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Chuwi LapBook SE Laptop Review

Darkroom The Chuwi LapBook SE is one of the most exciting budget laptops from China. The LapBook SE has an aluminum case, a Gemini Lake quad-core processor, eight hours battery life and an easily accessible M.2 drive bay for SSDs. In this review, we will determine where Chuwi has made savings to keep the LapBook SE’s price below €350 (~$402).

Chuwi currently sells the LapBook SE in one variant that has an Intel Celeron N4100 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 28 GB eMMC on which Windows is installed and a 128 GB M.2-2280 SSD. However, the same case is also available on Gearbest without an SSD but is branded as an Alfawise laptop.

Chuwi Lapbook SE product page can be found here.

Chuwi LapBook SE (LapBook Series)
Processor
Intel Celeron N4100 4 x 1.1 - 2.4 GHz, Gemini Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Shared Memory, 6286
Memory
4 GB 
, LPDDR4 dual-channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Gemini Lake
Storage
SanDisk DF4032, 32 GB 
, + FORESEE 128 GB m.2 SSD, 131 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm jack, Card Reader: microSD
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17 x 318 x 216 ( = 0.67 x 12.52 x 8.5 in)
Battery
37 Wh, 10000 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.434 kg ( = 50.58 oz / 3.16 pounds), Power Supply: 191 g ( = 6.74 oz / 0.42 pounds)
Price
320 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

We like the LapBook SE’s case; this is not qualified by the device’s price either. The device has an aluminum case that is reinforced with a metal frame. Our test device weighs 1.4 kg (~3.1 lb), which makes the device not particularly light for its class. The case is robust though and does not creak or deform when we apply pressure to the device. The keyboard deck is made from plastic or a composite material, which feels cheaper than the rest of the device. By contrast, the fit and finish of our test device is impressive with no uneven gaps or other issues. The display has a glossy finish with little space between the glass and the display. The bezels are relatively thick though. We can open our test device with one hand, despite the single centrally mounted hinge being rather stiff.

The design of the LapBook SE takes design cues from the current generation of MacBooks, which is no bad thing. The small subnotebook’s design looks good and is finished to a high standard.

Chuwi base the LapBook SE’s dimensions and weight on the current Apple MacBook Air. The two devices are the same thickness and weigh the same, although the LapBook SE has a smaller overall footprint. The MacBook 12 is considerably smaller than our test device, but the LapBook SE has a 1.3-inch larger display than Apple’s smallest laptop.

Size Comparison

329.2 mm / 13 inch 220.5 mm / 8.68 inch 20.5 mm / 0.807 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs329 mm / 13 inch 220 mm / 8.66 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 1.7 kg3.84 lbs325 mm / 12.8 inch 227 mm / 8.94 inch 17 mm / 0.669 inch 1.4 kg2.98 lbs318 mm / 12.5 inch 216 mm / 8.5 inch 17 mm / 0.669 inch 1.4 kg3.16 lbs299 mm / 11.8 inch 222 mm / 8.74 inch 17.5 mm / 0.689 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs280.5 mm / 11 inch 196.5 mm / 7.74 inch 13.1 mm / 0.516 inch 920 g2.03 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

The LapBook SE’s port selection is the first sign of Chuwi’s cost saving. There are no USB Type-C ports, which could charge the device. Chuwi has equipped the device with two USB 3.0 Type-A ports instead. The device has a proprietary barrel-charger too, with a charging LED next to the port. The device is too thin for a full-sized HDMI port, so Chuwi has included a mini HDMI port; the same goes for including a microSD card slot over an SD card slot too. The port ensemble is finished off with a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Right-hand side: microSD card slot, 3.5 mm jack, USB 3.0 Type-A
Right-hand side: microSD card slot, 3.5 mm jack, USB 3.0 Type-A
Left-hand side: USB 3.0 Type-A, Charging port, Mini HDMI (reversed)
Left-hand side: USB 3.0 Type-A, Charging port, Mini HDMI (reversed)

SD Card reader

Our test device achieved less than 30 MB/s in both our micro SD card tests, making the LapBook SE slower than most of our comparison devices overall. Transferring large volumes of data, like RAW files from a camera, is not a pleasant experience. While the microSD card disappears completely into the case, the transfer speeds are so slow that we would not recommend using a microSD card to expand the LapBook SE’s storage space. We would only suggest using the microSD card reader with files that do not necessitate high read speeds like movies.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell XPS 13 9360 QHD+ i7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
128 MB/s +438%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
88 MB/s +270%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (19.5 - 193.9, n=16, last 2 years)
69.6 MB/s +192%
Chuwi LapBook SE
 
