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Honor MagicBook 15 in review: Ryzen 5 in a stylish suit

Affordable Apple alternative.

Honors' stylish 15.6-incher scores with a slim metal case, a Ryzen 5-APU and memory running in Dual-Channel mode. The battery life is decent, but not outstanding.

The Honor MagicBook 15 belongs to the office notebooks in the 15.6 inch format. It is the identical sister model of the Huawei MateBook D 15 (Honor is a brand of the Huawei company), which we have already tested. Both computers are powered by a Ryzen-5-3500U-APU. Competitors include devices such as the Schenker VIA 15, the Lenovo IdeaPad S340-15IIL, the HP 15s and the Acer Aspire 5 A515-43.

Honor MagicBook 15 (Magicbook Series)
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 4 x 2.1 - 3.7 GHz, Picasso-U (Zen+)
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), Core: 1200 MHz, Dual-Channel, 27.20.1017.1011 (Adrenalin 20.5.1)
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, Dual-Channel, memory permanently soldered, no memory slots
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics B156HAN02.8, IPS, glossy: no, 60 Hz
Mainboard
AMD Promontory/Bixby FCH
Storage
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ, 256 GB 
, M.2-2280, 190 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC256 @ AMD K17.1 - Audio Processor - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: Audiokombo, 1 Fingerprint Reader, TPM 2.0
Networking
Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 16.9 x 357.8 x 229.9 ( = 0.67 x 14.09 x 9.05 in)
Battery
42 Wh, 3665 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.46 V
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, MS Office 365 (Test version), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.53 kg ( = 53.97 oz / 3.37 pounds), Power Supply: 200 g ( = 7.05 oz / 0.44 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
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
Price
82.8 %
v7 (old)
07 / 2020
Honor MagicBook 15
R5 3500U, Vega 8
1.5 kg16.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
78.5 %
v7 (old)
02 / 2020
HP 15s-fq1556ng
i5-1035G1, UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
1.7 kg18 mm15.60"1920x1080
83.3 %
v7 (old)
04 / 2020
SCHENKER VIA 15
R5 3500U, Vega 8
1.4 kg17 mm15.60"1920x1080
79.4 %
v7 (old)
03 / 2020
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.8 kg17.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
85.2 %
v7 (old)
03 / 2020
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
R5 3500U, Vega 8
1.5 kg16.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
78.4 %
v7 (old)
11 / 2019
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
R5 3500U, Vega 8
1.8 kg18 mm15.60"1920x1080

Case & Connectivity - stylish, slim metal suit

The laptop's components are dressed in a stylish, gray (Space Gray) metal chassis, which is a bit more compact than its competitors' cases. Furthermore, the slim display bezel increases the computer's attractiveness. You'll look in vain for a webcam in this frame. It has been transplanted into the keyboard (between the keys "F6" and "F7") and can be folded in and out at the touch of a button. The case's workmanship and stability give no reason for criticism. The battery is firmly installed. There is no maintenance flap. The insides can be accessed by dismantling the lower shell - not a complicated operation.

While the MateBook D 15 has three USB Type-A slots to offer, the MagicBook only has two such slots (1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0). The USB Type-C slot (USB 3.2 Gen 1) is used to connect the power supply. It does not provide Displayport-per-USB-C functionality. Thus the notebook has a single video output with the HDMI connection. A memory card reader is not available.

The built-in WLAN chip (Realtek 8822CE) supports the WLAN standards 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The transfer rates determined under optimal conditions (no other WLAN devices in the immediate vicinity, short distance between notebook and server PC) turn out well. We are testing with the Wi-Fi 6 tri-band router Netgear Nighthawk AX12.

