The year 2024 is the year in which Intel finally introduces a new PC category called "AI PC" offering desktop computers and laptops with built-in AI processing power. However, not everyone may want a laptop like this, especially if you just want a machine that can be used for basic productivity and daily leisure purposes.
If you need such a laptop, Honor has updated their laptop offering through the Honor MagicBook X 16.
Specifications And Design
Honor MagicBook X 16 2024
Screen 16″ IPS LCD 1080P (1920×1200 pixels), 60Hz
Aspect Ratio 16:10
Intel Core i5-12450H processor
2.2GHz Base Chip; Up to 4.4GHz
Intel UHD Graphics Graphics Chip
8GB RAM Dual-Channel DDR5
Internal Load 512GB SSD PCIe 4.0
Main Camera 720P HD
I/O 1 X USB-C 3.2 Gen2
2 X USB-A 3.2 Gen1
1 X HDMI
3.5mm audio jack
48Whr battery
65W Fast Charging
SIM/Telephony None
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System None
Selling Price RM2999
Honestly I said that I need to revise some articles written before because in terms of specifications, the components used on this Honor MagicBook X 16 are the same as what is used on the model launched at the end of 2022.
The model sent to us shows almost the same specifications as the old model. An Intel Core i5-12450H CPU is used, and is paired with 8GB of DDR4 memory and 512GB of SSD internal storage. The main difference is that the MagicBook X16 now uses an Intel Core-H processing chip compared to the previous Intel Core-U.
Just like the previous model, it comes with a 16-inch IPS screen display with a 16:10 display ratio at a resolution of 1920×1200 and a brightness value of 300 nits. Honor uses their FullView Display which comes with a thin frame on three sides and has a wide enough viewing angle.
The design of this laptop is also similar to the previous model, where it is made of aluminum metal which gives it a light weight of only 1.68kg. The side parts of this laptop are placed three USB 3.2 Type-A plugs, one USB 3.2 Type-C plug, one HDMI 1.4b plug and one 3.5mm audio jack.
Unfortunately unlike previous models, one major difference that can be seen is that the new Honor MagicBook X 16 does not have a fingerprint scanner on the power button like before. Unfortunately, with its built-in webcam, this laptop also doesn't support facial scanning technology, so the only way to log into your laptop is by using a password.
User Experience
In terms of computing capabilities, the Honor MagicBook X 16 is a laptop suitable for basic daily tasks such as editing documents and pictures, browsing websites, watching videos on YouTube and so on.
In fact, as a productivity laptop for school students and institutions of higher education, I can say that this laptop will meet the needs of your children, and with a large display size of 16 inches, you don't have to worry about the lack of display space. to display several programs and tasks at once.
The built-in speakers are also quite loud, although for me, maybe the bass quality is a little lacking especially for playing songs. For video viewing, the audio quality of dialogue and action sounds is adequate.
If you have an Honor smart device or tablet, such as Honor Pad 9 5G or Honor Magic6 Pro, you can transfer data from and to these devices using this laptop through the Honor Connect feature. It also allows you to view device notifications on your laptop, and you can receive calls directly through your laptop.
But unfortunately this laptop comes with some issues that for me make this laptop a device that is a little difficult for me to recommend to the public. First is the reduction in terms of features when compared to the model sold in 2022.
Yes, technically the CPU used now is an improvement, but the use of an Intel Core-H CPU compared to the previous Core-U is also paired with a smaller battery. If the laptop sold two years ago came with a 60Wh battery, this updated model comes with a smaller battery at 48Whr.
This makes the battery life of this laptop quite low at around 5 hours on a full charge. However, charging for this laptop's battery is also quite fast, so if you bring your own 65W or 100W charger, this may not be a serious issue.
Another shortcoming of the new Magicbook X 16 laptop is the lack of support for a fingerprint scanner or Microsoft Hello face on it. The 2022 model has both of these features, so it's a bit odd that this newer model doesn't have them.
Not only that, unlike the model launched two years ago, this laptop also does not have a backlight feature on its keyboard, which is another feature removed from this new model.
For me, two shortcomings that are quite difficult to accept are the lack of fingerprint scan support and also the lower battery life. Fingerprint scanning for me is a must-have feature on all laptops these days because it makes it easy to log into a computer account without having to enter a password. For me who often locks my laptop in the office even to get a drink of water, it is something that I consider quite important.
Bench mark
We used the PCMark and CrystalDiskMark benchmarks to test the processing and data read/write performance of this laptop.
PCMark
CrystalDiskMark
What's In The Box
This is what is offered in the box when you buy the Honor MagicBook X 16 laptop:
Honor MagicBook X 16 x1
USB Type-C charger x1
USB Type-C charging cable x1
Manual and warranty x1
Closing
Honor Magicbook X 16 with updated 12th generation Intel Core-H series CPU has no problem in terms of performing daily productivity tasks regardless of use at home, school or office.
Technically, yes, this CPU is approaching two years old, and with the arrival of CPUs that take advantage of artificial intelligence technology, it's a little strange for Honor to use a CPU that isn't very powerful for today's use. But at the price offered, in my opinion this laptop is suitable for online high-end purposes and also for less complicated office tasks.
Pros:
Affordable prices for computers with Intel Core-H CPUs
Durable frame
Large screen display
Satisfactory performance depends on the purpose
Honor Connect support with Honor smartphones and tablets
Cons:
Features such as fingerprint scanning and keyboard backlighting are not offered
CPU usage launched two years ago
The battery size is smaller and the lifespan is shorter compared to the last two years
