In the ever-evolving landscape of laptops, Huawei has consistently carved its niche by delivering powerful and sleek devices. The Huawei MateBook D 16 (2024) continues this trend, offering an enticing combination of performance, display quality, and design.

Design and Build Quality
Starting with the design, the MateBook D 16 is sleek and lightweight, making it a portable option for those who are always on the go. It sports an aluminium body, giving it a premium feel. The laptop measures 356.7mm wide by 248.7mm deep by 17mm thick and weighs 1.78kg. Despite its large 16-inch screen, it manages to maintain a compact form factor, thanks to its thin bezels and 90% screen-to-body ratio.

The keyboard is well-designed with a comfortable key travel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The large precision touchpad is responsive and complements the overall usability of the laptop. Additionally, Huawei has incorporated a fingerprint sensor into the power button, adding an extra layer of security while maintaining convenience.

Display
The MateBook D 16 boasts a stunning 16-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920-by-1200 pixels. The display offers a maximum brightness of 300 nits, which is adequate for most indoor environments. You also get a pixel density of 142ppi, support for 100% of sRGB colours, and a contrast ratio of 1200:1. The high resolution ensures crisp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for both productivity and multimedia consumption.

The colour accuracy and wide viewing angles enhance the overall viewing experience, whether you’re editing photos or watching movies. Though the display is not a touchscreen, you get a viewing angle of 178° and a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is a welcome choice for productivity, offering more space for efficient multitasking.

Performance
In terms of processing power, the MateBook D 16 is available in four different variations. These include the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13500H processor, the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, and the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor. The variant we received for this review came with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor.

You also get 16GB of RAM and 1TB of NVMe PCIe SSD storage. This combination of hardware ensures smooth performance, even when handling resource-intensive tasks such as video editing or graphic design. During our tests, we saw that the MateBook D 16 offered smooth multitasking and competent handling of demanding applications, including graphics-intensive tasks and gaming.

To test the real-world performance of the MateBook D 16, we ran PCMark 10 and Geekbench benchmarks. As you can see from the results below, the Huawei MateBook D 16 is a capable beast.

Gaming on the MateBook D 16 is also a very good experience, thanks to the Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics. While it may not compete with dedicated gaming laptops, it handles modern titles at respectable frame rates, providing a good gaming experience for users who enjoy occasional gaming sessions.

Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the MateBook D 16 offers a decent selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and an HDMI port1. The USB-C port also supports data transfers, DisplayPort, and 90W power delivery, providing a convenient all-in-one solution.

The Huawei MateBook D 16 also comes packed with the company’s Metaline Antenna, which offers ultra-long-range connectivity. The laptop has also been awarded the SGS five-star Wi-Fi signal capability certification, as it significantly enhances file download speeds by an impressive 51%, according to Huawei. The signals it transmits can traverse and overcome obstacles, showcasing an exceptional connection distance of 270 meters.

Battery Life
The MateBook D 16 also offers an impressive battery life. The laptop’s 70Wh battery easily handles daily tasks, and the power-efficient Intel Core i9 processor contributes to energy savings. The combination of efficient hardware and Huawei’s optimisation results in all-day battery performance, making it an excellent choice for users on the go.

Inside the box, you will also find a 65W USB-C Power Adapter. This charger offers a fast charging capability, which further enhances the MateBook D 16’s practicality. With just a short charging session, users can top up the battery significantly, providing additional flexibility for those times when a power outlet is not readily available.

Software and User Experience
The Huawei MateBook D 16 runs on Windows 11, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface for most users. Huawei’s PC Manager software adds a layer of customisation and optimisation, allowing you to fine-tune performance settings and manage system resources efficiently.

The inclusion of Huawei Share continues to bridge the gap between Huawei smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With a simple tap, users can transfer files seamlessly between devices, enhancing the overall ecosystem experience. The integration of Huawei’s Multi-Screen Collaboration also allows users to mirror their smartphone’s screen on the MateBook D 16, creating a cohesive and interconnected digital environment.

Security
The MateBook D 16 also features several other notable features. It comes with a fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient login1. The laptop also has a webcam positioned above the screen, which is a welcome change from the awkward positioning seen in some previous models.

Conclusion
The Huawei MateBook D 16 (2024) is a solid choice for creative professionals. It offers a good balance of performance, design, and features, making it a versatile laptop that can handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a professional seeking a reliable workhorse for demanding tasks or a multimedia enthusiast looking for an immersive viewing experience, the MateBook D 16 offers a compelling package. Its long battery life, fast-charging capabilities, and seamless integration with Huawei’s ecosystem further elevate its appeal. In a landscape where performance and aesthetics converge, the Huawei MateBook D 16 proves itself as a formidable contender.

Price: AED 2799 onwards