Size comparison

364 mm / 14.3 in 248 mm / 9.76 in 18 mm / 0.709 in 1.8 kg3.97 lbs358 mm / 14.1 in 242 mm / 9.53 in 18 mm / 0.709 in 1.7 kg3.73 lbs358 mm / 14.1 in 245 mm / 9.65 in 17.9 mm / 0.705 in 1.8 kg3.86 lbs357.8 mm / 14.1 in 229.9 mm / 9.05 in 16.9 mm / 0.665 in 1.5 kg3.37 lbs357.8 mm / 14.1 in 229.9 mm / 9.05 in 16.9 mm / 0.665 in 1.5 kg3.36 lbs356 mm / 14 in 234 mm / 9.21 in 17 mm / 0.669 in 1.4 kg3.07 lbs297 mm / 11.7 in 210 mm / 8.27 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Left side: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C; Power Delivery), USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) HDMI
Left side: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C; Power Delivery), USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) HDMI
Right side: Audio combo, USB 2.0 (Type-A)
Right side: Audio combo, USB 2.0 (Type-A)
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
SCHENKER VIA 15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1287 (1206min - 1352max) MBit/s +109%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1195 (922min - 1315max) MBit/s +94%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
690 (335min - 729max) MBit/s +12%
Average Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
  (87 - 690, n=29)
618 MBit/s 0%
Honor MagicBook 15
Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
616 (559min - 687max) MBit/s
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
588 (564min - 603max) MBit/s -5%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
RealTek Semiconductor, Device ID: C821
253 (214min - 288max) MBit/s -59%
iperf3 receive AX12
SCHENKER VIA 15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1413 (983min - 1471max) MBit/s +131%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1128 (1037min - 1164max) MBit/s +84%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
653 (593min - 667max) MBit/s +7%
Average Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
  (486 - 685, n=29)
622 MBit/s +1%
Honor MagicBook 15
Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
613 (577min - 630max) MBit/s
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
309 (278min - 319max) MBit/s -50%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
RealTek Semiconductor, Device ID: C821
277 (259min - 289max) MBit/s -55%
0501001502002503003504004505005506006507007508008509009501000105011001150120012501300135014001450Tooltip
Honor MagicBook 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø613 (577-630)
HP 15s-fq1556ng Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø276 (259-289)
SCHENKER VIA 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1413 (983-1471)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1127 (1037-1164)
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø652 (593-667)
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø309 (278-319)
Honor MagicBook 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø616 (559-687)
HP 15s-fq1556ng Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø253 (214-288)
SCHENKER VIA 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1287 (1206-1352)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1195 (922-1315)
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø679 (335-729)
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø588 (564-603)
ColorChecker
4.8 ∆E
13.3 ∆E
16.7 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
18.2 ∆E
15.4 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
23.7 ∆E
15.3 ∆E
10.2 ∆E
12.7 ∆E
9.7 ∆E
18.2 ∆E
21.3 ∆E
23 ∆E
9.9 ∆E
22.5 ∆E
30.8 ∆E
2.6 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
21.8 ∆E
25.1 ∆E
22.6 ∆E
1.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Honor MagicBook 15: 15.29 ∆E min: 1.43 - max: 30.8 ∆E
ColorChecker
11.5 ∆E
16.5 ∆E
7.1 ∆E
9.2 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
12.1 ∆E
17.3 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
17.2 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
14 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
15.3 ∆E
23.5 ∆E
15.7 ∆E
17.4 ∆E
17.9 ∆E
2.7 ∆E
14 ∆E
15.9 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
12 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
ColorChecker SCHENKER VIA 15: 13.46 ∆E min: 2.75 - max: 23.52 ∆E
ColorChecker
6.8 ∆E
7.2 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
6.5 ∆E
9.1 ∆E
7 ∆E
5.6 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
7.4 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
7.2 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
8.5 ∆E
9.9 ∆E
14 ∆E
11.6 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
7.5 ∆E
ColorChecker Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL: 8.53 ∆E min: 4.61 - max: 13.99 ∆E

Input devices - The MagicBook does not offer key illumination

Honor has equipped the MagicBook with an unlit Chiclet keyboard. The flat, slightly roughened keys have a short stroke and a clear pressure point. When typing, the keyboard yields minimally at best and not in a disturbing way. All in all, Honor delivers a keyboard well suitable for everyday use.

The multi-touch capable touchpad takes up an area of about 12 x 7.2 cm. Thus, there is enough space for using the gesture control. The smooth pad surface makes it easy for fingers to glide. The pad offers a short stroke and a clear pressure point.