23.8 MB/s
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
23.3 MB/s -2%
Trekstor Primebook C13
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
22.7 MB/s -5%
Jumper EZbook 3
 
19.3 MB/s -19%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell XPS 13 9360 QHD+ i7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
248.1 MB/s +826%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
89.6 MB/s +234%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (23.6 - 239, n=16, last 2 years)
84.3 MB/s +215%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
37.2 MB/s +39%
Trekstor Primebook C13
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
35.2 MB/s +31%
Jumper EZbook 3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M401 64 GB)
27.4 MB/s +2%
Chuwi LapBook SE
 
26.8 MB/s

Communication

The LapBook SE uses an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth instead of the Gigabit Wi-Fi that is integrated with the device’s Gemini Lake processor. Our test device maintained a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout our testing, but its network range and transfer speeds could be better. Overall, the LapBook SE has better Wi-Fi performance than other Chinese notebooks that use Realtek chips.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +251%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
Broadcom 802.11ac
689 MBit/s +129%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
676 MBit/s +125%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4
476 MBit/s +58%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
301 (237min - 351max) MBit/s
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
281 MBit/s -7%
Jumper EZbook 3
Realtek RTL8723B USB 2.0
78 MBit/s -74%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s +307%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
Broadcom 802.11ac
660 MBit/s +114%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
655 MBit/s +112%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4
581 MBit/s +88%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
316 MBit/s +2%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
309 (299min - 316max) MBit/s
Jumper EZbook 3
Realtek RTL8723B USB 2.0
86 MBit/s -72%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340Tooltip
Chuwi LapBook SE; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø309 (299-316)
Chuwi LapBook SE; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø301 (237-351)

Security

The LapBook SE has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip integrated within its processor that Windows 10 uses. There are no other hardware security features though.

Maintenance

Our test device has a small maintenance flap on its underside labeled “M.2 SATA”, which is secured by two Phillips screws. Removing the flap reveals the device’s M.2 drive bay and the default 128 GB FORESEE SSD, which is quick and easy to remove. The rest of the bottom case is simple to take off too and requires removing twelve other Phillips screws. No spudger is required but be sure to remove the two screws under the rear feet and the one hidden behind the QA sticker.

Removing the bottom case reveals the rest of the LapBook SE’s components, but the eMMC memory and RAM are soldered to the motherboard, and the device has no fan to clean. The heatsink is removable too with just four screws holding it to the motherboard. We could not see any way to modify our test device’s cooling solution to dissipate heat onto the aluminum case though.

Warranty

Our test device comes with a one-year limited warranty from Gearbest, but we do not know of any Chuwi warranty. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The chiclet keyboard uses the full width of the case and has both a good layout and well-sized keys. The key travel is rather short but is good enough for medium-long typing sessions. The keys look like those used in current MacBooks, but they have a typical scissor switch rather than the butterfly ones that Apples uses. The keyboard has two-stage keyboard backlighting too.

Touchpad

The LapBook SE has a large Windows Precision plastic touchpad that is easy to use, albeit it is not as smooth as glass touchpads. The touchpad has a hinged button mechanism too, which is not as pleasing to use as dedicated buttons or Apple’s Force Touch touchpads. The hinge mechanism is also so stiff that we practically must use two fingers to generate a click. Overall though, Chuwi has done a better job with the LapBook SE’s touchpad than many other Windows 10 OEMs.

Display

The LapBook SE has a 13.3-inch IPS display by Sharp that Chuwi advertises as being high quality. Our tests suggest otherwise though, particularly as our test device reaches an average maximum brightness of 210 cd/m² and a maximum luminosity of 227 cd/m² at the center of the display. The relatively low maximum brightness and the display’s highly reflective finish make the device usable only indoors.

Our test device has comparatively high color space coverage but mediocre color accuracy by default. We improved the display's color accuracy considerably with further calibration; we have included our ICC file should you wish to use it. Our test device has an 89% uniformly lit display, which is on par with the more expensive Microsoft Surface Go and Apple MacBook 12. Unfortunately, our test device has noticeable backlight bleeding across all edges of the display as the included photo demonstrates.

