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Huawei MateBook X in review: Ultra-thin, extremely light and absolutely silent

Fanless lightweight. One kilogram light and only 13.6 mm thin - the Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) is one of the most compact notebooks ever. It is ultra-mobile and completely silent. But how does this affect the performance? Can you work reasonably with the device? Our test reveals the answer.

The competition around lightweight 1 kg (~2.2 lb) notebooks is relatively few. This is especially true when it is also a passively cooled device. This is implemented with a restrained Intel Core i5-10210U including onboard graphics, which Huawei combines with 16 GB LPDDR3 RAM and a great 3K display.

In our test, the Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) has to show what it has to offer and compete with other, sometimes significantly more powerful subnotebooks. Among other things, we will examine how the MateBook X compares to the also very light LG Gram 14Z90N and the more powerfully equipped MateBook X Pro.

Processor
Intel Core i5-10210U 4 x 1.6 - 4.2 GHz, 30 W PL2 / Short Burst, 7 W PL1 / Sustained, Comet Lake-U
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620 - 1024 MB VRAM, Core: 1100 MHz, Memory: 1064 MHz
Memory
16 GB 
, LPDDR3 SDRAM Dual-Channel
Display
13.00 inch 3:2, 3000 x 2000 pixel 277 PPI, Touchscreen, JDI RWLPM130M364C, LTPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Mainboard
Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium
Storage
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ, 512 GB 
, 405 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Comet Lake PCH-LP - cAVS
Connections
2x USB 3.1 (Typ-C) USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 (via USB-C) DisplayPort, Audio Connections: Combo, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 13.6 x 284 x 206 ( = 0.54 x 11.18 x 8.11 in)
Battery
42 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 4, Keyboard Light: yes, MateDock 2 (1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x VGA), 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.009 kg ( = 35.59 oz / 2.22 pounds), Power Supply: 262 g ( = 9.24 oz / 0.58 pounds)
Price
1.499 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible competitors in comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
87.6 %
05/2021
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620
1 kg13.6 mm13.00"3000x2000
87.8 %
03/2021
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs
1.3 kg14.6 mm13.90"3000x2000
84.4 %
06/2020
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg14.9 mm13.00"2160x1440
87.6 %
03/2021
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs
975 g15 mm13.30"2560x1600
85.3 %
05/2020
LG Gram 14Z90N
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
994 g18 mm14.00"1920x1080

Case & features: Stylish lightweight from Huawei

The casing of the Huawei MateBook X is made of an aluminum alloy that is pleasant to the touch and well-made. Despite its low weight the device can also be opened with one hand due to a small recess in the touchpad area. Nevertheless, the hinge offers sufficient stability and little play when opened.

Even more impressive than the haptics is the particularly low weight of 1,009 g (~2.2 lb). Coupled with its compact dimensions - 28.4 cm width, 20.6 cm depth and incredibly thin 13.6 mm height (~11.2 x 8.1 x 5.4 inches) - this results in an extremely mobile notebook that none of the comparison models can completely keep up with. As a result, the MateBook X hardly weighs anything when you are on the go and can even be stored in smaller bags without any problems.

The ports are few with two USB-C ports, one of which is required for charging, and an audio jack. However, Huawei includes the MateDock 2 (see below). There is no maintenance port

The Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 is installed for wireless Internet access. It delivers solid speeds in the test, but clearly lags behind the competing models with the same Wi-Fi module. A 720p webcam is also installed, which is sufficient for video calls, but colors are sometimes quite distorted. It folds out of the keyboard between F6 and F7 as usual for Huawei. That is nice in terms of data protection, but not exactly advantageous in terms of perspective.