Input devices MagicBook 15
Input devices MagicBook 15

Display - IPS on Board

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The matte 15.6-inch IPS screen operates with a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels. It offers good contrast (1,224:1), but the maximum brightness (247.4 cd/m²) turns out to be too low. We consider rates beyond 300 cd/m² to be good. Positive: The display shows no PWM flickering.

239
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
268
cd/m²
236
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
271
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
245
cd/m²
254
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B156HAN02.8 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 271 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 247.4 cd/m² Minimum: 2.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 256 cd/m²
Contrast: 1224:1 (Black: 0.205 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.94 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91, calibrated: 3.42
ΔE Greyscale 3.42 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
59% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.29% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.96% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.44
Honor MagicBook 15
AU Optronics B156HAN02.8, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AU Optronics AUO28ED, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
HP 15s-fq1556ng
AU Optronics B156HW02, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
SCHENKER VIA 15
Chi Mei CMN15E8, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
BOE CQ NV156FHM-T03, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
CEC PANDA LM156LF-CL07, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6"
Display
1%
-6%
70%
0%
-1%
Display P3 Coverage
39.96
40.49
1%
37.66
-6%
68.7
72%
40.43
1%
39.53
-1%
sRGB Coverage
59.7
60.9
2%
56.4
-6%
99.8
67%
58.8
-2%
59.5
0%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
41.29
41.84
1%
38.91
-6%
70.9
72%
41.77
1%
40.84
-1%
Response Times
-23%
-35%
-7%
-35%
0%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
36 ?(18, 18)
43.6 ?(20.4, 23.2)
-21%
51 ?(25, 26)
-42%
38.4 ?(18.8, 19.6)
-7%
46.4 ?(26, 20.4)
-29%
36 ?(18, 18)
-0%
Response Time Black / White *
25 ?(14, 11)
31.2 ?(18, 13.2)
-25%
32 ?(18, 14)
-28%
26.8 ?(15.2, 11.6)
-7%
35.2 ?(20.4, 14.8)
-41%
25 ?(14, 11)
-0%
PWM Frequency
25910 ?(30)
178 ?(10)
Screen
-6%
-12%
34%
-37%
-21%
Brightness middle
251
271
8%
254
1%
296
18%
320.8
28%
250
0%
Brightness
247
256
4%
234
-5%
273
11%
309
25%
228
-8%
Brightness Distribution
85
90
6%
86
1%
81
-5%
87
2%
83
-2%
Black Level *
0.205
0.15
27%
0.18
12%
0.25
-22%
0.27
-32%
0.205
-0%
Contrast
1224
1807
48%
1411
15%
1184
-3%
1188
-3%
1220
0%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.94
4.7
-19%
5.58
-42%
1.7
57%
7.68
-95%
5.65
-43%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.87
20.4
-159%
9.83
-25%
2.9
63%
21.97
-179%
13.7
-74%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
3.42
4.6
-35%
4.53
-32%
0.8
77%
4.65
-36%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.42
1.6
53%
5.02
-47%
2.1
39%
7.3
-113%
6.32
-85%
Gamma
2.44 90%
2.17 101%
2.83 78%
2.31 95%
2.12 104%
2.45 90%
CCT
6319 103%
6649 98%
6570 99%
6759 96%
6213 105%
7287 89%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
38
38.5
1%
36
-5%
64.7
70%
37.8
-1%
38
0%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
59
60.6
3%
56
-5%
99.8
69%
58.3
-1%
59
0%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-9% / -7%
-18% / -14%
32% / 36%
-24% / -30%
-7% / -14%

* ... smaller is better

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
25 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 11 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. » 55 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 46 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (32.8 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 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

As delivered, the screen shows a decent color display. With a Delta E 2000 color deviation of just under 4, the target (DeltaE less than 3) is missed. The display does not suffer from a blue cast. By calibrating the display only a minimal improvement can be achieved. The color spaces AdobeRGB (38 percent) and sRGB (59 percent) are not completely covered. 

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)

Honor has equipped the laptop with a viewing angle stable IPS panel. The screen can be read from any position. Due to the low maximum brightness, reading the display outdoors is only possible when the sun is not too bright.

The MagicBook 15 outdoors.
The MagicBook 15 outdoors.
The MagicBook 15 outdoors.
The MagicBook 15 outdoors.