The LapBook SE has good viewing angles though thanks to its IPS panel with little image or brightness distortion even at acute viewing angles. Our test device comes with a screen protector pre-installed too like many other Chinese notebooks, smartphones and tablets.

CalMAN: ColorChecker – uncalibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Grayscale – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Grayscale – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Colour Space – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Colour Space – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Spectral Curve – uncalibrated
CalMAN: Spectral Curve – uncalibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker – post calibration
CalMAN: ColorChecker – post calibration
CalMAN: Grayscale – post calibration
CalMAN: Grayscale – post calibration
CalMAN: Spectral Curve – post calibration
CalMAN: Spectral Curve – post calibration
Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array focused on a slide
Sub-pixel array focused on a slide
 
201
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
204
cd/m²
205
cd/m²
227
cd/m²
206
cd/m²
211
cd/m²
219
cd/m²
206
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 227 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 209.9 cd/m² Minimum: 2.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Contrast: 516:1 (Black: 0.44 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.6 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.9
ΔE Greyscale 7.9 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
95% sRGB (Calman 2D)
66.5% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
94.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.16
Chuwi LapBook SE
1920x1080, 13.30
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
SDC8353, , 2736x1824, 12.30
Jumper EZbook 3
MS_9003, , 1920x1080, 14.10
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Sharp SHP14A6, , 1800x1200, 10.00
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
APPA027, , 2304x1440, 12.00
Display
5%
-20%
2%
2%
Display P3 Coverage
65
68
5%
51.6
-21%
66.5
2%
66.8
3%
sRGB Coverage
94.8
98.4
4%
77.3
-18%
97.5
3%
95.4
1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
66.5
69.5
5%
53
-20%
67.5
2%
68
2%
Response Times
-17%
14%
135%
-8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
39.2 ?(19.2, 20)
48.4 ?(24.8, 23.6)
-23%
46 ?(25, 21)
-17%
44 ?(22, 22)
-12%
41.2 ?(15.6, 25.6)
-5%
Response Time Black / White *
27.7 ?(14.8, 12.9)
30.8 ?(16.4, 14.4)
-11%
11.6 ?(7.7, 3.8)
58%
25.6 ?(11.6, 14)
8%
30.4 ?(6.8, 23.6)
-10%
PWM Frequency
200 ?(29)
200 ?(99)
0%
1020 ?(99)
410%
Screen
63%
-28%
77%
53%
Brightness middle
227
224
-1%
384
69%
456
101%
387
70%
Brightness
210
219
4%
341
62%
426
103%
358
70%
Brightness Distribution
89
81
-9%
76
-15%
88
-1%
88
-1%
Black Level *
0.44
0.13
70%
1.28
-191%
0.31
30%
0.47
-7%
Contrast
516
1723
234%
300
-42%
1471
185%
823
59%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
6.6
2.4
64%
8.7
-32%
1.3
80%
1.6
76%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
12.2
3.7
70%
16.7
-37%
3
75%
4
67%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.9
1.1
42%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
7.9
2.5
68%
11.1
-41%
1.4
82%
1
87%
Gamma
2.16 102%
2.31 95%
2.2 100%
2.24 98%
2.26 97%
CCT
8879 73%
6869 95%
12445 52%
6687 97%
6680 97%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
63.4
62.3
61.6
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
98.3
96.8
82.2
Total Average (Program / Settings)
17% / 37%
-11% / -18%
71% / 74%
16% / 32%

* ... smaller is better

IPS panels typically have slow reaction times, and the LapBook SE is no different in this regard. Hardcore gamers may notice this when playing fast 3D shooters, albeit old ones.

Chuwi uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) for regulating brightness at and below 29% luminosity, which we measure at 200 Hz. PWM can cause some people to experience headaches and eye-strain, and while the PWM frequency is relatively low, the display is so dark at 29% brightness that most users would not notice the display flickering. We run some of our battery life tests on all devices at 150 cd/m², which equates to 60% luminosity on our test device.

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
27.7 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14.8 ms rise
↘ 12.9 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % 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
39.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19.2 ms rise
↘ 20 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. » 54 % 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 detected 200 Hz ≤ 29 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 200 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 29 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 200 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

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.


