Notebookcheck Logo

Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 Laptop Review: Full sRGB Coverage For $300 USD

Great display in a janky chassis. The 13-inch Chuwi GemiBook offers the best 3:2 display you can find in this price range. Unfortunately, that nice display comes at the cost of subpar processor performance and an unreliable keyboard.

Chuwi is a company that shamelessly imitates popular laptops but at significantly reduced prices. To reach such affordable levels, the manufacturer cuts major corners by going for cheaper chassis materials, slower processors and more lenient quality control.

The latest Chuwi laptop is the 13-inch GemiBook "inspired" by the Huawei MateBook 13. It's notable for offering a high resolution 2160 x 1440 3:2 display for just $300 or roughly a third of the price of most other 3:2 laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop or aforementioned Huawei.

Users can check out more Chuwi products at AliExpress here.

More Chuwi reviews:

Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 (GemiBook Series)
Processor
Intel Celeron J4115 4 x 1.8 - 2.5 GHz, Gemini Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 600, DDR4, 26.20.100.7262
Memory
12 GB 
, 1200 MHz, Dual-Channel
Display
13.00 inch 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixel 200 PPI, Chi Mei P130ZFA-BA1, IPS, CMN8201, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Soundcard
Intel Gemini Lake SoC - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo, Card Reader: MicroSD reader
Networking
Wireless AC-9461 (ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17.75 x 289 x 219 ( = 0.7 x 11.38 x 8.62 in)
Battery
38 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.27 kg ( = 44.8 oz / 2.8 pounds), Power Supply: 121 g ( = 4.27 oz / 0.27 pounds)
Price
300 USD
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
73.5 %
09/2020
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Celeron J4115, UHD Graphics 600
1.3 kg17.75 mm13.00"2160x1440
75.2 %
LincPlus P1
Celeron N4000, UHD Graphics 600
1.4 kg16 mm13.30"1920x1080
67.7 %
04/2020
Jumper EZbook X3
Celeron N3350, HD Graphics 500
1.3 kg18 mm13.30"1920x1080
89.6 %
05/2020
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
i3-1000NG4, Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU)
1.3 kg16.1 mm13.30"2560x1600
84.5 %
08/2019
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
i7-8565U, GeForce MX250
1.2 kg14.7 mm13.30"1920x1080
83.9 %
02/2019
Tuxedo Book BU1307
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620
1.4 kg21 mm13.30"1920x1080

Case

The metal case looks nice and sleek from a distance, but everything falls apart once you start handling the system. The chassis tends to creak and the hinges feel like they'll fail one or two years down the line. Build quality is several steps down from pricier ultra-thin laptops that Chuwi likes to copy including the Apple MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Huawei MateBook, or HP Spectre.

Overall chassis design is derived from the Huawei MateBook 13
Overall chassis design is derived from the Huawei MateBook 13
Matte gray surface is slightly roughened to reduce fingerprint buildup
Matte gray surface is slightly roughened to reduce fingerprint buildup
Though the case is sleek, it bends and creaks to be reflective of the cheap price
Though the case is sleek, it bends and creaks to be reflective of the cheap price
Hinge becomes noticeably weaker when the angle is too wide
Hinge becomes noticeably weaker when the angle is too wide
Lid opens the full 180-degrees
Lid opens the full 180-degrees
Bottom panel has a "window" for quickly accessing the secondary M.2 slot
Bottom panel has a "window" for quickly accessing the secondary M.2 slot
324 mm / 12.8 inch 234 mm / 9.21 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs317 mm / 12.5 inch 212 mm / 8.35 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.4 kg3.12 lbs315 mm / 12.4 inch 208 mm / 8.19 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.3 kg2.79 lbs307 mm / 12.1 inch 211.5 mm / 8.33 inch 14.7 mm / 0.579 inch 1.2 kg2.65 lbs304.1 mm / 12 inch 212.4 mm / 8.36 inch 16.1 mm / 0.634 inch 1.3 kg2.8 lbs289 mm / 11.4 inch 219 mm / 8.62 inch 17.75 mm / 0.699 inch 1.3 kg2.8 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Port options are decent, but users will lament the lack of integrated HDMI. Fortunately, DisplayPort-over-USB is supported.

Port placement between the AC adapter and USB-C ports is too tight especially for thicker USB-C cables.