Performance - Ryzen 5 with good performance delivery

With the MagicBook 15, Honor got a simple 15.6-inch office notebook in its assortment. It offers enough computing power for office and internet applications. Our test device is available for just under 600 Euros (~$686).

Processor

The MagicBook is powered by a Ryzen-5-3500U-APU (Picasso) from AMD. The CPU part of the APU consists of a quad-core processor that operates at a basic speed of 2.1 GHz and can Turbo up to 3.7 GHz. Simultaneous Multithreading (each core can process two Threads) is supported.

The Cinebench multi-thread CPU tests were run at 3 to 3.1 GHz (connected to AC/battery operation). The single-thread tests were done at 1.5 to 3.7 GHz (connected to AC) and 1.2 to 2.4 GHz (battery operation). 

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
HWInfo
HWInfo
HWInfo
HWInfo

To check if the CPU turbo is permanently used when connected to AC, we ran the Cinebench R15 benchmark's multi-thread test in a loop for at least 30 minutes. The results are on a largely constant level. The Turbo is being used.

04080120160200240280320360400440480520560600640680720Tooltip
Honor MagicBook 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø660 (639.6-665.26)
HP 15s-fq1556ng Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel Core i5-1035G1: Ø507 (150.07-663.92)
SCHENKER VIA 15 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø668 (665.42-677.39)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø517 (460.32-737.44)
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø669 (662.73-672.62)
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø508 (460.33-641.41)
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø505 (498.72-514.09)
CPU clock speeds during CB15 loop execution
CPU clock speeds during CB15 loop execution
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
144.8 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
664 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
49.81 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R20 CPU (Multi Core)
1495 Points
Cinebench R20 CPU (Single Core)
371 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (98 - 284, n=97, last 2 years)
231 Points +60%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7
182 Points +26%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel Core i5-1035G1
169 Points +17%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
144.8 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
144 Points -1%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
144 Points -1%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
143 Points -1%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (131 - 147, n=18)
142.4 Points -2%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (246 - 2642, n=98, last 2 years)
1577 Points +138%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7
737 Points +11%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
682 (572.66min - 672.25max) Points +3%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
678 (671.21min - 677.84max) Points +2%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
664 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (482 - 682, n=19)
642 Points -3%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel Core i5-1035G1
633 Points -5%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
614 Points -8%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
604 Points -9%
Blender - v2.79 BMW27 CPU
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel Core i5-1035G1
744 Seconds * -8%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (680 - 796, n=10)
704 Seconds * -2%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
688 Seconds *
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
680 Seconds * +1%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
680 Seconds * +1%
Average of class Office
  (208 - 1956, n=98, last 2 years)
414 Seconds * +40%
7-Zip 18.03
7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Office
  (2972 - 6687, n=98, last 2 years)
5267 MIPS +49%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (3502 - 3580, n=10)
3541 MIPS 0%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3540 MIPS 0%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3536 MIPS 0%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3536 MIPS
7z b 4
Average of class Office
  (7532 - 65460, n=98, last 2 years)
39147 MIPS +132%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
17014 MIPS +1%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (15825 - 17508, n=10)
16929 MIPS 0%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
16901 MIPS 0%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
16890 MIPS
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Office
  (229 - 766, n=97, last 2 years)
601 Points +62%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7
444 Points +20%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
371 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
364 Points -2%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (317 - 372, n=15)
354 Points -5%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
317 Points -15%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Office
  (590 - 5980, n=97, last 2 years)
3590 Points +140%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1624 Points +9%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1540 Points +3%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1525 Points +2%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1495 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (1063 - 1540, n=15)
1436 Points -4%
Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core
Average of class Office
  (510 - 1995, n=98, last 2 years)
1593 Points +76%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
905 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
895 Points -1%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (777 - 909, n=9)
886 Points -2%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
777 Points -14%
Multi-Core
Average of class Office
  (1018 - 11980, n=97, last 2 years)
7647 Points +142%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3165 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3157 Points 0%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (2543 - 3269, n=9)
3097 Points -2%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2543 Points -20%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - 4k Preset
Average of class Office
  (1.72 - 18.7, n=96, last 2 years)
10.5 fps +154%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
4.15 fps 0%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
4.14 fps 0%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
4.13 fps
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (3.35 - 4.15, n=10)
3.94 fps -5%
LibreOffice - 20 Documents To PDF
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (81.9 - 91.4, n=3)
86.5 s * -6%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
81.9 s *
Average of class Office
  (31.3 - 129.6, n=96, last 2 years)
53.3 s * +35%
R Benchmark 2.5 - Overall mean
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
0.763 sec * -3%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  (0.734 - 0.804, n=8)
0.749 sec * -1%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
0.745 sec * -1%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
0.74 sec *
Average of class Office
  (0.4244 - 1.135, n=95, last 2 years)
0.545 sec * +26%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The hardware combination of the MagicBook ensures a nimble and smooth system. We have not encountered any problems. The laptop has more than enough computing power for office and internet applications. The PC-Mark benchmarks show good results.