Viewing Angles
Viewing Angles
Backlight bleed
Backlight bleed
Viewing Angles
Viewing Angles

Performance

Chuwi has equipped the LapBook SE with a Gemini Lake processor, 4 GB of RAM and 28 GB of eMMC, the combination of which positions the LapBook as an entry-level device. The Intel Celeron N4100 is a quad-core processor though, which puts the device at an advantage over its equivalently priced competitors. The additional built-in SSD is considerably faster than the eMMC memory too.

Our test device feels noticeably slower than faster mid-range devices when running multiple browser tabs or when loading complex websites. Installing Windows 10 onto the SSD rather than the eMMC memory will help improve system performance, but the fixed 4 GB of RAM will always bottleneck the system. We would recommend limiting the number of apps and browser tabs that you have open when using the LapBook SE.

Processor

A view of the Intel Celeron N4100
A view of the Intel Celeron N4100

The Celeron N4100 is an economical quad-core 14 nm processor based on Intel’s Gemini Lake architecture. The CPU can clock up to 2.4 GHz, but the LapBook SE struggles to maintain the CPU’s maximum clock speed because of its passive cooling and limited thermal design power (TDP). The N4100 does not support Intel Turbo Boost, Speed Shift or Hyperthreading either; these technologies are used in Intel’s more powerful Core series chips, among others.

Our test device demonstrates its performance limits in Cinebench R15 where the CPU averages 1.5 GHz. The clock speed is higher than the CPU’s 1.1 GHz base clock speed but considerably lower than the chip’s maximum clock speed.

020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320Tooltip
Chuwi LapBook SE Intel Celeron N4100, Intel Celeron N4100: Ø157.8 (150.45-161.13)
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017) Intel Core i5-5350U, Intel Core i5-5350U: Ø279 (274.05-280.27)
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM Intel Celeron N4000, Intel Celeron N4000: Ø138.7 (137.98-139.15)
Chuwi GBox CWI560 Intel Celeron N4100, Intel Celeron N4100: Ø185.6 (184.81-188.15)
Lenovo Yoga 330-11IGM Intel Pentium Silver N5000, Intel Pentium Silver N5000: Ø285 (283.57-285.54)
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003 Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y, Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y: Ø162.9 (162.13-163.67)
Microsoft Surface Laptop i5 Intel Core i5-7200U, Intel Core i5-7200U: Ø308 (297.09-324.81)

Our test device performed consistently in loops of Cinebench R15 benchmarks despite being passively cooled. We measured only a 2% performance drop from our test device’s initial score to our final run of the benchmark. The CPU could score higher though, as shown by the actively cooled Chuwi GBox, which averaged 9% higher in Cinebench R15’s multi-threaded benchmark. Our test device resoundingly outperforms our comparison devices that are powered by Intel’s older Apollo Lake CPUs though.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=62, last 2 years)
234 Points +235%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
91 Points +30%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
90 Points +29%
Lenovo Yoga 330-11IGM
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
77 Points +10%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
73 Points +5%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Celeron N4100
69.8 Points
Average Intel Celeron N4100
  (62 - 71, n=12)
68.1 Points -2%
Chuwi GBox CWI560
Intel Celeron N4100
68 Points -3%
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Intel Celeron N4000
65 Points -7%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
65 Points -7%
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Intel Celeron N3450
36 Points -48%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=70, last 2 years)
1705 Points +959%
Lenovo Yoga 330-11IGM
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
284 Points +76%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
236 Points +47%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
218 Points +35%
Average Intel Celeron N4100
  (161 - 254, n=12)
206 Points +28%
Chuwi GBox CWI560
Intel Celeron N4100
188 Points +17%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
164 Points +2%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Celeron N4100
161 (150.45min - 161.13max) Points
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Intel Celeron N4000
138 Points -14%
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Intel Celeron N3450
128 Points -20%
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0
Pass 1
Average of class Subnotebook
  (146.9 - 305, n=8, last 2 years)
233 fps +304%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
76.3 fps +32%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
69 (61.3min - 76.8max) fps +20%
Average Intel Celeron N4100
  (57.7 - 77.7, n=3)
64.5 fps +12%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
58.3 (57.5min - 58.5max) fps +1%
Chuwi GBox CWI560
Intel Celeron N4100
58.2 fps +1%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Celeron N4100
57.7 (57.6min - 61.6max) fps
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Intel Celeron N4000
47.3 fps -18%
Pass 2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (33.2 - 129.6, n=8, last 2 years)
91.1 fps +672%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
15.4 fps +31%
Average Intel Celeron N4100
  (11.8 - 16.3, n=3)
13.3 fps +13%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel Core m3-6Y30
13 (11.7min - 14.2max) fps +10%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel Celeron N4100
11.8 (11.8min - 11.8max) fps
Chuwi GBox CWI560
Intel Celeron N4100
11.8 fps 0%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
11 (10.9min - 11max) fps -7%
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Intel Celeron N4000
9.49 fps -20%
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
3558
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2009
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
4915
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 32Bit
0.75 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 32Bit
1.99 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.13 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
7.51 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.8 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 32Bit
7.65 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
11.94 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
161 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
69.8 Points
Help

