As a writer I certainly create a lot of content every day. So having a laptop that works well is important to me. I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Huawei MateBook D16 2024 as a primary laptop for almost a full week and here is my experience using it.
Specifications
Huawei MateBook D16 2024 Model Name
Display Size 16″ FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:10,
300nits, TÜV Rheinland-certified
13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H Processor/
13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H
Intel Iris® Xe Graphics Graphics Chip
Intel UHD Graphics
16 GB DDR4 RAM (built-in)
Internal Load 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD
1 TB NVMe PCIe SSD
720P HD camera
USB-C I/O plug × 1
USB3.2 Gen1 × 1
USB2.0 × 1
HDMI × 1
3.5mm audio jack
Windows 11 Home Operating System
Fingerprint Security (Windows Hello)
Face (Windows Hello)
Pin (Windows Hello)
70 Wh Li-ion 3-cell battery
65W charger
Prices will be updated
Big But Light Body
Body construction has not changed much with some existing models. Most of the frame uses a shiny aluminum alloy-based material except for the bezel which is a mixture of plastic. Because of that MateBook D16 2024 is light enough to carry anywhere for a 16” laptop.
In addition, the use experience also becomes more comfortable with a relatively thin design that can meet the modern minimalist trend because it does not take up a lot of space. Especially when the laptop is kept in a small backpack. I also never complained about the weight during the period of using it. Sometimes it is even necessary to check several times in the bag to make sure it is taken along.
Just like any glossy finish, dirt issues are very easy to see, especially those involving dust, sweat and fingerprints. Likewise, the cover is quite soft as it flexes easily when pressed. However, the disappointment is redeemed when the hinge is used feels solid with the ability to open up to 178° using both hands. This opening feels more than enough to get a good viewing angle when the laptop is placed on the lap for typing.
As many as three rubber pads are used on the bottom which can not only ensure that the laptop mounts well on the table surface. Even able to avoid scratches involving scuff marks or losing the original color of the device.
Also followed is a large air vent that usually functions as a cooling system for internal components that controls the temperature from overheating. It seems to have managed to keep this laptop working optimally throughout the review period. The result is that the laptop never gets so hot that it is uncomfortable to be placed on the lap while typing.
Then the sound of the fan is also almost not heard during normal use but is only noticed when launching video games. This is because Huawei MateBook D16 2024 is equipped with Dual Shark Fin Fan technology with 55% more efficient heat release, lower temperature and able to reduce noise up to 22dB.
At the bottom there are also two audio grilles for speakers with a small size. The fact is that it is able to produce a loud and clear sound, but still not enough to reach the level it should be. The bass capabilities are also a bit weak for some situations.
That's not surprising considering that usually only gaming laptops have larger physical speakers for audio output that can meet the standards of audio enthusiasts. A total of four microphones with built-in AI noise cancellation that can be activated via the control panel.
The I/O options are just adequate with most of them placed on the left side which includes 1 x USB-C port (charging, data transfer & DisplayPort), 1 x USB3.2 Gen1 (charging & data transfer), 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI and 3.5mm audio jack.
A negative comment is that there is no SD card reader slot which is definitely a hassle for users if they want to transfer photos/videos from the memory card.
Screen Display
Next, the 16" IPS LCD screen with full HD resolution (1920×1200 pixels) is clearly displayed as soon as I open the cover. The 16:10 aspect ratio is used instead of the previous 16:9 which allows me to see more content and work productively. It is also generally suitable for minimal but not fully multimedia work and editing tasks. This is due to the existence of two black bars when the video is played in full screen mode.
Further, no touch screen support or high refresh rate is provided with bezel sizes that are also uneven on all four corners. Huawei seems to have made some savings but not to the detriment of daily use. The brightness level is good with a peak brightness of 300 nits which means there is no problem using it in various situations including outdoors. Content is displayed clearly with vivid color reproduction.
No touchscreen doesn't make a difference since it's not my primary need in day-to-day use. If you are in the group of users who still need the feature, you can try other more premium Huawei laptop lines, such as the latest MateBook X Pro.
