Huawei MateBook X Pro 2023 in review – MacBook Air competitor also supports external GPUs

The MateBook X Pro 2023 follows in the big footsteps of the MateBook X Pro 2022 , which was completely renewed last year. This year, there is only a minor upgrade in the form of the latest Intel SoCs. In our test sample, we see the Intel Core i7-1360P which belongs to the Raptor Lake P series.

The display is still a very bright 14. 2-inch IPS panel and the connectivity features plenty of USB-C ports. Thunderbolt is also included, so we will take advantage of this opportunity to take a look at the performance with an external GPU.

In terms of price, the MateBook X Pro 2023 is on the same level as its predecessor in our configuration, which means you have to pay 2,199 Euros. That is not cheap since the 2022 model is currently available for 1,850 Euros. The MateBook X Pro 2023 has the same base unit as the 2022 model.

High-quality materials, such as magnesium, are used and provide good stability with a low weight. All surfaces offer a soft-touch finish, which has a very positive impact on the haptic quality in practice. The MateBook X Pro 2023 is also available in the familiar dark blue color (Ink Blue).

An alternative option in white is currently also available on the manufacturer’s official website. It remains to be seen whether there will also be a Space Gray version. Due to the choice of materials, the entire case looks extremely high-quality and very stable.

The base unit yields slightly in the upper, and middle keyboard area. However, this is not very pronounced and hardly bothers in everyday use. The display lid is also stable and benefits from high-quality materials, which are also excellently manufactured in all areas.

No cracking noises are audible. You have to make do with a slight teetering of the installed display hinges in everyday use. Nevertheless, the display holders make a very high-quality impression and thus match the overall look of the MateBook X Pro 2023.

The MateBook X Pro 2023 comes with two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support on the left and two more USB-C ports on the right. A short adapter cable to USB-A is also included. However, an adapter with an RJ45 jack would also be a useful addition.

The 2023 MateBook X Pro also supports the so-called Super Device function, which allows using Huawei devices (e. g. tablets, smartphones, monitors) to easily move content between each other.

The MateBook X Pro 2023 offers an up-to-date communication module Intel AX211 and can thus also use the 6 GHz frequency band (Wi-Fi 6E). Bluetooth 5. 2 is also available, which allows connecting other accessories wirelessly.

We were able to connect to the 6 GHz network with our test router Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 without any problems. However, the data rates could be improved because the MateBook X Pro 2023 cannot keep up with its rivals in the 5 GHz network. We recommend primarily using the newer 6 GHz network for Wi-Fi connections.

The data rates look much better here. There are no maintenance options for the end user in the MateBook X Pro 2023, which is an unnecessary restriction in our eyes. Since it is a test device from the manufacturer and scratches cannot be ruled out when opening it, we refrained from removing the cover completely.

After unscrewing the Torx screws (T5), the cover cannot be removed. Looks like there might be two more screws hidden under the rear rubber feet in the newer model as well. We did not succeed in removing the rubber feet because they stuck extremely tightly to the underside.

We already know the keyboard from the MateBook X Pro 2022 and thus the MateBook X Pro 2023 also offers an excellent keyboard that accommodates frequent typists. The low key drop of only 1. 5 mm is accompanied by a slightly muted stroke.

However, this cannot be classified as spongy due to the clearly noticeable pressure point. The two-stage white backlight helps in dark environments, but it has to be activated manually. The power button is not integrated into the keyboard and thus does not interfere further.

It also includes a fingerprint scanner, which works reliably. The touchpad has many useful features that have been directly adopted from the MateBook X Pro 2022. Thus, the touchpad is one of the highlights that the MateBook X Pro 2023 has to offer and sets it apart from the competition.

Huawei unites several features under the name FreeTouch , which are additional gestures. For example, you can scroll along the two vertical edges to change the screen brightness or volume, which is also supported by a haptic grid effect. Scrolling along the top edge also lets you fast-forward through videos or music.

There are also other gestures, which are shown in the screenshots below. The normal use of the touchpad also works excellently. Just like in Apple devices, touch is accompanied by haptic feedback, with very even and quiet clicking noise.

The touchpad itself is firmly installed in the base unit. The MateBook X Pro 2023 gets a 14. 2-inch IPS display with a 90 Hz refresh rate.

The high resolution of 3220 x 2080 pixels provides a high pixel density of 264 PPI. The capacitive touchscreen was convincing in the test and subjectively left an excellent impression. The factory-specified 500 cd/m² are easily surpassed in our measurements.