System Performance

We conducted our system performance tests using PCMark 8 and 10, which we installed on the SSD because the eMMC memory did not have enough storage space. Our test device outperformed devices equipped with older Intel Celeron CPUs thanks to the N4100’s four cores and its LPDDR4 RAM, even if it is just 4 GB.

However, our Intel Core-powered comparison devices like the Eve V and the MacBook 12 score considerably higher; the difference is noticeable in daily use too. In short, the LapBook SE is powerful enough for undemanding applications like word processors and some light web browsing.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=56, last 2 years)
5810 Points +287%
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3260 Points +117%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
2568 Points +71%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
2523 Points +68%
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW128G7
2497 Points +66%
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
2492 Points +66%
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, SanDisk DF4032
1502 Points
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, SanDisk DF4064
1438 Points -4%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1269 (1261min - 1270max) Points -16%
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
1195 Points -20%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=56, last 2 years)
7803 Points +204%
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
5075 Points +98%
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
4535 Points +77%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
4138 Points +61%
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW128G7
4019 Points +57%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
3552 Points +38%
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, SanDisk DF4032
2567 Points
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, SanDisk DF4064
2335 Points -9%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
2012 (1995min - 2022max) Points -22%
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
1927 Points -25%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=56, last 2 years)
10202 Points +170%
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
7287 Points +93%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
6014 Points +59%
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW128G7
5977 Points +58%
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
5863 Points +55%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
5753 Points +52%
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, SanDisk DF4064
3856 Points +2%
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, SanDisk DF4032
3776 Points
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
3486 (3484min - 3505max) Points -8%
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
3286 Points -13%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=56, last 2 years)
6758 Points +612%
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
2544 Points +168%
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
2135 Points +125%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
1848 Points +95%
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW128G7
1759 Points +85%
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
1580 Points +66%
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, SanDisk DF4032
949 Points
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, SanDisk DF4064
897 Points -5%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
787 (784min - 789max) Points -17%
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
734 Points -23%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3478 Points
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
3396 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
3230 Points
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
3078 Points
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW128G7
2685 Points
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4000, SanDisk DF4064
2040 Points
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, FORESEE 128GB O1229B
1816 Points
Microsoft Surface 3
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8700, 128 GB eMMC Flash
1677 Points
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
1592 Points
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1461 (1450min - 1461max) Points
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
UHD Graphics 615, Pentium 4415Y, 64 GB eMMC Flash
741 Points
Work Score Accelerated v2
HP 15-da0405ng
GeForce MX110, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
4728 Points
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
HD Graphics 6000, 5350U, Apple SSD SM0128G
4371 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Ramxel S121 RTNRB256RFM4KWDL
4224 Points
Apple MacBook 12 2017
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y32, Apple SSD AP0256
3946 Points
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2972 - 5271, n=3, last 2 years)
3805 Points
Chuwi LapBook SE
UHD Graphics 600, Celeron N4100, FORESEE 128GB O1229B
2993 Points
Jumper EZbook 3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3350, Toshiba 064G93 64 GB eMMC
2207 Points
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, 64 GB eMMC Flash
2152 (2150min - 2152max) Points

Storage Devices

As mentioned earlier, Chuwi has installed Windows 10 on our test device’s slow eMMC memory rather than the faster M.2-2280 SATA SSD. The SanDisk DF4032 eMMC drive has 28 GB of usable memory and achieves sequential read speeds between 264 MB/s and 132 MB/s. Overall, the transfer speeds are good for an eMMC drive, but the FORESEE 128 GB SSD is much faster and averages 422 MB/s in the same test. The included SSD is not particularly quick for a SATA SSD either.