Size comparison

323 mm / 12.7 inch 211 mm / 8.31 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 994 g2.19 lbs304 mm / 12 inch 217 mm / 8.54 inch 14.6 mm / 0.575 inch 1.3 kg2.89 lbs296 mm / 11.7 inch 209 mm / 8.23 inch 15 mm / 0.591 inch 975 g2.15 lbs286 mm / 11.3 inch 211 mm / 8.31 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.3 kg2.87 lbs284 mm / 11.2 inch 206 mm / 8.11 inch 13.6 mm / 0.535 inch 1 kg2.22 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connection equipment

Left: 1x USB-C (data transfer, charging, DisplayPort), 1x 3.5 mm jack for headphones/microphone
Left: 1x USB-C (data transfer, charging, DisplayPort), 1x 3.5 mm jack for headphones/microphone
Right: 1x USB-C (data transfer, charging, DisplayPort)
Right: 1x USB-C (data transfer, charging, DisplayPort)
MateDock 2 (center): 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x VGA
MateDock 2 (center): 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x VGA
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1338 (871min - 1460max) MBit/s +44%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1213 (1070min - 1354max) MBit/s +31%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s +25%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1129 (947min - 1229max) MBit/s +22%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
928 (481min - 999max) MBit/s
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
708 (684min - 720max) MBit/s -24%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1426 (699min - 1490max) MBit/s +116%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1401 (1271min - 1454max) MBit/s +112%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1397 (1247min - 1509max) MBit/s +111%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s +91%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
661 (637min - 674max) MBit/s
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
627 (579min - 673max) MBit/s -5%
05010015020025030035040045050055060065070075080085090095010001050110011501200125013001350140014501500Tooltip
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø660 (637-674)
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021 Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1400 (1271-1454)
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5 Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø627 (579-673)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1402 (699-1490)
LG Gram 14Z90N Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU); iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1397 (1247-1509)
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø912 (481-999)
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021 Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1129 (947-1229)
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5 Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø707 (684-720)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1338 (871-1460)
LG Gram 14Z90N Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU); iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1213 (1070-1354)
ColorChecker
19.9 ∆E
18.4 ∆E
23.7 ∆E
19 ∆E
25.6 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
21.3 ∆E
31.6 ∆E
22.8 ∆E
18.7 ∆E
16 ∆E
19.8 ∆E
25.3 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
27.9 ∆E
12 ∆E
25.5 ∆E
22.9 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
19.6 ∆E
20.9 ∆E
18.9 ∆E
10.2 ∆E
ColorChecker Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020): 19.57 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 31.58 ∆E

Input devices: decent laptop keyboard despite tiny case

Since the keyboard extends from the left to the right edge of the device, Huawei accommodates a keyboard with a reasonable key size despite the compact dimensions. A num pad is missing, and other function keys are also not installed. The key drop is expectedly small due to the device's thinness, but it is sufficient. Thus, a solid typing feel is achieved after a short familiarization period. The typing noise is also very low. Only the space bar is, as so often, not really quiet, but quieter than in many other notebooks.

Above the keyboard on the right is the power button with integrated fingerprint sensor. Below the space bar is the touchpad, which measures around 12 x 7 cm (~4.7 x 2.8 inches). The feel is pleasant, the control over the mouse pointer good. Left clicks are possible over the entire surface, apart from the lower right corner for right clicking.

Display: 3K resolution on only 13 inches

Pixel grid
Pixel grid
Slight backlight bleeding (shown intensified here)
Slight backlight bleeding (shown intensified here)

Huawei gives the MateBook X a 3K touch display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels despite its compact dimensions of 13 inches. This results in a high pixel density and thus a detailed picture. Subjectively, the MateBook X is a pleasing display.

The measured values also prove that it is a good panel, only surpassed by the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL among the comparison devices. It scores above average in terms of contrast, but lags behind the competitors in terms of 50% gray to 80% gray response time.

The brightness of the image is just under 400 cd/m², which is more than sufficient for indoor use. Touch operation works smoothly.

