14-inch notebook at a low price: Chuwi CoreBook Air with AMD Ryzen reviewed

With the CoreBook Air, Chuwi has launched a compact budget notebook ($549 from the manufacturer) that is aimed specifically at price-conscious users who are looking for a lightweight work device for everyday use, studies, and the office. The 14-inch device is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 6600H, which offers sufficient performance for typical office tasks, web applications, and multimedia in everyday use. The processor is supported by 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, which ensures that programs start quickly and the system is pleasantly responsive in everyday use.

The matte display makes it easier to work indoors and ensures a decent display with stable viewing angles. At the same time, the CoreBook Air remains a practical companion on the go thanks to its low weight. In terms of features, Chuwi relies on a functional selection of ports and a solid build quality in line with the price. Minor limitations can be seen in the maximum continuous performance of the processor and the graphics performance, which is clearly geared towards everyday and not gaming requirements.

The notebook is also largely inconspicuous in terms of noise and waste heat in everyday use: the operating noise remains discreet during typical office tasks, and the cooling system is only clearly noticeable under higher loads but is still at a normal level for compact notebooks. The battery life enables several hours of mobile working and covers common usage scenarios solidly. In terms of energy efficiency, however, the CoreBook Air cannot quite compete with more modern platforms due to the older processor base.

Ultimately, the Chuwi CoreBook Air presents itself as an attractively priced overall package for users who are looking for a lightweight and compact notebook with solid everyday performance without having to go upmarket.