SanDisk eMMC (OS)
SanDisk eMMC (OS)
FORESEE m.2 SSD
FORESEE m.2 SSD
SanDisk eMMC (OS)
SanDisk eMMC (OS)
FORESEE m.2 SSD
FORESEE m.2 SSD
Chuwi LapBook SE
SanDisk DF4032
Chuwi LapBook SE
FORESEE 128GB O1229B
Apple MacBook 12 2017
Apple SSD AP0256
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
64 GB eMMC Flash
Trekstor Primebook C13
SanDisk DF4064
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
SanDisk DF4128
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
194%
536%
92%
7%
26%
Read Seq
247
422
71%
940
281%
268
9%
264.7
7%
293.6
19%
Write Seq
87.7
347
296%
867
889%
126.2
44%
117
33%
106.1
21%
Read 4K
7.2
10.37
44%
22.8
217%
19.72
174%
5.04
-30%
11.45
59%
Write 4K
11.17
52.1
366%
95.7
757%
26.91
141%
13.16
18%
11.87
6%
SanDisk DF4032
Sequential Read: 256.1 MB/s
Sequential Write: 84.6 MB/s
512K Read: 198.3 MB/s
512K Write: 39.23 MB/s
4K Read: 8.05 MB/s
4K Write: 10.08 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 28.32 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 10.28 MB/s

Graphics Card

The Celeron N4100 integrates Intel UHD Graphics 600, which finished behind the older HD Graphics 500 in 3DMark 11. We could not read the GPUs clock speed for some reason, but we suspect that the shared 6 W TDP is the culprit for our test device’s relatively poor graphics performance.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=55, last 2 years)
8016 Points +1563%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
1257 Points +161%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-7Y32
1227 Points +155%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
1186 Points +146%
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
584 Points +21%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (410 - 854, n=27)
558 Points +16%
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Intel Celeron N4000
513 Points +6%
Chuwi GBox CWI560
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Intel Celeron N4100
484 Points 0%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Intel Celeron N4100
482 Points
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
390 Points -19%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=40, last 2 years)
29002 Points +926%
Apple MacBook 12 2017
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-7Y32
6863 Points +143%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
6602 Points +134%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
6078 Points +115%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (2346 - 4958, n=20)
3365 Points +19%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel UHD Graphics 600, Intel Celeron N4100
2826 Points
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
2651 (2630min - 2661max) Points -6%
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
2578 Points -9%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=59, last 2 years)
5881 Points
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
819 Points
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
735 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
  (307 - 637, n=21)
421 Points
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
310 (307min - 317max) Points
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
293 Points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
3279 points
3DMark 11 Performance
541 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
2486 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
97 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The UHD Graphics 600 is powerful enough for some undemanding games. Our test device averaged 30 FPS on Dota 2 Reborn at lowest graphics settings but could only manage 15 FPS in Path of Exile running at 1280 x 720 with the graphics set to low and to DirectX 11.

Dota 2 Reborn - 1280x720 min (0/3) fastest
Average of class Subnotebook
  (57.5 - 152.8, n=58, last 2 years)
108.8 fps +263%
HP 15-da0405ng
NVIDIA GeForce MX110
90.5 fps +202%
HP ProBook 645 G4 3UP62EA
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
66.5 fps +122%
Eve-Tech Eve V m3
Intel HD Graphics 615
57.4 (50.3min) fps +91%
Lenovo IdeaPad V110-15IKB 80TH001SGE
Intel HD Graphics 610
52.5 fps +75%
HP mt43
AMD Radeon R5 (Bristol Ridge)
37.9 fps +26%
Lenovo Yoga 330-11IGM
Intel UHD Graphics 605
35.9 fps +20%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel UHD Graphics 605
32.5 fps +8%
Chuwi LapBook SE
Intel UHD Graphics 600
30 (25.9min) fps
Jumper EZbook 3
Intel HD Graphics 500
15.9 (13min) fps -47%
low med. high ultra
Counter-Strike: GO (2012) 27.4
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 30 14.4 6.5 5.9
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 0 game wont start
World of Tanks enCore (2018) 34.8 4.8
Forza Horizon 4 (2018) 0 game wont start (hangs)
The Division 2 (2019) 0 game wont start
League of Legends (2019) 42.5 29.8 22 19.2

Emissions

Fan Noise

No coil whine when copying files
No coil whine when copying files

The LapBook SE is fanless, hence no fan noise. Moreover, our test device has no coil whine, so it operates silently. The power supply emits a low chirping sound when charging the device.