The web camera used only supports 720P and is placed on the frame without a special switch to close. Those of you who may be worried about peeping still need to provide additional stickers to cover the webcam lens. The camera is also equipped with an auto focus system that can keep the user's face in the center of the screen. Overall performance is average with noise issues being particularly noticeable when used for video calling sessions in dark lighting.
Performance And Benchmarks
New options for laptops this year are 13th generation Intel Core i9 H-Series processors, along with 13th generation Intel Core i5 H-Series processors. Also followed by Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics chip, 16GB DDR4-3200 memory and 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD storage. The storage size can be upgraded but the RAM remains the same as it is soldered directly to the motherboard. Two cooling fans are used for better heat dissipation.
In the Geekbench 6 test, the Intel Core i9-13900H scored 2,020 in the single-core test and 8,822 in the multi-core test. The SSD storage speed is just average with each recording as much as 4891.35 MB/S when reading and 3937.31MB/s when writing. The performance of the Intel Core-i9 Gen 13 chip used is satisfactory and better than the Intel Core-17 Gen 11 chip.
The overall experience of various processes such as content production, tele-conferencing and photo editing using PhotoScape X is more than adequate. The built-in PC version of WPS Office software can be used for many things and the most interesting is certainly the WPS AI function that can summarize long texts into shorter and more compact ones. Indirectly helps make the content creation process even easier. However, further revision is highly recommended to ensure that the generated sentence carries the same meaning as the original text.
Next, excessive fan noise also did not occur throughout the review period even though many applications were used simultaneously. The boot up process does not take long and as usual the laptop will not turn off but instead just put it in sleep mode after turning on. Just like the rest of the MateBook series, I don't recommend using it as an extreme gaming machine.
In addition users can also rely on the built-in Huawei Metaline Antenna support for a good connection, even on weak signals. For users of the Huawei ecosystem, the connection process between different devices such as tablets or laptops becomes easy with the Huawei Super Device feature. Also followed by the process of transferring files between applications becomes easier with Huawei SuperHub.
Keyboard And Touch Pad
No problem with the keyboard as my main laptop was also previously from the same Huawei series. Meaning I can comfortably type for long periods of time without problems.
It's a full-sized keyboard with enough space between keys for comfort. Each key also gives a good response making the typing experience just smooth. The combination of built-in white LED lights on the back is very useful for working in dark areas. It can also be adjusted by pressing the F3 button.
The touch pad is also satisfactory with adequate size and overall pressure sensing capabilities. Scrolling can be done smoothly, then the built-in gesture support also makes using the laptop easier. Also available is a built-in fingerprint scanner placed in the upper right corner with Windows Hello support.
Battery Endurance
The 70Wh battery used is a larger capacity than the 60Wh in last year's model. On average the device can last around six hours at 50% screen brightness, always connected to WiFi, balanced mode and keyboard light off. Only gets higher around 9 hours for moderate use.
All of this experience also really depends on the type of work done which most of my activities involve the process of typing articles, replying to emails, listening to music and editing photos in Photoscape X. Equipping the device is also a 65W fast charging system that comes with a small white power block without wire capabilities unplugged
Conclusion
Huawei still thrives on exceptional laptop performance. This is because the functions provided in this new generation are able to handle daily work quite well. The combination of certain parts such as a large, bright screen is very suitable for productive work, especially for a writer who works unfamiliar with the environment.
With an Intel Core i9-13900H chip and 16GB RAM memory, it works quite smoothly without the problem of program failures occurring. It is most interesting when the laptop can work quietly and not heat up while helping me fully focus on typing the article. Simply put, the Huawei MateBook D16 has powerful performance and a large screen in a lightweight body.
The issue of not having a touch screen may affect some parties who rely heavily on it. But the solution is to try other more premium Huawei laptops such as the latest MateBook X Pro.
The selling price in Malaysia has not yet been announced but in China it starts from RMB 4199 (~RM2740) for the Intel Core i5/16GB RAM/512GB SSD model. If Huawei Malaysia is able to offer the price of MateBook D16 2025 almost the same as the Chinese market, it will be one of the affordable laptops this year.
PRO
Big but light design.
A bright screen can be used in any room.
The combination of powerful processor and memory.
Built-in software simplifies the work process.
CONS
No touch screen.
There is no webcam-specific shutter.
No SD card reader.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is not fully intended for multimedia.