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MagyarMWC19 | Huawei MateBook X Pro is finally getting the Whiskey Lake-U treatment
The original flagship MateBook X Pro launched in Q1 2018 to rave reviews from press. By Q4 2018, Huawei launched the cheaper mainstream MateBook 13 designed to be a step below the MateBook X Pro. The problem, however, was that the MateBook 13 was equipped with newer and faster processors to outperform even the pricier MateBook X Pro.
Huawei will finally remedy this with the MateBook X Pro 2019 refresh. The new model will carry the same chassis as the existing MateBook X Pro and so the changes are largely internal. Yes, this also means that the pop-up keyboard webcam will be returning for better or worse.
The table below summarizes the major updates.
| MateBook X Pro 2018 | MateBook X Pro 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Kaby Lake-R Core i5-8250U, i7-8550U | Intel Whiskey Lake-U Core i5-8265U, i7-8565U |
| GPU | Up to GeForce MX150 w/ 2 GB GDDR5 VRAM (10 W TDP) | Up to GeForce MX250 w/ 2 GB GDDR5 VRAM (25 W TDP) |
| Thunderbolt 3 | 2-lane, 20 Gbps | 4-lane, 40 Gbps |
| WiFi, Bluetooth | Intel 8265 + Bluetooth 4.2 | Intel 9260 or 9560, Bluetooth 5, NFC |
Although the list of changes is small, they are rather important for enthusiasts. Hardcore users (including ourselves) have criticized the original MateBook X Pro for having a gimped half-speed Thunderbolt 3 port and a weaker 10 W GeForce MX150 GPU — attributes that Huawei didn't explicitly mention in its advertisements. The 2019 model addresses these issues directly for significantly faster GPU performance and better compatibility with external GPU (eGPU) docking stations. In fact, Huawei says its new laptop can work with GeForce RTX 2080 eGPUs.
The easiest way to distinguish the 2018 model from the upcoming 2019 model is the logo on the outer lid. Whereas last year's model has the signature Huawei flower, the 2019 model spells out "HUAWEI" instead. Huawei says the change is merely skin deep and that there are no plans to abandon the recognizable flower logo.
On the software side, Huawei will launch Share OneHop on the new MateBook X Pro 2019 that functions similarly to Dell Mobile Connect. Users can wirelessly pair their smartphones to the MateBook X Pro with transfer rates of up to 30 Mbps (based on Wi-Fi Direct) to swiftly transfer videos, images, and files between the two devices. The downside, however, is that the software works only with Huawei smartphones running specific versions of EMUI. The older MateBook X Pro 2018 will not be updated with Share OneHop as Huawei says it is incompatible.
The 2019 MateBook X Pro is launching this April in the United States alongside the new MateBook 14. We will update this page with the official starting price once we have the info.
Source(s)
Huawei
