in show
• Boxy 3:2 facet ratio is best for multitasking
• Bright, with nice sRGB protection
• Not nice for observing motion pictures

The major draw of the MateBook 16, as its title implies, is the large, gorgeous 16in show. It’s an IPS panel, so the ones on the lookout for a candy OLED enjoy will have to glance in other places, however the excessive answer (2520 x 1680) and fascinating facet ratio will likely be greater than sufficient to tempt some.  

The answer would possibly appear a little bit peculiar, and that’s all the way down to the three:2 facet ratio hired via the MateBook 16 (and others within the MateBook assortment) somewhat than the widescreen 16:9 or 16:10 on maximum different laptops. 

It’s a far boxier enjoy, and whilst that would possibly now not sound too just right at the floor, it’s an ideal characteristic that will give you a lot more display screen actual property. It’s best now not just for operating a couple of apps side-by-side, however it’s very to hand for people that paintings in code, spreadsheets, note paperwork and different apps stuffed with information too. 

Productivity is the place the MateBook 16 excels maximum, as observing conventional Hollywood blockbusters will at all times have large black bars atop and underneath when watched in full-screen mode. 

When it involves efficiency, be expecting a brilliant, vibrant, detailed show that appears surprising when it first comes alive upon opening the lid of the computer. The gorgeously narrow bezels supply a close to edge-to-edge enjoy (a 90% display screen to frame ratio, to be actual) with solely the chunky backside bezel letting the aspect down. It’s additionally brilliant too, hitting 377nits in assessments, which is greater than Huawei’s claimed 300nits max brightness. 

It’s additionally were given nice color copy, as present in assessments the use of Colordata’s Spyder X, providing 98% sRGB protection, ensuing an ideal visible enjoy whether or not you’re surfing the online or observing a YouTube video. It’s now not moderately the easiest observe for creatives although, managing solely 73% of the AdobeRGB gamut. 

The solely actual drawback to the show is the loss of touchscreen compatibility; it’s a characteristic of the smaller MateBook 14, and given the facility to engage with smartphone apps (extra on that later) it feels find it irresistible would’ve been a to hand characteristic at the big-screen fashion. At least it will have to keep fingerprint-free, proper? 

Keyboard & Trackpad 

• Large full-size backlit keyboard can really feel just a little spongey now and then
• Hidden 720p webcam is again, and the attitude remains to be horrible
• Huge trackpad is best for tapping, swiping and gestures

Huawei’s computer keyboards aren’t going to win any awards. Most want the typing enjoy of the Dell XPS 13, whilst I for my part just like the MacBook Pro’s Magic Keyboard, however that’s to not say it’s a foul typing enjoy. 

There’s a full-size backlit keyboard on be offering with nice key commute for simple touch-typing, however I do in finding the keys can really feel a little bit spongey in comparison to the crisp reaction given via some in a similar way top class laptops. There’s additionally the slight annoyance of a one-row Enter key at the proper of the keyboard, in comparison to maximum keyboards that break up it throughout two rows for fewer mispresses.  

It additionally options Huawei’s signature 720p webcam constructed into the keyboard, hidden underneath a pretend serve as key when now not in use. Then, with a press, the webcam pops out, able to be used. In the times ahead of the pandemic, it used to be heralded as an effective way to narrow down bezels with out totally taking away the webcam, and it had glaring privateness bonuses too. 

Sure, it had a slightly unattractive perspective pointing up your nostril, and your palms would now and again get in the best way as you’re typing, however video calls had been just a little of a rarity in on a regular basis lifestyles, and it’s one thing maximum customers would post with. 

Fast ahead to lately and the reliance on video calling, and thus webcams, hasn’t ever been better. Even with international locations starting to go back to a few semblance of normalcy, the shift to far off operating signifies that video calls are set to be a staple of operating lifestyles going ahead.  

If you’re going to be the use of a webcam each day and even simply slightly continuously, it’ll want to be higher than what’s introduced with the MateBook 16. Even if you might want to modify to the horrible perspective it provides, and the reality your palms get in the best way, the whole high quality isn’t nice.  

If you do desire a webcam for paintings and you’ve were given your center set at the MateBook 16, I’d suggest taking a look at our variety of the absolute best webcams for an all-round development.  

The saving grace is the large glass trackpad that sits underneath the full-size keyboard, offering abundant area for swiping and gestures, plus the faucet popularity is superb for those who don’t like totally clicking the trackpad to make a choice. With a trackpad this massive and responsive, I didn’t really feel the want to achieve for my mouse in any respect.  

The trackpad additionally homes the Huawei Share capability – however extra on that later.  

Audio 

• Up-firing stereo audio system
• More readability than maximum laptops with down-firing audio system
• Built-in mics are handy for video calling 

One of the perks of the MateBook 16’s massive chassis is the front-facing stereo audio system, which sit down on each side of the full-size keyboard in the back of a speaker grille. 