379
cd/m²
361
cd/m²
390
cd/m²
372
cd/m²
386
cd/m²
381
cd/m²
387
cd/m²
398
cd/m²
404
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
JDI RWLPM130M364C tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 404 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 384.2 cd/m² Minimum: 2.5 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 384 cd/m²
Contrast: 1608:1 (Black: 0.24 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.75 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.33 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
96% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.8% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.55
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
JDI RWLPM130M364C, LTPS, 3000x2000, 13.00
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
TIANMA XM, IPS, 3000x2000, 13.90
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
CMN8201 P130ZFA-BA1, IPS, 2160x1440, 13.00
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
N133GCA-GQ1, a-SI IPS LED, 2560x1600, 13.30
LG Gram 14Z90N
LG Philips LP140WF7-SPG1, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
-0%
5%
1%
0%
Display P3 Coverage
64.8
64.9
0%
67.9
5%
65.1
0%
65
0%
sRGB Coverage
95.9
94.4
-2%
98.5
3%
97.1
1%
95.5
0%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
65.9
66.3
1%
69.6
6%
66.6
1%
66.1
0%
Response Times
-4%
-3%
8%
-13%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
43 ?(20, 23)
37.6 ?(17.6, 20)
13%
41.6 ?(22.8, 18.8)
3%
38.4 ?(20.4, 18)
11%
40.4 ?(20.8, 19.6)
6%
Response Time Black / White *
22 ?(9, 13)
26.4 ?(11.6, 14.8)
-20%
24 ?(12, 12)
-9%
20.8 ?(10.8, 10)
5%
28.8 ?(18, 10.8)
-31%
PWM Frequency
62500 ?(30)
Screen
3%
-72%
-14%
-22%
Brightness middle
386
502
30%
427
11%
325
-16%
316.8
-18%
Brightness
384
474
23%
415
8%
297
-23%
298
-22%
Brightness Distribution
89
89
0%
94
6%
83
-7%
89
0%
Black Level *
0.24
0.33
-38%
0.41
-71%
0.26
-8%
0.33
-38%
Contrast
1608
1521
-5%
1041
-35%
1250
-22%
960
-40%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.75
1.35
23%
4.4
-151%
2.2
-26%
1.74
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2.92
3.67
-26%
11
-277%
3.5
-20%
5.41
-85%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.33
1.7
27%
7.5
-222%
2.8
-20%
2.7
-16%
Gamma
2.55 86%
2.24 98%
2.16 102%
2.05 107%
2.23 99%
CCT
6584 99%
6440 101%
6642 98%
6452 101%
6655 98%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
61.1
0%
64
5%
61.3
0%
61.3
0%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
96
94.3
-2%
98.6
3%
97
1%
95.4
-1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.2
1.1
0.6
1.37
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-0% / 2%
-23% / -48%
-2% / -8%
-12% / -16%

* ... 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
22 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 9 ms rise
↘ 13 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 42 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
43 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20 ms rise
↘ 23 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. » 67 % 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 18071 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The display's calibration is okay ex-factory, but still leaves room for improvement. The panel covers the sRGB color space almost completely, which is sufficient for most users. The MateBook X lacks performance for professional users anyway.

The viewing angle stability of the LTPS panel is exemplary. However, outdoor use reveals that the great-looking glossy display indoors and the passable brightness take their toll: Especially in sunny surroundings, users or the sky reflect quite strongly. However, the MateBook X can also be used outdoors in shady places

Colors
Colors
Grayscale
Grayscale
Saturation
Saturation
sRGB (96 percent)
sRGB (96 percent)
AdobeRGB (61 percent)
AdobeRGB (61 percent)
The viewing angle stability is exemplary.
The viewing angle stability is exemplary.
The display is quite reflective outdoors.
The display is quite reflective outdoors.
 
 

Performance: Silent operation is at the expense of Intel performance

Even though the Huawei MateBook X is not a bargain with an MSRP of around 1,500 Euros (~$1833), the performance is reasonable. Huawei has subordinated everything to a low weight and silent operation. The laptop is equipped with the Intel Core i5-10210U with the onboard graphics Intel UHD Graphics 620. Both are cooled passively. Huawei also installs 16 GB LPDDR3 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Alternative versions with a different CPU or more memory are not available.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
HWInfo

Processor

In order to be able to realize the fanless operation, the Intel Core i5-10210U CPU of the tenth generation is appropriately tuned. As expected, the performance here is not enough to keep up with the more potent and actively cooled competition.

Under load, the MateBook X briefly reaches the maximum of 4.2 GHz, but then quickly reduces the performance gradually from around 1.5 GHz to settle at only around 900 MHz over time. It at least maintains this admittedly low level without further performance drops. Thus, the CPU temperature stays permanently below 70 °C (158 °F). The processor consumes up to 30 watts TDP (PL2) at peak performance and a minimum of 7 watts (PL1).