Front: No connectivity
Front: No connectivity
Right: MicroSD reader, 3.5 mm audio, USB-A 3.0
Right: MicroSD reader, 3.5 mm audio, USB-A 3.0
Rear: No connectivity
Rear: No connectivity
Left: AC adapter, USB-C w/ DisplayPort
Left: AC adapter, USB-C w/ DisplayPort

SD Card Reader

Fully inserted MicroSD card can be difficult to eject for larger hands
Fully inserted MicroSD card can be difficult to eject for larger hands
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
77.6 MB/s +201%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
25.8 MB/s
Jumper EZbook X3
 
24.3 MB/s -6%
LincPlus P1
 
18.1 MB/s -30%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
81.7 MB/s +199%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
27.3 MB/s
Jumper EZbook X3
 
27 MB/s -1%
LincPlus P1
 
27 MB/s -1%

Communication

1x1 Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. We experienced no issues when connected to our Netgear RAX200 test router. Wi-Fi module is not removable
1x1 Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. We experienced no issues when connected to our Netgear RAX200 test router. Wi-Fi module is not removable
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1350 (1315min - 1401max) MBit/s +296%
Samsung Galaxy Book S Intel
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
814 (528min - 898max) MBit/s +139%
Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
625 (543min - 707max) MBit/s +83%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Wireless AC-9461
341 (303min - 377max) MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1132 (806min - 1267max) MBit/s +225%
Samsung Galaxy Book S Intel
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1007 (635min - 1216max) MBit/s +189%
Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
857 (782min - 887max) MBit/s +146%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Wireless AC-9461
348 (339min - 355max) MBit/s
050100150200250300350Tooltip
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø347 (339-355)
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø341 (303-377)

Webcam

ColorChecker
10.5 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
17.6 ∆E
18.8 ∆E
21.4 ∆E
17.6 ∆E
12.1 ∆E
16.2 ∆E
20.5 ∆E
15.1 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
11 ∆E
24.2 ∆E
10.9 ∆E
22.7 ∆E
17.1 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
10.8 ∆E
12.4 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Chuwi GemiBook CWI528: 14.43 ∆E min: 2.9 - max: 24.24 ∆E

Maintenance

The bottom panel is secured by 14 Philips screws with 2 of them underneath the rear rubber feet. There isn't anything to upgrade beyond storage as RAM and WLAN are soldered.

Accessories and Warranty

There are no extras in the box other than the AC adapter. The standard one-year limited warranty applies, but the return process can be difficult due to overseas shipping to Asia.

Input Devices

Backlit keyboard. The key caps are large and with easy-to-read font
Backlit keyboard. The key caps are large and with easy-to-read font
Sizable 11 x 7 cm Precision clickpad. The integrated mouse buttons are shallow with satisfying "click" and feedback when pressed
Sizable 11 x 7 cm Precision clickpad. The integrated mouse buttons are shallow with satisfying "click" and feedback when pressed
Key feedback is firm but not always consistent or uniform. The Enter and Shift keys, for example, are softer than the main QWERTY keys
Key feedback is firm but not always consistent or uniform. The Enter and Shift keys, for example, are softer than the main QWERTY keys
Spongy Up/Dn arrow keys
Spongy Up/Dn arrow keys

Display

The Chi Mei P130ZFA-BA1 IPS panel on the GemiBook can also be found on the Huawei MateBook 13. Thus, characteristics like colors, response times, and contrast ratios are similar between the two laptops. Keep in mind that the Huawei laptop costs almost $1000 more than our Chuwi.