Compared to maximum laptops with downward-firing audio system, the MateBook 16 audio system be offering nice readability, a wider soundstage and it’s louder too – greater than sufficient for observing Netflix or YouTube movies, anyway. 

The audio system gained’t compete with full-size Bluetooth audio system in relation to total efficiency, however for informal listening, they grasp up beautiful smartly. 

It’s additionally a tight video conferencing setup when mixed with the two-mic array, without a actual proceedings from different members about mic high quality or readability in my fresh video chats.  

Ports & Connectivity 

• More ports than the MateBook 14, however no SD card reader
• Fingerprint Power Button works reliably as a rule
• Support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1

Considering the huge dimensions of the MateBook 16, I used to be anticipating to seek out extra ports at the facets of the chassis. As it stands, you’ll get two USB-C ports (although missing Thunderbolt), an HDMI port and a three.5mm headphone jack at the left of the computer, whilst the proper homes two USB-A three.2 ports. 

That’s in truth an development in comparison to the smaller MateBook 14, with a unmarried USB-C port, however it would’ve been great to have observed an SD card reader or even an Ethernet port for this work-focused device.  

When it involves different types of connectivity, the MateBook 16 fares a little higher, carrying the newest Wi-Fi 6, at the side of Bluetooth 5.1.  

There’s additionally a fingerprint scanner constructed into the ability button that has the facility to scan your fingerprint as you flip the computer on. In my enjoy, this implies I solely need to press the button a unmarried time to chronic on and get get entry to to my password-locked account and the near-instant learn time signifies that even supposing I do want to reverify, it takes lower than a 2d.  

Specs & Performance 

• Latest AMD Ryzen chipsets supply stable CPU efficiency
• No discrete GPU approach reasonable graphical chronic, now not excellent for players
• New twin shark fin cooling device assists in keeping issues operating easily

So, what’s lurking underneath the hood of the big-screen Huawei computer? It’s an AMD-exclusive affair this time round, similar to the UK release of the AMD-only MateBook D14 again in overdue 2020 (although that used to be to be had with Intel chips in different territories, whilst this isn’t).  

You’ve were given the selection between two fashions, with the important thing distinction being chipset; the entry-level fashion sports activities the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H whilst the top-end fashion includes a extra tough AMR Ryzen 7 5800H.

Both are coupled with a beneficiant 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of solid-state garage. It’s a pleasing, easy providing in comparison to different producers, one thing that buyers will indubitably admire.  

The one huge unhappiness is the loss of a devoted GPU. Even the smaller Intel variant of MateBook 14 got here supplied with the Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU, and given the additional area within the chassis of the huge 16in fashion, it would’ve been nice to peer one thing equivalent right here – particularly at the top-end fashion. Instead, it utilises AMD’s Integrated Graphics.  

For transparency, I’ve been trying out and benchmarking the top-end Ryzen 7 variant, so efficiency may range with the entry-level fashion. But, at the top-end fashion no less than, total efficiency is implausible with the MateBook 16 dealing with virtually the whole lot I threw at it with out up to breaking a sweat – and that’s best given the huge 3:2 show is screaming for multi-app use. 

When issues did start to get sizzling, the MateBook 16’s new twin shark-fin fan device kicked in. It used to be at its loudest when operating benchmark assessments, as anticipated, however it used to be in a different way near-silent in use, and preserving the device cool approach you’ll get top efficiency for longer classes – in addition to being extra at ease if you might be in truth the use of your computer in your lap.  

Of path, you’ll get a laggy enjoy seeking to run the most recent AAA video games on AMD’s built-in graphics, however outdoor of gaming the MateBook 16 is a nice performer, and that’s in large part sponsored up via the benchmark effects.  

It’s transparent that the loss of a discrete GPU is the chink within the MateBook 16’s armour; it with ease beat maximum pageant within the CPU-focused Geekbench 5 and PCMark 10, however it fell in the back of when it got here to the graphical assessments in 3DMark. 

It’ll deal with fundamental gaming on low graphic settings, but when you’re an avid gamer, or a video editor short of to edit multi-cam 4K video shoots, there are surely 16in laptops with extra graphical grunt to be had.  

Battery Life & Charging 

• All-day battery lifestyles with reasonable use, however now not the longest battery lifestyles ever
• USB-C charging approach 135W charger can be utilized to chronic different USB-C gadgets
• Average payment occasions, offering 33% in half-hour

Thanks to a mix of a big 84Wh battery and AMD’s power-efficient chipset design, I’ve discovered that the MateBook 16 can with ease get me thru a mean day of labor the use of word-processing device, immediate message device and a hearty dose of surfing, with no need to succeed in for a charger – even with a high-res 16in show to chronic. 

Of path, that’ll rely on your explicit workload, as operating video enhancing device or chatting in video calls will make the computer drain at a sooner price. The MateBook 16 scored a tight 13 hours and 20 mins in our battery benchmark, however it’s a long way in the back of the 20hrs and 38 mins from the LG Gram 17, so there are surely extra power-efficient laptops in the marketplace.  