Temperature

The LapBook SE is a relatively cool device, but predictable surface temperatures get hotter when the device operates under sustained load. Our test device averages 26.2 °C (79.16 °F) at idle and most of the device stays below 30 °C (86 °F) under load. The left-hand side of the top case, the area under which the motherboard sits, reaches a maximum of 37 °C (98.6 °F) though.  

Max. Load
 37 °C
99 F
29 °C
84 F
25 °C
77 F
 
 37 °C
99 F
28 °C
82 F
24 °C
75 F
 
 34 °C
93 F
29 °C
84 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 37 °C = 99 F
Average: 29.8 °C = 86 F
33 °C
91 F
28 °C
82 F
25 °C
77 F
34 °C
93 F
30 °C
86 F
26 °C
79 F
34 °C
93 F
28 °C
82 F
26 °C
79 F
Maximum: 34 °C = 93 F
Average: 29.3 °C = 85 F
Power Supply (max.)  40 °C = 104 F | Room Temperature 20.4 °C = 69 F | Fluke 62 Mini + Fluke t3000 FC
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29.8 °C / 86 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 37 °C / 99 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 34 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.2 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34 °C / 93.2 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-5.7 °C / -10.3 F).
Heatmap of the bottom of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of the bottom of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of a hotspot on the bottom of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of a hotspot on the bottom of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of the top of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of the top of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of a hotspot on the top of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of a hotspot on the top of the device under sustained load
Heatmap of the top of the device during a Windows update
Heatmap of the top of the device during a Windows update
A hotspot on the display
A hotspot on the display

Speakers

The LapBook SE’s stereo speakers are unimpressive. Our test device’s speakers reach a maximum volume of 80.4 dB(A), but the sound quality is so poor that even YouTube videos are hardly fun to watch.

Fortunately, the headphone jack delivers noise-free and sufficiently loud audio playback. Our test device worked without issue with our high-quality AKG K701 headphones.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.437.32531.832.3313131.64030.728.25029.729.2632828.98025.727.610024.325.912525.225.916025.427.920023.929.225021.834.431521.841.140021.646.350020.250.963019.356.880018.762.1100017.966.5125017.666.7160017.468.3200017.467.9250017.166.7315017.167.4400017.168.3500017.272.4630017.374.1800017.368.21000017.464.51250017.355.71600017.341.4SPL30.180.4N1.444.1median 17.6median 62.1Delta1.813.235.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseChuwi LapBook SEApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Chuwi LapBook SE audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 31.4% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 6.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.7% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (5.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (31.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 92% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 6% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 88% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 9% 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%

Power Management

Power Consumption

The Celeron N4100 shows its strengths here and is comparatively frugal. The LapBook SE scores well when compared to the more powerful MacBook 12 and the Surface Go. Our test device’s average power consumption under load is somewhat misleading though as our comparison devices run the 3DMark 06 at higher CPU frequencies.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.4 / 0.9 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.7 / 6.3 / 7.6 Watt
Load midlight 12.6 / 24.6 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 LapBook SE
Celeron N4100, UHD Graphics 600, SanDisk DF4032, , 1920x1080, 13.30
Apple MacBook 12 2017
m3-7Y32, HD Graphics 615, Apple SSD AP0256, LED IPS, 2304x1440, 12.00
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
5350U, HD Graphics 6000, Apple SSD SM0128G, TN LED, 1440x900, 13.30
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Celeron N3450, HD Graphics 500, SanDisk DF4128, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.10
Lenovo Flex 6-11IGM
Celeron N4000, UHD Graphics 600, SanDisk DF4064, TN LED, 1366x768, 11.60
Lenovo Yoga 330-11IGM
Pentium N5000, UHD Graphics 605, 128 GB eMMC Flash, TN LED, 1366x768, 11.60
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Pentium 4415Y, UHD Graphics 615, 64 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1800x1200, 10.00
Average Intel UHD Graphics 600
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Power Consumption
-1%
-51%
4%
12%
14%
-3%
1%
-117%
Idle Minimum *
2.7
2
26%
3.4
-26%
3.6
-33%
2.7
-0%
2.3
15%
2.88
-7%
3.47 ?(1.9 - 7.1, n=27)
-29%
4.9 ?(1.77 - 11.8, n=63, last 2 years)
-81%
Idle Average *
6.3
5.4
14%
6.3
-0%
6.2
2%
4.5
29%
4.2
33%
4.8
24%
5.61 ?(1.9 - 9.6, n=27)
11%
8.4 ?(4.6 - 17.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-33%
Idle Maximum *
7.6
6.6
13%
7
8%
6.5
14%
5.7
25%
5.4
29%
7.5
1%
6.6 ?(2.9 - 10.4, n=27)
13%
10.4 ?(5.1 - 22.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-37%
Load Average *
12.6
22
-75%
34.5
-174%
13.5
-7%
13.7
-9%
15.4
-22%
16.9
-34%
13.6 ?(7.8 - 19.1, n=27)
-8%
46.1 ?(19.1 - 83.3, n=62, last 2 years)
-266%
Load Maximum *
24.6
20
19%
40
-63%
14.3
42%
20.3
17%
21.4
13%
23.8
3%
20.2 ?(9.5 - 27.8, n=27)
18%
66.2 ?(24.2 - 121.2, n=63, last 2 years)
-169%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The LapBook SE has a 38 Wh battery, which Chuwi advertises as having eight hours of battery life. Our measurements confirm this, with our test device lasting seven hours and twenty-four minutes in our Wi-Fi battery life test and nine hours and twenty-four minutes in our H.264 video loop battery life test.