Display is not a touchscreen despite the glossy edge-to-edge glass
Display is not a touchscreen despite the glossy edge-to-edge glass
Narrow side bezels
Narrow side bezels
Crisp subpixels for crisp texts and images with no graininess issues
Crisp subpixels for crisp texts and images with no graininess issues
Just minor uneven backlight bleeding along the corners
Just minor uneven backlight bleeding along the corners
241.8
cd/m²
260
cd/m²
244.1
cd/m²
248
cd/m²
255.8
cd/m²
242.2
cd/m²
242.8
cd/m²
246.5
cd/m²
237
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Chi Mei P130ZFA-BA1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 260 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 246.5 cd/m² Minimum: 23.62 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 255.8 cd/m²
Contrast: 1066:1 (Black: 0.24 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.61 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 0.9
ΔE Greyscale 5.9 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
63.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
68.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
98.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
67.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.19
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Chi Mei P130ZFA-BA1, IPS, 13.00, 2160x1440
LincPlus P1
LC133LF2L03, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Jumper EZbook X3
PBTB133F006 A, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
APPA042, IPS, 13.30, 2560x1600
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
InfoVision M133NVF3 R2, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Tuxedo Book BU1307
AUO272D, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Display
-3%
-10%
3%
-5%
Display P3 Coverage
67.2
65.4
-3%
60.4
-10%
70.3
5%
64.4
-4%
sRGB Coverage
98.6
94.9
-4%
88.7
-10%
98
-1%
91.7
-7%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
68.7
66.8
-3%
61.7
-10%
71.6
4%
65.2
-5%
Response Times
5%
1%
3%
20%
21%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
37.6 ?(18.8, 18.8)
36 ?(20, 16)
4%
34 ?(22, 12)
10%
38.4 ?(20.4, 18)
-2%
31 ?(15, 16)
18%
34 ?(17, 17)
10%
Response Time Black / White *
30.4 ?(16.4, 14)
29 ?(17, 12)
5%
33 ?(21, 12)
-9%
28.4 ?(16, 12.4)
7%
24 ?(14, 10)
21%
21 ?(11, 10)
31%
PWM Frequency
250 ?(20)
119000 ?(75)
4000 ?(90)
400 ?(10)
Screen
-31%
-36%
34%
24%
1%
Brightness middle
255.8
264
3%
209
-18%
416
63%
768
200%
333
30%
Brightness
246
256
4%
203
-17%
403
64%
778
216%
319
30%
Brightness Distribution
91
84
-8%
95
4%
95
4%
82
-10%
83
-9%
Black Level *
0.24
0.25
-4%
0.2
17%
0.34
-42%
0.48
-100%
0.3
-25%
Contrast
1066
1056
-1%
1045
-2%
1224
15%
1600
50%
1110
4%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.61
7.36
-104%
8.43
-134%
0.9
75%
3.49
3%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
8.73
12.72
-46%
14.77
-69%
1.4
84%
7.41
15%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
0.9
2.12
-136%
1.68
-87%
0.6
33%
2.07
-130%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.9
8.74
-48%
9.81
-66%
1
83%
4.09
31%
7.35
-25%
Gamma
2.19 100%
2.41 91%
2.46 89%
2.2 100%
2.54 87%
2.35 94%
CCT
6805 96%
8741 74%
10135 64%
6629 98%
6452 101%
7156 91%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
63.1
62
-2%
57
-10%
63.9
1%
60
-5%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
99
95
-4%
89
-10%
97.6
-1%
92
-7%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-10% / -22%
-15% / -26%
13% / 25%
13% / 18%
11% / 6%

* ... smaller is better

Color space is excellent at 99 percent of sRGB to be comparable to most Ultrabooks retailing for over twice the price.

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB

X-Rite colorimeter measurements reveal an overly cool color temperature out of the box. Colors and grayscale improve dramatically after calibration with final average DeltaE values of just 0.9 and 1.2, respectively. We recommend applying our ICC profile above to get the most out of the display.

Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
30.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16.4 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 80 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
37.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18.8 ms rise
↘ 18.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 48 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Outdoors on a bright cloudy day
Outdoors on a bright cloudy day
Outdoors under shade. Glare will almost always be present
Outdoors under shade. Glare will almost always be present
Outdoors on a bright cloudy day
Outdoors on a bright cloudy day
Wide IPS viewing angles. Colors and contrast change slightly if viewing from extreme angles
Wide IPS viewing angles. Colors and contrast change slightly if viewing from extreme angles

Performance

 

Processor

Raw multi-thread performance is about 25 to 35 percent slower than the budget Core i3-8145U while being faster than the older Celeron N4100. Performance sustainability is flat since Turbo Boost potential is extremely short-lived.