When it does desire a top-up, I’ve discovered the bundled 135W USB-C charger – which may also be utilized by different USB-C gadgets for quick-charge functions – can supply 33% payment in half-hour. That’s slightly reasonable for a computer of this length, simply moderately in the back of the LG Gram 16’s 35%, although it’s a little bit slower than the smaller MateBook 14’s 45%.  

Windows 10 & Huawei Ecosystem 

• Runs Windows 10 out of the field with an improve to Windows 11 to be had
• Special options for Huawei software customers
• Can get entry to Huawei smartphone display screen from the computer, or use Huawei tablets as a wi-fi 2d display screen

Unlike with Huawei’s smartphones, its laptops – and its trade with Microsoft – stays unaffected via the continuing US business ban, that means the Huawei MateBook 16 comes with Windows 10 out of the field with get entry to to the similar device as every other Windows computer. In reality, there are some things that the MateBook can do this maximum can’t. 

Much like how Apple’s gadgets paintings with one some other, Huawei has its personal software ecosystem, with Huawei’s laptops enjoying very effectively with Huawei smartphones and tablets. It is going a lot additional than just wirelessly sharing information too (although it does that), having the ability to get entry to your smartphone’s show from the MateBook 16 just by tapping it at the trackpad. 

Your smartphone will then seem in a window in your computer, with get entry to for your textual content messages, calls, apps and information, with the latter providing two-way drag-and-drop for more straightforward document control. The MateBook 16 enjoy is rather less intuitive than the MateBook 14, because of the loss of a touchscreen, however it’s nonetheless a to hand characteristic for Huawei smartphone homeowners.  

It is going a step additional if you’ve were given a Huawei tablet – like the brand new MatePad 11 – as you’ll be able to now not solely get entry to the tablet’s show, however you’ll be able to additionally turn into the tablet right into a 2d display screen on your computer. Or for those who’ve were given a appropriate stylus, you’ll be able to flip the touchscreen right into a drawing pad for ingenious makes use of.

I will be able to’t draw to save lots of my lifestyles, however the skill so as to add a 2d display screen is to hand. After all, the extra monitors the simpler, proper? 

Of path, that is just a get advantages if in case you have a contemporary Huawei smartphone or tablet within sight, and given the loss of Google Play Services, chances are high that you don’t. But nonetheless, it’s a pleasing contact for devoted Huawei enthusiasts, and it labored flawlessly in trying out. 

It’s additionally price noting that whilst the MateBook 16 ships with Windows 10, it’s able for the improve to Windows 11 each time you’re able.   

Price & Availability

The massive show and high-end chipset imply the Huawei MateBook 16 is available in at a top class, with European pricing beginning at €1,099 for the Ryzen 5 variant, whilst the Ryzen 7 variant will set you again €1,199 when purchased at once from Huawei. 

The UK marketplace does not get the less expensive Ryzen 5 variant with Huawei providing the Ryzen 7 variant for a tempting £999 by means of the Huawei Store, and for a restricted time, it is throwing in a Huawei MateView 27in show utterly totally free. 

We’ve were given our number of the most productive laptops for people that want a little bit extra inspiration ahead of making a purchase order.  

Verdict 

There’s so much to like concerning the MateBook 16; it boasts a graceful design with a shocking 16in IPS show with one of the slimmest bezels in the marketplace, and it’s brilliant too. However, it’s the three:2 facet ratio that steals the display, providing a lot more display screen actual property than 16:9 choices, an actual boon for employees, multi-taskers and people who spend their time analysing information. 

The solely drawback is that it’s now not suited for observing motion pictures, with the boxy facet ratio leaving massive black bars atop and underneath the content material you’re observing.  

The computer is AMD-powered, carrying both the most recent Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 along a beneficiant 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD garage, with greater than sufficient chronic to deal with split-screen multitasking, note processing or even symbol enhancing.

However, the loss of a devoted GPU approach it is not the most powerful contender on the subject of complex graphic design, video enhancing or hardcore gaming. If you do want one thing with a little bit extra graphical oomph, there are higher choices in our gaming computer chart.  

So, for those who’re on the lookout for a trendy computer for emails, note processing, social media and with reference to the whole lot else that doesn’t depend on graphics efficiency – and do not thoughts the keyboard webcam – the MateBook 16 is a stable choice. 

Specs

Huawei MateBook 16 (2021): Specs

• 254.9 x 351 x 17.8mm
• 1.99kg
• 16in IPS show (3:2 facet ratio, 2520 x 1680)
• Full-size keyboard with backlighting
• Hidden 720p webcam
• Large glass trackpad
• Front-firing stereo audio system
• Fingerprint Power Button
• AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H
• 16GB DDR4 RAM
• 512GB SSD
• 2x USB 3.1
• 2x USB-C
• 1x HDMI port
• 1x 3.5mm jack
• 84Wh battery with 135W USB-C charger
• Wi-Fi 6
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Huawei Share
• Windows 10, with improve to Windows 11 to be had