PC Mark 10
PC Mark 10
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3615 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3456 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4666 points
PCMark 10 Score
3883 points
Help
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Office
  (2463 - 7344, n=89, last 2 years)
5657 Points +46%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4679 Points +20%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i5-1035G1, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3992 Points +3%
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3883 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (3485 - 3972, n=16)
3766 Points -3%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3743 Points -4%
SCHENKER VIA 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
3646 Points -6%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
3496 Points -10%
Essentials
Average of class Office
  (5575 - 20841, n=89, last 2 years)
10148 Points +31%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
9511 Points +22%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i5-1035G1, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
8508 Points +9%
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
7775 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
7600 Points -2%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (6690 - 8300, n=16)
7533 Points -3%
SCHENKER VIA 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
7351 Points -5%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
6690 Points -14%
Productivity
Average of class Office
  (3041 - 10415, n=89, last 2 years)
7747 Points +34%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
7379 Points +27%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i5-1035G1, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
6679 Points +15%
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
5799 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (5456 - 6074, n=16)
5774 Points 0%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
5610 Points -3%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
5603 Points -3%
SCHENKER VIA 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
5555 Points -4%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Office
  (2126 - 9773, n=89, last 2 years)
6409 Points +82%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3961 Points +12%
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3526 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3344 Points -5%
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (2989 - 3526, n=16)
3337 Points -5%
SCHENKER VIA 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
3223 Points -9%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
3089 Points -12%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i5-1035G1, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3039 Points -14%
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Office
  (4252 - 4830, n=7, last 2 years)
4559 Points +26%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3791 Points +5%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i5-1035G1, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3673 Points +2%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3641 Points +1%
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3615 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (3316 - 4235, n=13)
3600 Points 0%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
3317 Points -8%

DPC-Latencies

In our standardized latency monitor test (web surfing, 4K video playback, Prime95 High-Load) we could observe high DPC latencies. The system is not suitable for real-time video and audio editing.

Latency Monitor
Latency Monitor
Latency Monitor
Latency Monitor
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Honor MagicBook 15
Vega 8, R5 3500U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
1343 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Storage

The system drive is a NVMe-SSD from Samsung. It is a model in M.2-2280 format that offers 256 GB of storage space. The transfer rates are very good.


The laptop has space for a further 2.5-inch drive. Installing one however proves impossible, because neither a mounting frame nor an SATA slot is included with our test device.

An NVMe SSD as the system drive.
An NVMe SSD as the system drive.
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3564 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 2348 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 328.1 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 261.2 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2183 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 2335 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 42.88 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 136.1 MB/s
Honor MagicBook 15
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
SCHENKER VIA 15
Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
Average Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
 
