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Huawei MateBook goes on sale in the U.S. – Is it a cheaper alternative to the Surface Pro 4, iPad Pro?
At Mobile World Congress in February Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. announced its first 2-in-1 Windows 10 tablet, the MateBook. If you like what you saw then you will be happy to know that the MateBook is finally available for sale in the U.S. with prices starting at $699.
The 2-in-1 market has become increasingly popular with various manufacturers entering over the last few months, including the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, the HP Spectre x2, Lenovo MIIX 700, Dell XPS 12, and ASUS Transformer 3 Pro.
We look at how the latest addition to the 2-in-1 market compares to the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro, now that the MateBook is available for purchase in the U.S.
|
Huawei MateBook |
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 |
Apple iPad Pro |
|
| Display |
12-inch IPS LCD |
12.3-inch PixelTouch |
12.9-inch Retina |
| Resolution |
2160 x 1440 resolution at 216 ppi |
2736 x 1824 at 267 ppi |
2732 x 2048 at 264 ppi |
| Processor |
6th Gen Intel Core m3 or m5 |
6th Gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7, Intel Iris 540 GPU (i7 only) |
64-bit A9X, M9 motion coprocessor |
| RAM |
4 GB or 8 GB |
4 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB |
4 GB |
| Storage |
128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB |
128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB |
32 GB, 128 GB |
| MicroSD |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Ports |
USB Type-C, Headset jack (includes additional adaptors in the box, USB Type-C Data Cable, USB Type-C to Micro-USB Cable, Micro-USB to USB-A adapter) |
Full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Headset jack, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port. SurfaceConnect |
Lightning, Smart Connector for keyboard |
| Front Camera |
5.0-megapixel |
5.0-megapixel |
1.2-megapixel |
| Rear Camera |
No rear-facing camera |
8.0-megapixel |
8.0-megapixel |
| Battery |
4,430 mAh Up to 9 hours of work, 9 hours of video playback or 29 hours of music. Quick-charge battery can reach 60 percent capacity in one hour, and a full charge in 2.5 hours. |
5,087 mAhUp to 9 hours video playback |
10,307 mAh Up to 10 hours video playback |
| Software |
Windows 10 Signature Edition |
Windows 10 Pro |
iOS 9 |
| Dimensions (Inches) |
10.97 x 7.64 x 0.27 |
11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 |
12 x 8.68 x 0.27 |
| Weight (Pounds) |
1.41 |
1.69 without Type Cover |
1.57 |
| Fingerprint sensor |
Yes |
No built-in fingerprint sensor, but you can opt for a slightly more expensive keyboard cover that includes a fingerprint scanner |
Yes, Touch ID fingerprint scanner built into the Home button |
| Base price |
Starting at $699 |
Starting at $899 |
Starting at $799 |
| Stylus/Keyboard |
MateBook Keyboard ($129), Huawei MatePen ($59), Huawei MateDock ($89) |
Surface Pro 4 Type Cover ($129.99), Surface Pen included |
Optional keyboard ($169) and Apple Pencil ($99) |
Design
The 12-inch MateBook with 2160 x 1440 resolution at 216 ppi comes in two colour options, Gray and Gold. The MateBook has a built-in fingerprint scanner on the right side of the tablet between the volume buttons. The fingerprint scanner supports 360-degree sensitive identification and the company claims it is the “fastest fingerprint recognition in the industry” at just 0.5 seconds. .
The sleek-looking MateBook is the same thickness as the iPad Pro, but beats both the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro when it comes to weight, with the MateBook weighing just 1.41 lbs.
Battery
Huawei claims that the MateBook can provide up to 9 hours of work, 9 hours of video playback or 29 hours of music, which puts it on par with the Surface Pro 4 and just slightly below the iPad Pro. However, in a review of the MateBook completed by Slash Gear they weren’t even able to get half of the claimed battery life.
Accessories
Additional accessories, all sold separately, for the MateBook include the MateBook keyboard, MatePen stylus, and MateDock.
For the MateBook keyboard, Huawei opted for a keyboard cover stand similar to the iPad Pro. Unfortunately for the MateBook, reviewers of the device feel it lacks stability.
The MatePen can detect up to 2,048 pressure points and comes with a built-in laser pointer.
The MateBook comes with a single USB Type-C, but if you buy the MateDock you will be able to expand your MateBook’s ports. The MateDock includes USB 3.0 ports, VGA and HDMI out, and an Ethernet Port.
Price and availability
The Huawei MateBook and its various accessories are now available in the U.S. from Microsoft Stores as well as online at the Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Newegg.
The Core m3 MateBook with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of SSD storage costs $699. While the top-of-the-range MateBook with Core m5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD storage will set you back $1,199.
Unlike the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the MateBook’s price does not include its stylus, the MatePen. This will set you back an additional $59, which is cheaper than the Apple Pencil. While the Portfolio keyboard for the MateBook costs an additional $129, which is on par with the Microsoft Surface Pro 4’s keyboard and cheaper than the iPad Pro keyboard. The MateDock can be yours for an additional $89.
If you are in the market for a 2-in-1 but want to keep within a budget, the entry-level MateBook with additional MatePen and keyboard comes in at the most cost effective of the three.
Images via: Huawei
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