14 DAY TRIAL // The number of alternatives to Microsoft’s Surface tablet/laptop is growing at a really fast pace, and MWC 2016 seems to be the right place to introduce new such devices.
Huawei took the wraps off the MateBook, a new model that, although it might appear to be a rival to Microsoft’s Surface Book, is actually a Surface Pro 4 competitor. But let’s take one thing at a time and see what this new device is up to.
Technical specifications
First and foremost, the MateBook is a 2-in-1 device, which means that it’s essentially a tablet that can double as a laptop, or vice versa. It has a 12-inch display with a resolution of 2160x1440 pixels and is powered by Intel Core m chipsets, as follows: Intel Core m3-6Y30 (4.5W), Intel Core m5 (4.5W), and Intel Core m7-6Y75 (4.5W).
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 also comes with the m3-6Y30, but other two more powerful options are also available, namely the Intel Core i5-6300U and the i7-6650U.
The MateBook features 4 or 8 GB of RAM, depending on the version you choose, and storage options between 128 GB and 512 GB. In the case of the Surface Pro 4, you can start with 128 GB but then go all the way up to 1 TB. Both devices come with SSDs.
Huawei’s new device is extremely light at 640 grams while the Surface Pro 4 is heavier, with the weight starting at 766 grams and going up to 789 grams, depending on the version.
In terms of design, Huawei’s MateBook looks like a premium device and can easily compete against more expensive models from other manufacturers, including the Surface Pro 4 itself. It doesn’t have a kickstand, but the keyboard comes with a special system to hold the screen when it’s attached.
As far as pricing is concerned, the MateBook clearly outclasses the Surface Pro 4. The most affordable model costs $699 (€630) while the most expensive is priced at $1,599 (€1,445), as compared to the Microsoft device - $899 (€812) and $2,699 (€2,450), respectively.