Average of class Office
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
3%
16%
-11%
-7%
-24%
5%
39%
Write 4K
136.1
203.1
49%
164.5
21%
130.8
-4%
134.8
-1%
114.9
-16%
Read 4K
42.88
65.3
52%
46.88
9%
54.8
28%
41.68
-3%
52.7
23%
Write Seq
2335
973
-58%
2659
14%
978
-58%
1651
-29%
1361
-42%
2091 ?(1761 - 2343, n=14)
-10%
Read Seq
2183
1651
-24%
2623
20%
1627
-25%
2300
5%
1385
-37%
Write 4K Q32T1
261.2
526
101%
310.9
19%
450.1
72%
260
0%
181.1
-31%
Read 4K Q32T1
328.1
345.2
5%
351.2
7%
345.9
5%
335.1
2%
340.5
4%
Write Seq Q32T1
2348
980
-58%
3236
38%
982
-58%
1641
-30%
1519
-35%
Read Seq Q32T1
3564
1883
-47%
3547
0%
1842
-48%
3452
-3%
1515
-57%
AS SSD
-19%
32%
-33%
-2%
-32%
0%
42%
Seq Read
2830
1705
-40%
2817
0%
1447
-49%
2613
-8%
1358
-52%
2276 ?(992 - 2980, n=15)
-20%
Seq Write
2187
904
-59%
2392
9%
926
-58%
1549
-29%
1300
-41%
1486 ?(391 - 2187, n=15)
-32%
4K Read
45.36
58.5
29%
53.5
18%
40.06
-12%
47.15
4%
44.88
-1%
4K Write
88.6
165.4
87%
129.4
46%
97.9
10%
111.6
26%
77.5
-13%
129.5 ?(78 - 188.4, n=15)
46%
4K-64 Read
732
323.1
-56%
1280
75%
323.7
-56%
748
2%
586
-20%
4K-64 Write
1199
827
-31%
1649
38%
791
-34%
1275
6%
738
-38%
Access Time Read *
0.055
0.056
-2%
0.041
25%
0.06
-9%
0.062
-13%
0.06433 ?(0.046 - 0.089, n=15)
-17%
Access Time Write *
0.037
0.044
-19%
0.034
8%
0.144
-289%
0.042
-14%
0.057
-54%
0.04793 ?(0.022 - 0.104, n=15)
-30%
Score Read
1060
522
-51%
1616
52%
508
-52%
1057
0%
767
-28%
Score Write
1506
1083
-28%
2018
34%
982
-35%
1542
2%
945
-37%
1173 ?(593 - 2214, n=15)
-22%
Score Total
3087
1901
-38%
4446
44%
1738
-44%
3097
0%
2115
-31%
2598 ?(1649 - 3862, n=15)
-16%
Copy ISO MB/s
1151
943
-18%
Copy Program MB/s
239.3
612
156%
426 ?(71 - 847, n=10)
78%
Copy Game MB/s
635
826
30%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-8% / -10%
24% / 25%
-22% / -25%
-5% / -4%
-28% / -28%
3% / 2%
41% / 41%

* ... smaller is better

Continuous load read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

The graphics output is done by AMD's integrated Radeon-RX-Vega-8 graphics core. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and reaches speeds of up to 1,200 MHz. The results in the 3D Mark benchmarks are at a normal level for this GPU. They are equally high in battery mode as when connected to AC.

GPU-Z
GPU-Z
DXVAChecker
DXVAChecker
3D Mark 11
3D Mark 11
3DMark 11 Performance
4054 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
65396 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
13287 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2382 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
760 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (1468 - 13132, n=93, last 2 years)
6794 Points +71%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3965 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3837 Points -3%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
3796 Points -4%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (1668 - 4317, n=44)
3447 Points -13%
SCHENKER VIA 15
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3174 Points -20%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2582 Points -35%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), Intel Core i5-1035G1
2485 Points -37%
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Office
  (1089 - 9375, n=94, last 2 years)
4910 Points +88%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2612 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2557 Points -2%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
2339 Points -10%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (1095 - 2901, n=41)
2224 Points -15%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1673 Points -36%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), Intel Core i5-1035G1
1574 Points -40%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Office
  (7982 - 58068, n=67, last 2 years)
26802 Points +41%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
18957 Points
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
18491 Points -2%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (7309 - 19399, n=37)
15327 Points -19%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
13766 Points -27%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
11453 Points -40%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), Intel Core i5-1035G1
Points -100%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Office
  (313 - 4109, n=94, last 2 years)
1601 Points +138%
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
673 Points
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (523 - 790, n=23)
673 Points 0%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
615 Points -9%