04590135180225270315360405450495540585630675720765Tooltip
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) Intel Core i5-10210U: Ø309 (302.38-320.43)
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021 Intel Core i7-1165G7: Ø611 (464.15-634.96)
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5 Intel Core i5-10210U: Ø530 (520.93-665.09)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL Intel Core i7-1165G7: Ø667 (598.25-801.23)
LG Gram 14Z90N Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø453 (446.17-494.8)

The MateBook X clearly lags behind in the usual CPU benchmarks. Due to the passive cooling and the thus not exhausted potential, it also remains clearly behind the average of the Intel Core i5-10210U CPU. The performance level on battery is around 60% of the mains operation.

Cinebench R23: Single Core | Multi Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 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 R23 / Single Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (598 - 1934, n=71, last 2 years)
1615 Points +103%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1355 Points +70%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1350 Points +69%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (797 - 1063, n=3)
974 Points +22%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
797 Points
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2485 - 16201, n=71, last 2 years)
10131 Points +465%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
4043 (3994.31min - 4043max) Points +125%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
3949 (3587.73min - 3948.77max) Points +120%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (1794 - 4376, n=3)
3321 Points +85%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
1794 Points
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (216 - 738, n=67, last 2 years)
606 Points +86%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
556 Points +71%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
522 Points +61%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
421 Points +30%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (322 - 428, n=30)
407 Points +25%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
358 Points +10%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
325 Points
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (810 - 6314, n=67, last 2 years)
3899 Points +440%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1859 Points +157%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1559 Points +116%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
1325 Points +84%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (722 - 1820, n=30)
1279 Points +77%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1081 Points +50%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
722 Points
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=65, last 2 years)
235 Points +75%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
220 Points +64%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
209 Points +56%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
168 Points +25%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
166 Points +24%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (134 - 174, n=35)
165.6 Points +24%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
134 Points
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=73, last 2 years)
1728 Points +440%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
801 (598.25min - 801.23max) Points +150%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
665 (520.93min - 665.09max) Points +108%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
635 (464.15min - 634.96max) Points +98%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (320 - 790, n=35)
609 Points +90%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
495 (446.17min - 494.8max) Points +55%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
320 (302.38min - 320.43max) Points
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
1272 Seconds *
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1023 Seconds * +20%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (585 - 1339, n=24)
859 Seconds * +32%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
826 Seconds * +35%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
747 Seconds * +41%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
716 Seconds * +44%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (201 - 1600, n=69, last 2 years)
390 Seconds * +69%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2197 - 6403, n=61, last 2 years)
5299 MIPS +39%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5211 MIPS +37%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5140 MIPS +35%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
4324 MIPS +14%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (3504 - 4467, n=24)
4205 MIPS +11%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4166 MIPS +9%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
3805 MIPS
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Average of class Subnotebook
  (16223 - 67444, n=60, last 2 years)
43704 MIPS +300%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
19404 MIPS +78%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
19198 MIPS +76%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (10920 - 21679, n=24)
16808 MIPS +54%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
16685 MIPS +53%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
13432 MIPS +23%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
10920 MIPS
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (672 - 2350, n=69, last 2 years)
1683 Points +56%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1564 Points +45%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1454 Points +35%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
1094 Points +1%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
1079 Points
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (949 - 1133, n=27)
1071 Points -1%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
948 Points -12%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4213 - 12580, n=69, last 2 years)
8865 Points +204%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5588 Points +91%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5186 Points +78%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
4119 Points +41%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (2079 - 4256, n=27)
3570 Points +22%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
2919 Points
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
2464 Points -16%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.5 - 19.4, n=59, last 2 years)
11.8 fps +400%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5.28 fps +124%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5.23 fps +122%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
4.37 fps +85%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (2.36 - 6.28, n=24)
4.31 fps +83%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
3.67 fps +56%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
2.36 fps
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
80.1 s *
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
61.5 s * +23%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (49.6 - 80.3, n=18)
61 s * +24%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
58.7 s * +27%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (40.1 - 120.5, n=60, last 2 years)
53.2 s * +34%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
49.6 s * +38%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
44.8 s * +44%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U
0.869 sec *
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7
0.761 sec * +12%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (0.658 - 0.901, n=24)
0.733 sec * +16%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U
0.713 sec * +18%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7
0.605 sec * +30%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7
0.574 sec * +34%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (0.4397 - 1.236, n=60, last 2 years)
0.525 sec * +40%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
320 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
32.7 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
134 Points
Help

