Hands-on with Huawei’s unusual MateBook Fold
Huawei introduced the MateBook Fold in its home market earlier this year, promising a new kind of mobile computing. The standout feature isn’t just the 18-inch single screen that unfolds from a compact chassis; it’s the device’s ultra-portable weight, a claimed 1.16kg without the keyboard and 1.45kg with it. That combination—large-screen versatility and featherweight portability—sets the MateBook Fold apart from rivals like Asus Zenbook Duo or other foldables on the market.
Design that surprised me in the hand
Carrying the MateBook Fold feels like carrying a substantial, glossy coffee-table book rather than a laptop. When folded, there’s almost no gap to fit a keyboard between the fold and the display. Huawei’s approach diverges from Microsoft’s Surface Pro-style detachables: the keyboard attaches magnetically at the back, and the magnets are strong enough to make the keyboard feel like a seamless part of the body. It’s comfortable to hold, and the sola footprint of the device makes it ideal for travel or commuter use.
HarmonyOS on a foldable canvas
A key moment in my 30-minute hands-on session was realizing how responsive the user interface is under HarmonyOS 5. The experience is notably fast with touch gestures, and the on-screen keyboard is surprisingly usable. Unlike Windows-based touch devices—where touch and keyboard carry friction—the MateBook Fold keeps interaction fluid. My quick tests included a ten-finger gesture to summon the keyboard and rapid navigation across menus, and the device felt immediately intuitive.
How it feels to type and interact
When the thin keyboard is in use, Huawei’s design doesn’t disappoint. The keyboard offers about 1.5mm key travel, and the touchpad is pressure-sensitive enough to register deliberate input. This helps mitigate concerns about a lack of physical keys on a foldable device and preserves a tactile typing experience even in a compact form factor.
Display, hinge, and usability
The MateBook Fold sports an 18-inch OLED panel with a 92% screen-to-body ratio and a minimal crease—an important detail for those who work long hours on-screen. The 4:3 aspect ratio is conducive to productivity tasks and reading, while a secondary 13-inch screen in 3:2 mode provides a practical workspace when folded. A built-in kickstand allows flexible use in both horizontal and vertical orientations, which is ideal for drafting, coding, or video calls.
Body, dimensions, and battery life considerations
Huawei lists a chassis thickness of 14.9mm when folded and 7.3mm unfolded, with weight as low as 1.16kg (1.45kg with the keyboard). For comparison, some dual-screen rivals sit thicker and heavier, while traditional ultrabooks hover around similar weights. The MateBook Fold leans into portability, but it does trade a few ports for its slender form—two USB-C ports remain, a familiar compromise for many modern laptops. TheWith a 74.60Wh battery, real-world endurance will depend on usage, especially the brightness and the power-drawing of the OLED panel.
Specs that power a foldable future
Under the hood, Huawei equips the MateBook Fold with an in-house processor, paired with up to 32GB of RAM and storage options of 1TB or 2TB. The device also includes six built-in speakers and four microphones, along with an 8MP front camera for video calls. While performance benchmarks would help quantify real-world results, the on-stage and hands-on feel was that of a capable productivity machine with bold design choices.
Is HarmonyOS enough to replace traditional PCs?
HarmonyOS 5 is central to the MateBook Fold’s identity. Some software ecosystems could be a hurdle, particularly for users who rely on Windows-specific applications. However, for travelers and freelancers who value lightness, portability, and a big screen in a compact form, HarmonyOS 5 promises an increasingly fluid experience that could redefine how we think about mobile computing. The bigger question—app compatibility and long-term software support—will determine adoption outside Huawei’s own ecosystem.
Is it worth the price?
At ¥23,999 in China (roughly $3,330 / £2,490 / AU$5,200), the MateBook Fold sits at a premium level. Availability outside China remains unclear, and buyers outside Huawei’s ecosystem should weigh app compatibility and future software updates. Still, for the right user—particularly a frequent traveler seeking a compact, large-screen device—the MateBook Fold is compelling enough to rethink what a laptop should be.
Bottom line
The Huawei MateBook Fold challenges the conventional laptop design with a bold foldable form factor that’s both light and practical. It may not be for everyone, but for those who crave a big-screen experience in a portable footprint, this device stands as a credible glimpse into the future of mobile computing. I’d choose it over many traditional laptops for its slim profile, strong magnetically attached keyboard, and responsive HarmonyOS experience—should software compatibility align with personal needs.