Gaming Performance

The Ryzen APU can run many of the games in our database smoothly. This is especially true for titles whose hardware requirements are not excessively high. Most games achieve smooth refresh rates at HD resolution (1,280x720 pixels) and medium quality settings - sometimes more than that. Even the one or other current title can be played.

lowmed.highultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 100.7 70.1 59.3 21.4
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 70.6 64.2 39.3 36.7
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 25.5 20.2 17.2
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2019) 24.4 12.6
Escape from Tarkov (2020) 33.7 16
Hunt Showdown (2020) 27.9 11.2
Gears Tactics (2020) 62.1 20.8 13.9
BioShock Infinite - 1366x768 High Preset
Honor MagicBook 15
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
59.3 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (17.2 - 68, n=16)
52.2 fps -12%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
39.9 fps -33%
HP 15s-fq1556ng
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
32.21 fps -46%

Emissions & Energy - The Honor notebook offers only medium battery life

Noise emissions

While idling, the fan often stands still and silent. Under load it turns up. We measured a maximum sound pressure level of 38.4 dB(A) during the stress test.

Noise Level

Idle
30.7 / 30.7 / 30.7 dB(A)
Load
32.7 / 38.4 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.7 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.835.232.834.133.82539.235.938.133.639.23133.737.833.933.533.74032.234.73130.832.25030.734.9303130.76329.131.327.828.629.1802827.326.326.72810026.526.526.52526.5125262725.8252616024.625.224.223.824.620024.825.423.423.224.825024.22322.323.224.231524.522.521.421.824.54002421.420.720.32450023.520.92019.723.563023.12019.519.723.180025.721.418.718.525.7100026.821.918.918.326.8125028.222.118.218.128.2160027.621.118.118.127.6200030.422.218.218.130.425002820.418.41828315025.919.518.518.525.940002619.618.518.526500024.31918.618.524.3630022.518.918.718.622.5800020.818.918.718.620.81000019.318.818.818.619.312500191918.91919160001919.118.919.219SPL38.432.730.930.938.4N2.81.81.51.52.8median 24.6median 21.1median 18.9median 18.6median 24.6Delta21.91.51.72hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHonor MagicBook 15

Temperature

The MagicBook in the stress test.
The MagicBook in the stress test.

At the beginning of the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running for at least one hour), the processor and graphics core operate at 2.7 to 2.8 GHz // 700 to 800 MHz. As the test progresses, the speeds drop to 2.1 to 2.2 GHz // 500 to 550 MHz respectively and remain at these levels. The stress test represents an extreme scenario that does not occur in everyday life. We use this test to check if the system runs stable even under full load.


The Honor device does not heat up excessively. During the stress test we registered temperatures just above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) at a few measurement points. In everyday use the values are perfectly fine.

Max. Load
 40.4 °C
105 F
39.8 °C
104 F
31.4 °C
89 F
 
 38.7 °C
102 F
37.1 °C
99 F
28.9 °C
84 F
 
 32.3 °C
90 F
28.9 °C
84 F
27.4 °C
81 F
 
Maximum: 40.4 °C = 105 F
Average: 33.9 °C = 93 F
33.1 °C
92 F
41 °C
106 F
40.9 °C
106 F
28.1 °C
83 F
37.1 °C
99 F
38.1 °C
101 F
27.4 °C
81 F
31.9 °C
89 F
33.1 °C
92 F
Maximum: 41 °C = 106 F
Average: 34.5 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  39.6 °C = 103 F | Room Temperature 24.2 °C = 76 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.9 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.4 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 41 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.2 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (32.3 °C / 90.1 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-4.7 °C / -8.4 F).
Heat development top side (load)
Heat development top side (load)
Heat development top side (idle)
Heat development top side (idle)
Heat development bottom side (load)
Heat development bottom side (load)
Heat development bottom side (idle)
Heat development bottom side (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers have found their place on the bottom of the device. They produce an acceptable sound, but with hardly any bass. Additionally the speakers only offer a low maximum volume.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.134.132.12534.733.634.73134.733.534.74032.230.832.25030.43130.46328.428.628.48028.126.728.110027.82527.812535.42535.41604023.84020040.423.240.425052.123.252.13155921.85940067.720.367.750066.819.766.863064.519.764.580062.318.562.3100063.818.363.8125062.418.162.4160060.118.160.1200059.418.159.4250061.11861.1315063.418.563.4400061.818.561.8500061.918.561.9630064.718.664.7800062.518.662.51000063.618.663.61250060.31960.31600051.119.251.1SPL74.830.974.8N37.21.537.2median 61.8median 18.6median 61.8Delta6.41.76.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHonor MagicBook 15
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Honor MagicBook 15 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (67.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 19.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 26% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 67% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 34% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 58% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy management