System performance

As with the CPU performance measurements, the system benchmarks also show the performance of Huawei's MateBook X, which is designed for silent operation. Here, too, the lightweight is behind the comparison models, but mostly manages to be about average for the class.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=58, last 2 years)
5848 Points +70%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
4983 Points +45%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
4870 Points +41%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4231 Points +23%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
4067 Points +18%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3448 - 4353, n=28)
3988 Points +16%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
3448 Points
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=58, last 2 years)
10213 Points +26%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
10184 Points +25%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
9864 Points +21%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
8866 Points +9%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
8715 Points +7%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (7172 - 10000, n=28)
8499 Points +5%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
8130 Points
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=58, last 2 years)
7852 Points +31%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
7057 Points +18%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
6797 Points +14%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
6720 Points +12%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
6719 Points +12%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (5980 - 7317, n=28)
6663 Points +11%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5980 Points
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=58, last 2 years)
6847 Points +199%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5009 Points +119%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
4583 Points +100%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3285 Points +44%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
3118 Points +36%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2289 - 4463, n=28)
3057 Points +34%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
2289 Points
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points +51%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
3946 Points +19%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3182 - 4284, n=21)
3605 Points +8%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3402 Points +2%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
3324 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3324 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4951 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4289 points
PCMark 10 Score
3448 points
Help

DPC latencies

The DPC latencies are surprisingly inconspicuous, so the device should not have any problems with real-time audio.

LatencyMon
LatencyMon
LatencyMon Drivers
LatencyMon Drivers
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
LG Gram 14Z90N
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
2562 μs * -313%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
1225 μs * -98%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
1135 μs * -83%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
932 μs * -50%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
620 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Mass storage

With the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021 the Pro-less MateBook X cannot quite keep up in terms of mass storage performance. However, the 512 GB SSD from Samsung does well in the field and can position itself above the subnotebook class.

Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
LG Gram 14Z90N
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Average Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
23%
-6%
1%
1%
5%
26%
Write 4K
164.5
197.5
20%
190.5
16%
139.5
-15%
183.6
12%
140.8 ?(82.2 - 203, n=34)
-14%
155.8 ?(65.3 - 329, n=40, last 2 years)
-5%
Read 4K
50.7
52.9
4%
53.7
6%
36.38
-28%
48.51
-4%
48.6 ?(35.8 - 65.5, n=34)
-4%
65.8 ?(22.2 - 92, n=40, last 2 years)
30%
Write Seq
1813
2174
20%
1436
-21%
1977
9%
1520
-16%
2106 ?(931 - 2896, n=33)
16%
2538 ?(393 - 3918, n=20, last 2 years)
40%
Read Seq
1722
2156
25%
1356
-21%
2207
28%
1914
11%
2099 ?(1136 - 2754, n=33)
22%
2723 ?(455 - 4560, n=20, last 2 years)
58%
Write 4K Q32T1
368.5
632
72%
382.5
4%
510
38%
529
44%
451 ?(326 - 640, n=34)
22%
405 ?(219 - 690, n=40, last 2 years)
10%
Read 4K Q32T1
492.2
694
41%
502
2%
387.8
-21%
560
14%
482 ?(332 - 707, n=34)
-2%
491 ?(240 - 961, n=40, last 2 years)
0%
Write Seq Q32T1
2986
3017
1%
2114
-29%
2986
0%
1540
-48%
2903 ?(934 - 2994, n=34)
-3%
3872 ?(503 - 6773, n=40, last 2 years)
30%
Read Seq Q32T1
3548
3561
0%
3410
-4%
3540
0%
3408
-4%
3511 ?(3246 - 3568, n=34)
-1%
5147 ?(562 - 7116, n=40, last 2 years)
45%
AS SSD
6%
5%
2%
-32%
-11%
-7%
Seq Read
2800
2794
0%
2912
4%
2861
2%
1744
-38%
2412 ?(1658 - 3078, n=36)
-14%
3783 ?(508 - 5546, n=59, last 2 years)
35%
Seq Write
2358
2385
1%
2190
-7%
1321
-44%
1450
-39%
1983 ?(1200 - 2724, n=36)
-16%
2331 ?(386 - 4961, n=59, last 2 years)
-1%
4K Read
59.2
60.7
3%
49.52
-16%
52.5
-11%
57.4
-3%
53.1 ?(42.1 - 63.1, n=36)
-10%
59.9 ?(14.8 - 96.2, n=59, last 2 years)
1%
4K Write
142.6
180.8
27%
167.1
17%
196.7
38%
140.9
-1%
131.1 ?(96.5 - 196.7, n=36)
-8%
172.8 ?(65.5 - 256, n=59, last 2 years)
21%
4K-64 Read
1260
1768
40%
1447
15%
1153
-8%
907
-28%
1201 ?(585 - 1666, n=36)
-5%
1038 ?(187.3 - 2682, n=59, last 2 years)
-18%
4K-64 Write
1408
1800
28%
1513
7%
1807
28%
1372
-3%
1726 ?(1311 - 2009, n=36)
23%
1854 ?(223 - 3410, n=59, last 2 years)
32%
Access Time Read *
0.048
0.037
23%
0.05
-4%
0.064
-33%
0.059
-23%
0.05525 ?(0.035 - 0.079, n=36)
-15%
0.06125 ?(0.021 - 0.257, n=59, last 2 years)
-28%
Access Time Write *
0.026
0.073
-181%
0.023
12%
0.018
31%
0.081
-212%
0.05394 ?(0.018 - 0.151, n=36)
-107%
0.07439 ?(0.016 - 0.523, n=59, last 2 years)
-186%
Score Read
1599
2108
32%
1787
12%
1491
-7%
1138
-29%
1495 ?(843 - 2013, n=36)
-7%
1476 ?(253 - 3307, n=59, last 2 years)
-8%
Score Write
1786
2219
24%
1899
6%
2136
20%
1658
-7%
2055 ?(1598 - 2377, n=36)
15%
2263 ?(327 - 3972, n=59, last 2 years)
27%
Score Total
4192
5392
29%
4569
9%
4322
3%
3380
-19%
4303 ?(2927 - 5307, n=36)
3%
4434 ?(707 - 8892, n=59, last 2 years)
6%
Copy ISO MB/s
1746
2065
18%
2290
31%
1520
-13%
1894 ?(1358 - 2452, n=24)
8%
2053 ?(345 - 4264, n=46, last 2 years)
18%
Copy Program MB/s
725
734
1%
555
-23%
539
-26%
539 ?(72.2 - 920, n=24)
-26%
607 ?(122.2 - 1164, n=46, last 2 years)
-16%
Copy Game MB/s
1203
1629
35%
1300
8%
1070
-11%
1193 ?(388 - 1725, n=24)
-1%
1434 ?(258 - 2773, n=46, last 2 years)
19%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
15% / 12%
-1% / 1%
2% / 2%
-16% / -20%
-3% / -6%
10% / 5%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3548 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 2986 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 492.2 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 368.5 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1722 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1813 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 50.7 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 164.5 MB/s

Continuous reading: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

The trend in the CPU's performance tuning also affects the onboard graphics. Here, too, Huawei aims for the coolest possible operation. In the final result, the graphics performance does not quite reach the average of the Intel UHD Graphics 620 average. The gap to comparison models with Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 is gigantic. However, these are not the standards that Huawei wants to measure the MateBook X against.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=57, last 2 years)
8185 Points +615%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
6830 Points +497%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
6294 Points +450%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
3150 Points +175%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1852 Points +62%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points +53%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1144 Points
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=62, last 2 years)
5959 Points +468%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
5169 Points +392%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
4669 Points +345%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
1487 Points +42%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1280 Points +22%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points +11%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1050 Points
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=42, last 2 years)
29375 Points +259%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
26910 Points +229%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
10111 Points +24%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6205 - 16400, n=225)
9262 Points +13%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
8180 Points
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
7045 Points -14%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (811 - 4773, n=61, last 2 years)
2007 Points +489%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
1562 Points +358%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
1430 Points +319%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
533 Points +56%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (299 - 797, n=88)
389 Points +14%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
341 Points
3DMark 11 Performance
1272 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
6919 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
920 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
389 points
Help

Gaming performance

It should be clear to everyone that the passively cooled and ultra-thin Huawei MateBook X is not a gaming machine. This is also very clear in the test: Witcher 3 is not playable even on the lowest graphics settings. Dota 2 Reborn, on the other hand, runs surprisingly smoothly on the lowest settings. The adequate performance is sufficient for a few older and less demanding titles. However, more is not possible with the best will in the world.