On average, we note a brightness of 550 cd/m² and almost 600 cd/m² at the peak. Together with the black value (0. 25), this results in an excellent contrast ratio (2380:1).

This is almost perfect for an IPS panel, although OLEDs can deliver much better rates here. There is also no negative criticism for color reproduction, and the picture is very sharp due to the very high pixel density. Subjectively, the display quality of the installed screen is excellent.

In summary, the measured DeltaE-2000 values of the colors are already on a good level in the state of delivery, which indicates that Huawei delivers a pre-calibrated display. However, the competition is also very strong in this area and even scores a bit better. The glossy touchscreen causes many reflections outdoors, which limits its use.

However, due to the bright display, positions can be found on sunny days to still be able to work outdoors. Shady spots are preferable here. The installed IPS panel offers good viewing angles, as you can see from the pictures.

With the Intel Core i7-1360P, the MateBook X Pro 2023 gets Intel’s latest processor. The RAM also keeps up with the times and uses DDR5 RAM. However, this is limited to 16 GB.

The mass storage is well served with a 1 TB SSD. Different configurations are currently not mentioned on Huawei’s website of the MateBook X Pro 2023. As with the 2022 MateBook X Pro, the preloaded PC Manager offers two performance modes, with the Balanced mode used by default.

Alternatively, the Performance mode can also be selected. However, this is only available in mains operation. It is particularly relevant that this mode can only be activated when the battery level is above 20 percent, even when the power adapter is plugged in.

The TDP values of the processor are listed in the following table. We performed the benchmarks and measurements with the Performance mode. Among others, the energy profiles Energy-saving mode and Balanced were also used in our tests for the emission rates.

The MateBook X Pro 2023 accommodates the Core i7-1360P – Intel’s most advanced SoC for mobile use, which also offers even more performance than the Intel Core i7-1260P of the MateBook X Pro 2022. Both processors are very similar, and the newer chip only differs with a higher base clock. This now increases to 1.

6 GHz, and up to 5. 0 GHz is possible in Boost. Our test sample can gain a lead of eight percentage points here.

Nevertheless, the MateBook X Pro 2023 has to settle for second place because Lenovo’s Yoga Pro 7 is still a bit better when we look at the CPU performance ratings. Under permanent load, we see that the processor’s maximum performance is only reached for a short time. Depending on the selected profile, we see 25 or 33 watts on average in the Cinebench R15 multi-loop.

Due to the temperature, the SoC has to be slowed down slightly again and again. For further comparisons and benchmarks we refer to our CPU comparison chart . The subjective performance impression of the MateBook X Pro 2023 is good, even though our test sample is only in the midfield.

It should be mentioned at this point that you hardly notice performance differences in modern devices in practice. LatencyMon already shows us increased latencies when opening several tabs in Edge, which do not worsen further when playing our 4K test video. The iGPU utilization is at about 40%.

Only after we start Prime95 do the latencies skyrocket. Huawei provides the MateBook X Pro 2023 with a PCIe 3. 0 x4 SSD with a storage capacity of 1 TB, which is not specified by the manufacturer.

About 885 GB are still available after the first use. As in the 2022 model, the manufacturer divides the SSD into two partitions. The system drive thus holds just under 200 GB, while about 735 GB are available for other data on the D drive.

The division makes more sense than in the previous year’s model, where the system drive only had 120 GB of storage space. After deducting the Windows installation, there are now about 120 GB available. There are also restrictions in terms of speed when the mass storage is under permanent load.

According to HWiNFO, we see temperatures of 79 °C, which causes the performance to drop periodically. However, in everyday use, during our normal test procedures with many installations, we could not determine any noticeable restrictions. For further comparisons and benchmarks, we refer to our comparison chart here .

The graphics card here is the well-known Iris Xe Graphics G7 iGPU from Intel in the faster version with 96 EUs. The iGPU is up to normal everyday use and offers sufficient performance. In addition, the graphics adapter also copes with the playback of high-resolution videos without any problems.

In the synthetic benchmarks, the iGPU benefits from the dual-channel configuration of the working memory and accordingly achieves good rates. However, we do not see a performance increase compared to the MateBook X Pro 2022. Compared to AMD’s current Radeon 680M iGPU , the Intel iGPU is clearly at a disadvantage.

More GPU benchmarks are available here Mobile Graphics Cards – Benchmark List . The built-in iGPU is not a good gaming solution, even though the performance is better than that of the MateBook X Pro 2022 . We only achieved playable frames in current games in low resolutions and low details.