See our dedicated page on the Celeron J4115 for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
CineBench R15
CineBench R15
CineBench R20
CineBench R20
0153045607590105120135150165180195210225240255Tooltip
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø224 (221.09-225.25)
LincPlus P1 UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø120.4 (118.17-121.14)
Jumper EZbook X3 HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø81.8 (81.02-82.28)
Chuwi LarkBox 4K Mini PC UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, 128 GB eMMC Flash; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø253 (207.57-262.65)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
902 Points +79%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
753 Points +50%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
657 Points +31%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (503 - 590, n=2)
547 Points +9%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
503 Points
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
378 Points -25%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
316 Points -37%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
272 Points -46%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
200 Points -60%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
400 Points +155%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
338 Points +115%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
296 Points +89%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
175 Points +11%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
157 Points
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (156 - 157, n=2)
156.5 Points 0%
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
153 Points -3%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
106 Points -32%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
93 Points -41%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
404 Points +80%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
350 Points +56%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
321 Points +43%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (225 - 263, n=2)
244 Points +8%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
225 (221.09min - 225.25max) Points
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
171 (168.8min - 171.36max) Points -24%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
144.1 (131.27min - 145.38max) Points -36%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
125 Points -44%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
90 (89.56min - 90.33max) Points -60%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
160 Points +128%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
157 Points +124%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
154 Points +120%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
78.9 Points +13%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (70.1 - 71.1, n=2)
70.6 Points +1%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
70.1 Points
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
68.8 Points -2%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
47.6 Points -32%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
41 Points -42%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
5811 Seconds * -119%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
4564 Seconds * -72%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
4064 Seconds * -53%
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
3436 Seconds * -30%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
2650 Seconds *
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (2380 - 2650, n=2)
2515 Seconds * +5%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
1385 Seconds * +48%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
1123 Seconds * +58%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
4269 MIPS +95%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
4057 MIPS +86%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
2456 MIPS +12%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (2184 - 2215, n=2)
2200 MIPS +1%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
2184 MIPS
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
2150 MIPS -2%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
1825 MIPS -16%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
1454 MIPS -33%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
11135 MIPS +56%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
9858 MIPS +38%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (7129 - 8098, n=2)
7614 MIPS +7%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
7129 MIPS
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
5620 MIPS -21%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
4569 MIPS -36%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
4498 MIPS -37%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
3541 MIPS -50%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
1161 Points +183%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
1017 Points +148%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
475 Points +16%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
410 Points
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
409 Points 0%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (388 - 410, n=2)
399 Points -3%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
2434 Points +70%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
2017 Points +41%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
1431 Points
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (1410 - 1431, n=2)
1421 Points -1%
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
1082 Points -24%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
858 Points -40%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
3.59 fps +168%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
2.72 fps +103%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (1.34 - 1.49, n=2)
1.415 fps +6%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
1.34 fps
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
1.03 fps -23%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel Atom x7-E3950
0.98 fps -27%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
0.92 fps -31%
XIDU PhilBook Max
Intel Celeron J3355
0.7 fps -48%
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
161 s * -20%
Average Intel Celeron J4115
  (134 - 150, n=2)
142 s * -6%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
139 s * -4%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
134 s *
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
65.4 s * +51%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
56.8 s * +58%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Chuwi Hi10 X
Intel Celeron N4100
1.75 sec * -1%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel Celeron J4115
1.728 sec *
Average Intel Celeron J4115
 
1.728 sec * -0%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
Intel Celeron N4020
1.511 sec * +13%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
Intel Core i3-1005G1
0.755 sec * +56%
HP 17-by2437ng
Intel Core i3-10110U
0.74 sec * +57%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
225 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
13.3 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
70.1 Points
Help

System Performance

PCMark benchmarks are significantly lower than even an old Ultrabook running on an 8th gen Core i5-8250U. Subjectively, programs are slow to launch and multi-tasking between windows isn't nearly as snappy.

PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 10
Score
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
3882 Points +123%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
3507 Points +102%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
2229 Points +28%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
1738 Points
LincPlus P1
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1482 Points -15%
Jumper EZbook X3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1179 Points -32%
Essentials
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
7465 Points +50%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
7133 Points +43%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
5464 Points +10%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
4989 Points
LincPlus P1
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash
3889 Points -22%
Jumper EZbook X3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
2833 Points -43%
Productivity
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
6789 Points +143%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
5952 Points +113%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
3620 Points +29%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
2797 Points
LincPlus P1
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash
2638 Points -6%
Jumper EZbook X3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1885 Points -33%
Digital Content Creation
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
3133 Points +206%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
2758 Points +170%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
1521 Points +49%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
1023 Points
LincPlus P1
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash
861 Points -16%
Jumper EZbook X3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
835 Points -18%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
3499 Points +88%
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
3331 Points +79%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
2701 Points +45%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
1866 Points
Work Score Accelerated v2
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
4922 Points +68%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
2926 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
1866 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
2926 points
PCMark 10 Score
1738 points
Help

DPC Latency

LatencyMon shows DPC latency issues related to ndis.sys while opening multiple tabs on our homepage. 4K UHD video playback at 60 FPS is otherwise smooth and with no dropped frames.

DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
HP 17-by2437ng
UHD Graphics 620, i3-10110U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV256G
2579 μs * -17%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4020, SanDisk DA4064
2421 μs * -9%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
2213 μs *
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
2166 μs * +2%
Chuwi Hi10 X
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, SanDisk DF4128
1981 μs * +10%
Samsung Galaxy Book S Intel
UHD Graphics G7 (Lakefield GT2 64 EU), i5-L16G7, 256 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
1576 μs * +29%
Samsung Galaxy Book Ion 13.3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
1168 μs * +47%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
Vega 5, R3 4300U, SK hynix BC511 HFM256GDJTNI-82A0
800 μs * +64%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
775 μs * +65%
Chuwi LarkBox 4K Mini PC
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, 128 GB eMMC Flash
766 μs * +65%
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14IIL05
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i3-1005G1, WDC PC SN520 SDAPMUW-256G
674 μs * +70%

* ... smaller is better

Storage Devices

Our unit comes with the uncommon 256 GB Morebeck-S100 M.2 2280 SATA III SSD. Sequential read and write rates are respectable at well over 400 MB/s, but almost any NVMe drive will handily outperform it.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CDM 5.5
CDM 5.5
Surprisingly, the system can support up to two M.2 2280 drives
Surprisingly, the system can support up to two M.2 2280 drives
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Morebeck-S100 256GB
LincPlus P1
64 GB eMMC Flash
Jumper EZbook X3
64 GB eMMC Flash
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Apple SSD AP0256
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
Tuxedo Book BU1307
Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
AS SSD
-88%
-81%
89%
107%
18%
Seq Read
434.7
236.1
-46%
246.2
-43%
1135
161%
1295
198%
2406
453%
Seq Write
415.9
151.4
-64%
155.8
-63%
1090
162%
593
43%
435.1
5%
4K Read
14.37
19.26
34%
18.41
28%
14.87
3%
45.58
217%
50.2
249%
4K Write
54.2
23.21
-57%
22
-59%
26.27
-52%
118.8
119%
1.45
-97%
4K-64 Read
139.3
21.08
-85%
22.45
-84%
585
320%
604
334%
818
487%
4K-64 Write
246.5
23.41
-91%
22.73
-91%
154.6
-37%
272.4
11%
145.6
-41%
Access Time Read *
0.127
0.23
-81%
0.246
-94%
0.126
1%
0.147
-16%
0.047
63%
Access Time Write *
0.172
0.774
-350%
0.621
-261%
0.058
66%
0.168
2%
2.784
-1519%
Score Read
197
64
-68%
65
-67%
713
262%
779
295%
1108
462%
Score Write
342
62
-82%
60
-82%
290
-15%
450
32%
191
-44%
Score Total
644
163
-75%
163
-75%
1365
112%
1607
150%
1780
176%
Copy ISO MB/s
448.9
593
32%
Copy Program MB/s
165.3
277.6
68%
Copy Game MB/s
413
452.7
10%
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-73%
-72%
104%
90%
204%
Write 4K
72.1
20.32
-72%
19.21
-73%
34.57
-52%
106.2
47%
158.2
119%
Read 4K
23.82
10.69
-55%
7.435
-69%
28.48
20%
44.89
88%
38.78
63%
Write Seq
417.6
98.6
-76%
138.8
-67%
1026
146%
639
53%
1487
256%
Read Seq
504
217.7
-57%
219.8
-56%
1109
120%
849
68%
913
81%
Write 4K Q32T1
125.7
23.81
-81%
24.39
-81%
178.4
42%
217.4
73%
330.5
163%
Read 4K Q32T1
145
21.84
-85%
22.2
-85%
557
284%
322.1
122%
423.8
192%
Write Seq Q32T1
496.4
79.6
-84%
122.3
-75%
970
95%
865
74%
1540
210%
Read Seq Q32T1
550
140.8
-74%
147.6
-73%
1513
175%
1630
196%
3556
547%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-81% / -82%
-77% / -77%
97% / 95%
99% / 101%
111% / 96%

* ... smaller is better

Morebeck-S100 256GB
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 550 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 496.4 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 145 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 125.7 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 504 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 417.6 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 23.82 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 72.1 MB/s

Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

GPU Performance

Graphics performance is about 15 to 20 percent slower than the average UHD Graphics 600 in our database or about 70 to 80 percent slower than the common UHD Graphics 620. This isn't a huge issue since the laptop was not built for any sort of gaming.

