Huawei, known for its innovative technologies and devices, has recently unveiled the MateBook E 2023, a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that directly competes with Microsoft's Surface Pro. This latest offering from Huawei boasts an impressive array of features, including a 12.6-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a substantial 42 Wh battery, and a choice between two Intel Alder Lake-U series processors.
One of the notable improvements in the MateBook E 2023 is the upgrade to the latest Intel processors. While its predecessor relied on Intel Tiger Lake-U series processors, Huawei has opted for the Core i5-1230U and the Core i7-1260U processors for the MateBook E 2023. These 10-core processors feature two performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and Iris Xe Graphics G7 iGPUs of various descriptions. Huawei has also integrated PCIe 4.0 SSDs into the MateBook E 2023, allowing for faster storage performance. The device is available with up to a 1 TB SSD, offering twice the maximum storage capacity of its predecessor. In terms of memory, the MateBook E 2023 can be configured with up to 16 GB of RAM, although the specific type (LPDDR4, LPDDR4x, LPDDR5, or LPDDR5x) is yet to be confirmed.
The MateBook E 2023 retains the 12.6-inch OLED display found in its predecessor, offering a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels in a 16:10 aspect ratio. However, Huawei has significantly upgraded the display's refresh rate from 60 Hz to 120 Hz. This higher refresh rate ensures smoother visuals, reducing motion blur and enhancing the overall user experience. The device also features a 42 Wh battery, providing ample power for extended periods of use. Additionally, the keyboard accessory of the MateBook E 2023 includes a 10.8 Wh battery, enabling longer battery life when connected. Notably, Huawei's keyboard accessory supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to utilize it wirelessly, setting it apart from competitors like the Surface Pro 9 and the Type Cover.
In terms of pricing and availability, the MateBook E 2023 starts at CNY 7,499 (~US$1,072) in China, offering 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Alternatively, customers can opt for the higher-end configuration, priced at CNY 7,999 (~US$1,143), which includes 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM. As of now, Huawei has not provided information regarding the global release of the MateBook E 2023, but it is expected to be available outside of China in the near future.
Huawei's MateBook E 2023 presents a compelling option for consumers seeking a high-performance 2-in-1 laptop. With its vibrant 12.6-inch OLED display, impressive refresh rate, powerful Intel processors, and ample storage and memory options, the MateBook E 2023 stands out as a strong competitor to Microsoft's Surface Pro line. As Huawei continues to expand its reach globally, it will be interesting to see how the MateBook E 2023 fares in the international market and whether it can solidify its position as a worthy alternative to established players in the 2-in-1 laptop segment.
