Huawei unveils MacBook-rivalling MateBook X Pro with 3:2, 13.9-inch FullView display at MWC 2018

At the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona (MWC 2018), Huawei unveiled the MateBook X Pro. Rivalling the 13-inch MacBook Pro in design and power, the device features an ultra-thin form factor and even a discrete GPU.

The MateBook X Pro was unveiled at MWC 2018

The star of the device, of course, is the 13.9-inch FullView display. This edge-to-edge display features a more user-friendly 3:2 display at a resolution of 3,000x2,000 pixels. Huawei claims a contrast ratio of 1,500:1 and support for 100 percent sRGB colour gamut (70 percent P3). This is much less than Apple’s DCI-P3 colour gamut support, but is a match for resolution and sharpness.

The display is a touch-screen unit that’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The display’s 91 percent screen-body ratio is at least 10 percent higher than that of most of its rivals.

Internally, the device features an Intel Core i7-8550U CPU that’s backed with an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 GPU.

The device weighs a mere 1.33 kg and is just 14.6 mm thick, which is thinner than the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s 14.9 mm.

For connectivity, you get a USB-A port, two USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Apple, take note. The USB-C ports are rated for Thunderbolt 3.

Other features include a quad-speaker setup, a power button with an integrated fingerprint reader and, interestingly, a pop-up webcam that pops-up from inside the keyboard. Given the near-bezel-less display, it’s unlikely that there was any other option for placement.

This is the first laptop with a pop-up webcam

The charger is tiny and can provide 6-hours of usability from a 30-minute charge.

In terms of design, the laptop does bear very strong similarity to the 12-inch Apple MacBook.

The device is available in Space Gray and Mystic Silver colours along with a ‘Classic Leather Case’.

On the software front, the device is powered by Windows 10. However, Huawei has partnered with Microsoft to provide offline, real-time translation on the device.

Price and availability details are unknown at this time.

Be sure to follow our MWC 2018 Live Blog, Twitter and Facebook channels for LIVE updates from the show floor.

The device will be available in 3 variants:

Intel Core i5 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage: EUR 1,499

Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB storage: EUR 1,699

Intel Core i7 with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage: EIR 1,899

Disclaimer: Tech2 was invited to MWC 2018 by Huawei, who were responsible for all expenses related to travel and accommodation.