3DMark 11
3DMark 11
Ice Storm
Ice Storm
Ice Storm Extreme
Ice Storm Extreme
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
 
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-8565U
20618 Points +638%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
AMD Radeon RX Vega 5, R3 4300U
18282 Points +554%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R3 PRO 3300U
16787 Points +501%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U
10785 Points +286%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel HD Graphics 505, x7-E3950
3997 Points +43%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (2346 - 4958, n=20)
3365 Points +20%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115
2795 Points
Chuwi HeroBook 14
Intel HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), E8000
1594 Points -43%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-8565U
2988 Points +849%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
AMD Radeon RX Vega 5, R3 4300U
2438 Points +674%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R3 PRO 3300U
2245 Points +613%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U
1366 Points +334%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4
922 Points +193%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (307 - 637, n=21)
421 Points +34%
LincPlus P1
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000
386 Points +23%
Jumper EZbook X3
Intel HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350
364 Points +16%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115
315 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-8565U
2773 Points +824%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
AMD Radeon RX Vega 5, R3 4300U
2232 Points +644%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R3 PRO 3300U
2025 Points +575%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U
1239 Points +313%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4
839 Points +180%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (277 - 619, n=22)
396 Points +32%
LincPlus P1
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000
358 Points +19%
Jumper EZbook X3
Intel HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350
349 Points +16%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115
300 Points
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-8565U
3622 Points +783%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
AMD Radeon RX Vega 5, R3 4300U
3535 Points +762%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R3 PRO 3300U
3325 Points +711%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U
1978 Points +382%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4
1941 Points +373%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U
1672 Points +308%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel HD Graphics 505, x7-E3950
765 Points +87%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (410 - 854, n=27)
558 Points +36%
Microsoft Surface 3
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700
494 Points +20%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115
410 Points
Chuwi HeroBook 14
Intel HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), E8000
247 Points -40%
1280x720 Performance Combined
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-8565U
3968 Points +825%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R27B
AMD Radeon RX Vega 5, R3 4300U
3288 Points +666%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R3 PRO 3300U
2589 Points +503%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020-20UAS04T00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U
1998 Points +366%
Tuxedo Book BU1307
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U
1436 Points +235%
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4
1352 Points +215%
Chuwi LapBook Plus
Intel HD Graphics 505, x7-E3950
754 Points +76%
Microsoft Surface 3
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700
554 Points +29%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (362 - 983, n=27)
552 Points +29%
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115
429 Points
Chuwi HeroBook 14
Intel HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), E8000
319 Points -26%
3DMark 11 Performance
472 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
21920 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
2672 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
300 points
Help
low med. high ultra
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 32.2 15.5 6 5.5
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 6.15 4 3.63

Emissions

System Noise

The fan is quiet no matter the load. Even when running Prime95, fan noise would top out at only 26.7 dB(A) against a background of 26.2 dB(A). It's essentially unnoticeable in a typical classroom or office environment.

We can notice no electronic noise or coil whine on our unit
We can notice no electronic noise or coil whine on our unit
Cooling solution consists of a single ~35 mm fan and heat pipe
Cooling solution consists of a single ~35 mm fan and heat pipe
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron J4115, Morebeck-S100 256GB
LincPlus P1
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, 64 GB eMMC Flash
Jumper EZbook X3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i3-1000NG4, Apple SSD AP0256
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
GeForce MX250, i7-8565U, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G
Tuxedo Book BU1307
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB
Noise
-19%
-22%
-21%
off / environment *
26.2
29
-11%
30
-15%
30.5
-16%
Idle Minimum *
26.2
29
-11%
30
-15%
30.5
-16%
Idle Average *
26.2
29
-11%
30
-15%
30.8
-18%
Idle Maximum *
26.2
29
-11%
30
-15%
30.8
-18%
Load Average *
26.5
31.6
-19%
34.3
-29%
Load Maximum *
26.7
39.4
-48%
39.5
-48%
34.3
-28%