As hinted at earlier in the review, we ran additional synthetic benchmarks and gaming tests, along with the MateBook X Pro 2023 and Razer Core X, with our Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti installed. The 3D performance can be noticeably increased via Thunderbolt with the corresponding accessories. We used some of our mini-PCs as a direct comparison.

They are also equipped with laptop technology and feature current Intel or AMD SoCs. As a result, we see an almost identical result between the comparison devices. Basically, we can say that the 3D performance can be increased excellently with this configuration.

A large number of games are thus playable smoothly in high resolutions and maximum details. However, the performance of the dedicated graphics card in conjunction with the eGPU dock is throttled to 4-lanes with PCI Express 3. 0 speed.

The installed cooling system consists of two fans and the vapor chamber unit offers a good cooling performance that allows the device to run relatively quietly. When idling, the MateBook X Pro 2023 even operates partially silent, although 42 dB(A) is reached during average load. During the stress test, the noise level drops to 40.

9 dB(A), which is associated with low power consumption under sustained load. Surface temperatures are not a problem for the MateBook X Pro. However, the case gets warmer than usual even when idling and performing light tasks, but we do not consider that to be a problem.

In the stress test, we see the same behavior as in the CPU-only tests. Shortly after the start, the SoC is allowed to use 64 watts and then stays at 30 watts under permanent load. However, the clock rates of the CPU/iGPU can be kept quite stable on the whole.

The MateBook X Pro 2023 offers a great sound system, which enables excellent sound with 6 speakers. Subjectively, this is spacious and powerful. The good maximum volume of up to 94 dB(A) is also not to be scoffed at.

Compared with the two faded-in contenders, our MateBook X Pro 2023 scores slightly better here. You can do without external speakers in most cases. The new MateBook X Pro 2023 needs much less energy in idle than the previous year’s model, although the same display is used here.

The manufacturer could clearly improve this. We measured only 4. 1 to 8 watts without load.

We see a maximum of 90 watts on our meter, which is exactly what the included power supply can deliver. The maximum consumption is only present for a very short period. On average, the MateBook X Pro 2023 only consumes 56 watts.

The better energy balance of the 2023 model compared with the MateBook X Pro 2022 also ensures better battery runtimes. The 60 Wh battery can supply the device with energy for a good 9. 5 hours in our WLAN test.

The display brightness was reduced by four levels, which corresponds to 150 cd/m². Even extended movie nights are no problem because the MateBook X Pro 2023 lasts excellently with almost 9 hours here as well. However, it is worth mentioning that the battery runtime decreases noticeably with maximum display brightness.

In the WLAN test, the runtime decreased by about 4 hours. The device recharges relatively quickly. A full charge with the device turned on only takes 95 minutes, and the 80% is already exceeded after just under half the time.

With the MateBook X Pro 2023, the manufacturer is doing pure product maintenance this year at first glance, because only a new processor is used. The Intel Core i7-1360P meanwhile offers a slightly better performance when we focus purely on the CPU benchmarks. The two different performance modes are not noticeable in practice, although the performance difference is measurable.

It is especially noticeable in the volume. You can confidently use the balanced mode here. You hardly lose any performance and get a device that works very quietly in everyday use.

Furthermore, the manufacturer remains true to itself and does not change the 90 Hz display. It has a high resolution and can also process touch inputs. The brightness exceeds the factory specification and the factory calibration ensures low DeltaE-2000 values, which makes the display suitable for the semi-professional field.

There is certainly room for improvement here in the form of an OLED panel and a 120 or 144 Hz option. The 90 Hz of display installed here is a good compromise for everyday use. The MateBook X Pro 2023 is a very high-quality subnotebook with good system performance, great speakers, and an excellent IPS display, making it one of the best Windows ultrabooks currently available.

Huawei does not compromise on the equipment either and still installs two full-fledged Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are supported by two additional USB-C interfaces. The lack of a Type-A USB port can thus only be counteracted via adapter solutions. The interaction with other Huawei devices, such as smartphones or tablets, will please many users.

The manufacturer also does a lot right in terms of input devices. The keyboard is pleasant to use and suitable for frequent typists, and the touchpad is also a great mouse replacement with many useful features that make everyday use easier. The MacBook Air M2 is still one of the biggest contenders because, thanks to the M2 chip, it is more efficient and, thanks to passive cooling, silent.

Also, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 is a serious contender, which has a much stronger iGPU based on the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS. The Yoga Pro 7 also offers a modern USB 4 port, which is suitable for connecting an external GPU. The new MateBook X Pro 2023 is now available in Huawei’s online store for 2,199 euros .

Also, Notebooksbilliger. de and Cyberport offer the MateBook X Pro 2023 for the same price. .