Huawei MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version first impressions
Huawei is a uncommon Chinese language agency that discovered a option to develop in the course of the first quarter of 2026. With the MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version hitting cabinets, the model would possibly seize much more eyes. Individuals blame Huawei for copying Apple with out clear purpose. Take the P9 telephone, which used the identical bizarre star screws in the very same spots as iPhones. However my Huawei MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version first impressions present an artist shaping broadly cherished ideas into one thing recent.
Light-weight construct, loud persona—till the keyboard ruins the temper
A fast have a look at Huawei’s MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version brings the MacBook Neo to thoughts. It retains a skinny profile and compact physique with shade choices like Wild Inexperienced, Cherry Blossom Pink Gold, and House Grey. When Apple launched the MacBook Neo, I anticipated robust attraction amongst college students. It really works as a vogue piece for a lot of customers. Huawei goals on the identical group.
The MateBook 14 weighs about 1.33 kg. You possibly can maintain it with one hand. It suits right into a backpack and strikes between campus and café life with ease.
However the keys; I hate them. Spherical keycaps look terrible for work since I would like zero components of a keyboard that mimics a classic typewriter. Nonetheless, style stays a private factor, and if you happen to discover it cool, your opinion wins. Huawei claims the curved caps hug every finger whereas massive arrow keys assist your precision. It feels good, the model says.
Design wins consideration, efficiency should show it
The 24 GB + 512 GB model of the MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version begins at CNY 6,599 (≈ $959). At that time, the design attraction meets a transparent query about energy. Customers who want robust workload help might look towards MacBook Air as an alternative.
Associated: M5 MacBook Air vs. M4 MacBook Air: I do know the improve isn’t important—nevertheless it tempts me
After 2020 restrictions, US restricted Huawei entry to international chip design and manufacturing companions. Huawei shifted towards in-house work by way of HiSilicon chips. This raises a key query: can the MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version’s Kirin X90 act as Huawei reply to Apple Silicon?
The Huawei MateBook Fold launched the Kirin X90 in Might 2025 as an 18-inch foldable OLED machine with HarmonyOS. We nonetheless want see how the Kirin X90 handles duties within the MateBook 14. For now, the MacBook Air with M5 chip nonetheless leads in effectivity, uncooked output, and artistic app help.
120 Hz OLED on a funds? Huawei performs its strongest card
The Huawei MateBook 14 provides a glossy 120 Hz OLED contact display screen. It feels extra like a flowery pill. Apple retains 120 Hz tech for Professional gear. I like that Huawei provides us quick response occasions and fewer eye pressure with no large value hike.
For notes, sketches, and every part between
The Huawei MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version helps the M-Pencil Package deal (third technology). I’ve learn that patrons place the M-Pencil subsequent to the Apple Pencil as compared. Some even purchased the MatePad 11.5 pill for the pen alone. It senses strain, blocks palm contact, and retains enter delay low. Get the M-Pencil for €89.95 for notes in conferences and courses.
Not a duplicate—a competitor with intent
I see the MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version not as a mere copycat, however as a daring competitor that bridges the hole between high-end aesthetics and purposeful {hardware}. Whereas the Kirin X90 nonetheless has to show it will probably dance with Apple’s M-series chips, I’m impressed by Huawei’s willingness to supply premium options like a 120 Hz OLED contact display screen at a way more accessible value level.
It is best to think about whether or not you worth the seamless, fashion-forward portability of the MateBook 14 HarmonyOS Version sufficient to commerce away the established artistic ecosystem of a MacBook. In case you’re in search of a tool that seems like a “Professional” pill however works like a laptop computer, this would possibly simply be the versatile software you’ve been ready for. Do you assume the inclusion of a high-refresh touchscreen is sufficient to make you turn from a conventional macOS or Home windows setup?
Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter overlaying know-how at Gadget Circulate. His contributions embrace product critiques, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.