Hands-on anticipation meets real-world proof
Huawei’s MateBook Fold has been a talking point since its China-only reveal earlier this year. Billed as a foldable laptop that unfolds into an 18-inch single screen, it promises a portable yet expansive computing experience. In a world of dual-screen laptops and convertible devices, the Fold stands out not just for its size, but for how light and practical it feels in everyday use.
Design that challenges expectations
Carrying the MateBook Fold is like lugging a well-made book—the form factor is slim, the weight surprising, and the build feel is premium. When folded, the design minimizes the gap to fit a keyboard, and Huawei’s detachable keyboard relies on strong magnets to attach at the back. The result is a device that’s comfortable to hold and easy to slide into a bag, with the keyboard feeling integral rather than an add-on.
Harmony OS in action: touch-first efficiency
The big surprise on the 30-minute hands-on session was how responsive the user interface is without Windows involved. The MateBook Fold runs Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5, and the experience is notably snappy with gestures and multitouch. A ten-finger tap can summon the keyboard, and the on-screen keyboard proves quite usable for quick edits and note-taking. While Windows-powered convertibles linger in the back of mind for some users, HarmonyOS here feels purpose-built for touch-first productivity.
How it feels vs. traditional PCs
Compared to familiar devices like the Surface Pro or Zenbook Duo, the MateBook Fold’s responsiveness stands out. I found HarmonyOS 5 more tactile and immediate than expected, which helps offset any initial skepticism about a non-Windows OS in a portable productivity device. For those who crave Windows compatibility, this ecosystem distinction will influence the decision process, but it also highlights a different kind of workflow—one that prioritizes fluid touch interactions over desktop-paradigm inputs.
Typing, keyboards, and input
When a slim keyboard is required, the MateBook Fold doesn’t disappoint. The keyboard offers about 1.5 mm of travel and a responsive touchpad, designed to minimize accidental touches. The matte keys feel comfortable for longer typing sessions, and the pressure-sensitive touchpad provides reliable feedback even on fast typing bursts.
Specs that push the form factor forward
Huawei’s foldable notebook is impressively slim: 14.9 mm thick when folded, 7.3 mm unfolded. Weight comes in at about 1.16 kg without the keyboard and 1.45 kg with it, positioning the device among the lightest in its class. The 18-inch OLED panel delivers a 92% screen-to-body ratio, a minimal crease, and a 4:3 aspect ratio for work-focused tasks. When folded, a 13-inch screen (3:2 aspect) gives you a practical workspace for on-the-go productivity. Brightness is strong, with 700 nits typical and up to 1,600 nits peak for outdoor or bright environments.
Battery, performance, and ports
Under the hood, the MateBook Fold uses Huawei’s in-house processor, paired with up to 32 GB RAM and 1 TB or 2 TB of storage. The 74.60 Wh battery sits in the large-capacity camp, though real-world endurance will vary with display usage, brightness, and app load. On the audio front, six built-in speakers and four microphones complement the video call experience with the 8 MP front-facing camera.
The reality of a China-first release
At its price and hardware, the MateBook Fold is a bold entry that pushes what a mobile workstation can be. It’s offered in China at ¥23,999, with conversions to roughly $3,330 / £2,490 / AU$5,200. The HarmonyOS ecosystem is a key selling point, but it also means some mainstream software may lack compatibility. Still, for travelers and freelancers who value a big screen in a ultra-light body, the Fold offers a compelling glimpse into what the future of mobile computing could look like.
Bottom line: would I buy it?
Yes—if price and software compatibility align with your needs. The Huawei MateBook Fold is the dream device for those who crave a large display, a featherweight feel, and the agility of a touch-first operating system. It may not replace every Windows-based workflow, but it does redefine what a portable laptop can be—and it signals where mobile computing is headed.
As a frequent traveler and freelancer, I’d pick this over a traditional laptop for its slim, lightweight design and the sheer versatility of a foldable 18-inch screen. It’s a bold step toward the future, and I’m here for it.