The Honor laptop does not reveal any peculiarities regarding energy consumption. In idle mode we register a maximum power consumption of 9.1 watts. During the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running for at least an hour), this value rises up to 44 watts. The power supply is rated for 65 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.34 / 0.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.6 / 8.5 / 9.1 Watt
Load midlight 38 / 44 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy

Battery life

Our practical WLAN test simulates the load when calling up web pages. The "balanced" profile is active, the energy saving functions are deactivated and the display brightness is regulated to about 150 cd/m². In this test the MagicBook 15 reaches a runtime of 6:01 h.

The MagicBook runs out significantly earlier than the identically constructed MateBook D 15. Changing the conditions does not improve the runtimes: Neither uninstalling the PC Manager software (an Honor/Huawei-own system management software) nor activating the Vari-Bright function (an energy saving function from AMD) causes changes. A possible explanation for the runtime differences could be the BIOS. The MagicBook is equipped with a newer version than the MateBook.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 44)
6h 01min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
SCHENKER VIA 15
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 91 Wh
803 min +122%
Average of class Office
  (300 - 1349, n=95, last 2 years)
612 min +70%
Huawei MateBook D 15-53010TUY
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 42 Wh
470 min +30%
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R6WW
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 48 Wh
466 min +29%
Honor MagicBook 15
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 42 Wh
361 min
HP 15s-fq1556ng
i5-1035G1, UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), 41 Wh
357 min -1%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-15IIL
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 36 Wh
258 min -29%

Pros

+ IPS screen
+ matte surface
+ stylish, slim aluminium case
+ NVMe-SSD
+ USB-C-Power-Delivery

Cons

- dark screen
- average battery life
- no key illumination
- no memory card reader
- low color space coverage of the display
- memory permanently soldered (no memory slots)

Verdict

The Honor MagicBook 15, provided by:
The Honor MagicBook 15, provided by:

With the MagicBook 15, Honor delivers a 15.6-inch notebook with a stylish metal case. Thanks to the Ryzen-5-3500U-APU there is no lack of computing power for office and internet applications. Even computer games can be played to a limited extent. Good: The device heats up only moderately and does not produce excessive noise.

The Honor MagicBook 15 offers an attractive appearance and a decent portion of computing power at a reasonable price. 

An NVMe SSD ensures a nimble and smooth system. Exchanging the SSD would be possible. To do so the case would need to be opened, which is not a complicated undertaking. An upgrade of the permanently soldered RAM (8 GB, dual channel mode) however is not possible. There are no memory banks.

The IPS Full HD display pleases with stable viewing angles, a matte surface, decent color display and good contrast. The maximum brightness is too low though. The color space coverage is also not convincing. The keyboard shows to be adequate for everyday use. However, we do miss key illumination.

The battery life is decent, but not impressive. A mobile use of the notebook requires the charger to be taken along. The latter is a universal charger with which the batteries of other devices (smartphone, tablet, powerbank) can also be charged. The charging cable is connected to the charger by means of a USB Type-C port. Helpful: The possible charging capacities (including charging voltages/currents) have been printed on the charger.

Honor MagicBook 15 - 07/15/2020 v7 (old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
84 / 98 → 86%
Keyboard
82%
Pointing Device
91%
Connectivity
42 / 80 → 52%
Weight
69 / 20-75 → 88%
Battery
69%
Display
84%
Games Performance
60 / 78 → 77%
Application Performance
85 / 95 → 89%
Temperature
92%
Noise
97%
Audio
58%
Camera
40 / 85 → 48%
Average
73%
83%
Office - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Honor MagicBook 15 in review: Ryzen 5 in a stylish suit
Sascha Mölck, 2020-07-20 (Update: 2020-07-20)