Huawei’s 2020 MateBook line comprises of the entry-level MateBook D15, the premium MateBook X Pro and the consumer-friendly MateBook 13.
The MateBook 13 is quite an interesting device because it delivers a value for money proposition with a premium-feeling aluminium body with a diamond-cut finish that is very reminiscent of a famous line of American notebooks, and comes with a lovely 13-inch 2K FullView display with 2K resolution as well as multi-touch capabilities, while the slim bezel design creates a 88% screen-to-body-ratio. 
Another aspect that we like about the MateBook 13 is its internal layout, which is dominated by a very large touchpad. The keyboard extends to almost the entire width of the MateBook 13 and has large keys for a 13-inch notebook, which makes it easier to type accurately. External ports are kept simple – two USB-C port, one on each side, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side, and versatility is further limited as only the left port supports charging while only the right port supports DisplayPort, plus the MateBook 13 also lacks Thunderbolt 3 compatibility for external video via USB-C, so you’ll also need to purchase an external HDMI-to-USB-C converter as it one does not come bundled with the notebook.
The MateBook 13 comes with a 10th generation Intel Core i5 optimised for power efficiency with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, and discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics, which enables the MateBook 13 to handle more graphics-intensive task like casual gaming at mid-level graphics modes, though this will also lead to the notebook running quite hot. PCMark10 score was a decent 3757, and with Huawei Share integrated you can simply tap your compatible NFC-equipped Huawei smartphone on the symbol next to the trackpad to access your smartphone directly from the notebook, enabling you to check notifications, access photos, and reply to messages.
Overall the MateBook 13 is a nice physical package with a well-built feel and at 1.3kg in weight, it’s quite portable and easy to carry around. Add in the utility of a sharp 2K touchscreen and the discrete GPU, and despite some quirks, the MateBook 13 is a real winner at its price point. 
S$1,598
consumer.huawei.com
Rating 4.5 / 5
We say
The MateBook 13 lowers the barriers for good computing performance at a very decent price point, especially with an excellent 2K touchscreen.
Technical Specifications (as tested)
Operating System Windows 10 Home
Display 13-inch 2K 2160 x 1440 resolution, 200 PPI, 300 nits, multi-touch
Processor 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U
Memory 16GB
Storage 512GB PCIe SSD
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 620, NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2GB GDDR5
Connectivity 2x USB 3.1 Type-C, headphone jack, Intel WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5
Battery 41.7Wh
Dimensions 286x211x14.9mm
Weight 1.3kg
First published in NXT Magazine September 2020. A digital edition can be purchased at https://www.magzter.com/SG/Kingsman-Media-Pte-Ltd/NXT-/Lifestyle/