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
26.2 / 26.2 / 26.2 dB(A)
Load
26.5 / 26.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 26.2 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2035.636.832.735.22535.63534.336.13125.32424.324.54024.227.224.522.65021.425.721.421.76320.922.320.723.68020.221.521.722.510020.620.620.520.312519.619.51918.116016.51716.617.22001716.916.91725016.415.516.117.231517.215.916.318.640016.315.815.316.550015.215.215.315.563014.814.414.214.380013.914.113.813.9100013.613.813.513.7125013.313.613.513.7160013.813.813.413.7200013.813.613.913.7250013.913.713.813.8315014.21413.914400014.214.11414.2500014.514.214.214.4630014.914.114.114.6800014.914.114.214.51000017.414.31415.41250015.914.213.715.31600015.714.113.415SPL26.726.226.226.5N0.80.80.80.8median 14.9median 14.2median 14.1median 14.6Delta1.20.91.21.3hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseChuwi GemiBook CWI528

Temperature

Surface temperatures are warmest on the left half of the laptop compared to the right, but never by uncomfortable margins. The keyboard hot spot is only about 34 C when under extreme processing stress.

Rear exhaust
Rear exhaust
AC adapter after running high loads for over an hour
AC adapter after running high loads for over an hour
Max. Load
 31.4 °C
89 F
33 °C
91 F
28.2 °C
83 F
 
 30 °C
86 F
33 °C
91 F
27.4 °C
81 F
 
 24.2 °C
76 F
24.6 °C
76 F
23.6 °C
74 F
 
Maximum: 33 °C = 91 F
Average: 28.4 °C = 83 F
31.2 °C
88 F
38 °C
100 F
34.2 °C
94 F
29 °C
84 F
36.8 °C
98 F
33.4 °C
92 F
28 °C
82 F
28.4 °C
83 F
29.6 °C
85 F
Maximum: 38 °C = 100 F
Average: 32.1 °C = 90 F
Power Supply (max.)  41 °C = 106 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.4 °C / 83 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 33 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.1 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 26.2 °C / 79.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+2.1 °C / 3.7 F).
System idle (top)
System idle (top)
System idle (bottom)
System idle (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)

Stress Test

When running Prime95, CPU clock rates would jump to 2.4 GHz for just a few seconds until core temperature reaches 60 C. Thereafter, they drop to just 2.1 GHz or 300 MHz above the base clock rate of the Celeron J4115 in order to maintain a core temperature of 62 C.

Running on battery power will limit CPU performance slightly. A 3DMark 11 run on batteries would return a Physic score of 2397 points compared to 2688 points when on mains.

System idle
System idle
Prime95 stress
Prime95 stress
Prime95+FurMark stress
Prime95+FurMark stress
CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C)
System Idle -- -- 41
Prime95 Stress 2.1 -- 62
Prime95 + FurMark Stress 1.8 400 60

Speakers

Quad speakers near front corners. Audio is loud and with strong vibrations on the palm rests
Quad speakers near front corners. Audio is loud and with strong vibrations on the palm rests
Pink noise at maximum volume shows the poor bass reproduction and roll-off
Pink noise at maximum volume shows the poor bass reproduction and roll-off
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2035.236.835.22534.83534.83127.72427.74031.227.231.25031.525.731.56331.922.331.98034.721.534.710038.820.638.812541.819.541.816046.21746.220049.416.949.42505415.55431557.915.957.940062.815.862.850066.615.266.663072.914.472.980080.114.180.1100079.713.879.7125077.313.677.3160078.613.878.620007813.678250078.913.778.93150801480400080.414.180.4500078.514.278.563007814.178800075.614.175.61000070.514.370.51250067.414.267.41600063.214.163.2SPL90.126.290.1N83.30.883.3median 75.6median 14.2median 75.6Delta9.90.99.935.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseChuwi GemiBook CWI528Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (90.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 27.6% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 43% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 49% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 30% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 62% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Chuwi is not that power-efficient even when factoring in the Celeron CPU. Idling on desktop at the lowest settings and brightness level demands about 7 W compared to just 3 W to 4 W on the Jumper EZbook X3 or much more powerful HP Envy 13.

We're able to record a temporary maximum draw of 24.4 W from the small (~5.5 x 5.5 x 3 cm) 24 W AC adapter.