Overall, the LapBook SE has good battery life when comparing our test device’s runtimes against our comparison devices.

Our test device performed equally well in 3DMark 11 on battery power as it did on mains power with the Windows 10 power plan set to Best Performance.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
7h 24min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
9h 24min
Load (maximum brightness)
5h 47min
Chuwi LapBook SE
Celeron N4100, UHD Graphics 600, 37 Wh
Chuwi LapBook 14 inch 2017
Celeron N3450, HD Graphics 500, 38 Wh
Chuwi Lapbook 12.3
Celeron N3450, HD Graphics 500, 36.48 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" 1.8 GHz (2017)
5350U, HD Graphics 6000, 54 Wh
Apple MacBook 12 2017
m3-7Y32, HD Graphics 615, 41.4 Wh
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Pentium 4415Y, UHD Graphics 615, 28 Wh
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Battery Runtime
-30%
-11%
44%
22%
-26%
4%
H.264
564
384
-32%
778 ?(426 - 1153, n=30, last 2 years)
38%
WiFi v1.3
444
372
-16%
395
-11%
638
44%
540
22%
448
1%
623 ?(303 - 1144, n=64, last 2 years)
40%
Load
347
199
-43%
180
-48%
115.4 ?(61 - 197, n=47, last 2 years)
-67%
Reader / Idle
696
771
1197 ?(581 - 2550, n=10, last 2 years)

Verdict

Pros

+ silent operation
+ no coil whine
+ affordable
+ craftsmanship and materials are impressive given the price

Cons

- the dark display makes outdoors use difficult
- visible backlight bleed
- low PWM frequency at 29%
- no USB Type-C
- weak speakers
The Chuwi LapBook SE review. Test device courtesy of Gearbest.
The Chuwi LapBook SE review. Test device courtesy of Gearbest.

The Chuwi LapBook SE is an affordable Chinese notebook that looks considerably more expensive and premium than it is. The easily swappable SSD is a bonus, but we would have liked to see a USB Type-C port.

The input devices are good too for the money, but the display lets the package down with its poor maximum luminosity. The speakers are another downside too, but fortunately, the headphone jack outputs audio cleanly. Moreover, the quad-core CPU is powerful, but the comparatively weak GPU performance is disheartening.

The Chuwi LapBook SE is an astoundingly good notebook for the money, but it is let down by a dark display, weak speakers and relatively poor GPU performance.

The LapBook SE costs around €245 / $280 including shipping, but not with the customs and taxes associated with importing a device from China. We would recommend researching the risks of importing a device from China too as there is no guarantee of manufacturer’s warranty and there may be additional taxes.

Chuwi LapBook SE - 10/02/2018 v6(old)
Klaus Hinum

Chassis
91 /  98 → 93%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
91%
Connectivity
44 / 80 → 55%
Weight
70 / 35-78 → 81%
Battery
90%
Display
71%
Games Performance
45 / 68 → 66%
Application Performance
61 / 87 → 71%
Temperature
93 / 91 → 100%
Noise
100%
Camera
31 / 85 → 37%
Average
73%
83%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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Klaus Hinum, 2018-10- 8 (Update: 2019-02-26)