Constant consumption when running the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06
Constant consumption when running the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 24.4 W for just a second or two before falling and stabilizing at 16.6 W
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 24.4 W for just a second or two before falling and stabilizing at 16.6 W
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.47 / 0.52 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 7.1 / 9.3 / 9.6 Watt
Load midlight 14.1 / 24.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Celeron J4115, UHD Graphics 600, Morebeck-S100 256GB, IPS, 2160x1440, 13.00
LincPlus P1
Celeron N4000, UHD Graphics 600, 64 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Jumper EZbook X3
Celeron N3350, HD Graphics 500, 64 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
i3-1000NG4, Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), Apple SSD AP0256, IPS, 2560x1600, 13.30
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
i7-8565U, GeForce MX250, Toshiba KBG30ZMV512G, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Tuxedo Book BU1307
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD 970 EVO 250GB, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Power Consumption
27%
32%
6%
-77%
-38%
Idle Minimum *
7.1
2.9
59%
3.3
54%
2.1
70%
3.9
45%
5.5
23%
Idle Average *
9.3
7.7
17%
6.4
31%
6.2
33%
7.8
16%
8.9
4%
Idle Maximum *
9.6
8.2
15%
7
27%
7
27%
10.8
-13%
11.5
-20%
Load Average *
14.1
13.8
2%
13.4
5%
24.7
-75%
53
-276%
34.6
-145%
Load Maximum *
24.4
14.5
41%
14
43%
30.6
-25%
62.7
-157%
36.6
-50%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Runtimes are average at about 5.5 hours of real-world WLAN use. Recharging from empty to full capacity is also quite slow at 3.5 hours compared to 90 minutes on most other Ultrabooks. The system cannot be recharged via USB-C.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
5h 35min
Chuwi GemiBook CWI528
Celeron J4115, UHD Graphics 600, 38 Wh
LincPlus P1
Celeron N4000, UHD Graphics 600, 34 Wh
Jumper EZbook X3
Celeron N3350, HD Graphics 500, 34.9 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3
i3-1000NG4, Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), 49.9 Wh
HP Envy 13-aq0003ng
i7-8565U, GeForce MX250, 53.2 Wh
Tuxedo Book BU1307
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 66 Wh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
335
370
10%
472
41%
661
97%
512
53%
553
65%

Pros

+ excellent display with full sRGB coverage
+ DisplayPort-over-USB-C support
+ integrated MicroSD reader
+ sleek visual design
+ 2x M.2 2280 slots
+ backlit keyboard
+ very quiet fan
+ inexpensive

Cons

- questionable chassis quality and longevity
- display needs calibration out of the box
- inconsistent key feedback
- non-upgradeable RAM
- hinges could be firmer
- no USB-C recharging
- no webcam shutter
- very slow charging

Verdict

In review: Chuwi GemiBook CWI528. Test unit provided by Chuwi
In review: Chuwi GemiBook CWI528. Test unit provided by Chuwi

Without a doubt the best part of the Chuwi GemiBook is its high resolution 3:2 display. This display is the same one that Huawei uses for its flagship MateBook 13 meaning that you will get the same visual experience as a $1000+ Ultrabook from this $300 Chuwi. It's an impressive feat from this particular point of view.

Almost everything else falls apart once you look beyond the display. Charging is very slow, performance is even slower, the keyboard keys are loud, and the hinges are weak at certain angles. The MateBook-like design, quiet fan, and dual M.2 storage bays aren't enough to make up for the many drawbacks that impact the usability and longevity of the system. For $300, however, the GemiBook is still a decent if not imbalanced machine considering the asking price. For our money, the AMD-powered Walmart Motile is the better deal overall as it juggles display, performance, and design much better than the Chuwi.

Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 - 09/03/2020 v7
Allen Ngo

Chassis
60 / 98 → 61%
Keyboard
65%
Pointing Device
67%
Connectivity
37 / 75 → 49%
Weight
72 / 20-75 → 94%
Battery
67%
Display
80%
Games Performance
14 / 78 → 18%
Application Performance
63 / 85 → 74%
Temperature
94%
Noise
96%
Audio
75 / 91 → 83%
Camera
26 / 85 → 30%
Average
63%
74%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 6 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Chuwi GemiBook CWI528 Laptop Review: Full sRGB Coverage For $300 USD
Allen Ngo, 2020-09-14 (Update: 2020-09-14)