The Witcher 3
1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing
Average of class Subnotebook
  (37 - 249, n=55, last 2 years)
101.1 fps +666%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
81.9 (65min - 91max) fps +520%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
69.5 (64min - 74max) fps +427%
LG Gram 14Z90N
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
32.5 fps +146%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
18.8 fps +42%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (8.8 - 50.9, n=64)
16.4 fps +24%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
13.2 fps
1366x768 Medium Graphics & Postprocessing
Average of class Subnotebook
  (29 - 264, n=47, last 2 years)
63.5 fps +674%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
52.3 (43min - 58max) fps +538%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
46.6 (41min - 51max) fps +468%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
12.1 fps +48%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (8 - 27.9, n=29)
11.1 fps +35%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
8.2 fps
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 13.2 8.2
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 51.5 25.1 12.8 11.9
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 14.9 9.77 9.08

Emissions & Energy: Huawei MateBook X proves to be economical in the test

Noise emissions

This section can be kept very compact. Since Huawei runs the device without a fan, this point is the star hour for the MateBook X (2020). The operation is completely silent. There are also no beeps or other noises, apart from the usual typing and clicking noises. Thus, this subnotebook is the ideal companion for all libraries in the world.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2039.335.741.639.341.72527.332.329.630.930.23123.82725.924.625.94023.223.322.625.524.85027.32923.823.9296334.237.223.824.2368029.630.228.729.930.610024.725.124.824.626.512535.335.635.735.635.216022.220.721.420.72120018.517.718.117.119.725019.117.215.214.920.831520.117.815.716.822.240020.717.313.515.524.350020.316.112.213.725.363018.415.712.112.924.380018.615.611.912.223.6100019.415.91111.323.8125018.515.31111.324.2160019.916.311.812.625200020.216.111.612.226.2250020.316.912.112.227.3315020.215.612.111.826.1400020.816.311.611.630.9500020.91812.11227.6630022.215.111.911.726.3800014.512.81211.822.91000013.614.215.21217.31250013.414.513.412.515.1160001517.613.612.515.1SPL32.128.725.625.638.2N1.71.20.80.82.9median 20.1median 16.3median 12.1median 12.5median 24.3Delta1.51.43.132.531.831.230.131.326.727.228.228.132.933.529.731.130.931.628.829.429.626.527.731.726.326.824.824.924.625.222.924.123.523.825.827.523.423.923.524.123.32422.823.423.823.423.123.723.122.123.322.521.921.721.922.722.121.421.22220.920.520.821.320.320.219.821.320.519.918.720.62120.117.821.122.621.117.621.322.520.516.920.922.521.116.420.921.720.416.420.421.119.316.320.419.618.51618.418.917.516.116.816.916.516.216.716.616.616.116.416.516.316.216.316.116.115.916.215.915.915.815.932.831.729.732.11.81.61.31.7median 21.1median 20.4median 17.6median 20.92.62.12.92.734.338.236.637.638.524.13127.726.827.732.134.434.53237.529.832.930.932.133.928.830.32729.128.623.130.523.224.423.522.827.321.121.522.727.629.626.427.727.725.727.524.624.725.128.728.626.125.927.726.126.12423.726.526.526.623.824.426.824.724.222.420.124.725.824.621.620.626.126.524.722.421.126.126.224.322.821.525.925.323.321.618.224.426.524.92421.127.624.222.119.816.624.127.323.621.514.427.125.922.319.813.825.726.822.319.711.826.628.523.419.911.628.324.118.615.911.923.921.41715.612.3212015.814.212.519.716.613.813.112.516.31413.21312.613.913.11312.712.41312.412.512.211.612.237.334.23228.737.22.72.11.61.12.7median 25.8median 23.4median 21.5median 16.6median 25.73.54.144.63.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHuawei MateBook X Pro 2021Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL

Temperature

Although there is no active cooling via a fan, the device is pleasantly cool in operation. It stays at room temperature in idle mode. Under load, it warms up to a maximum of 40 °C (104 °F).

Max. Load
 40.7 °C
105 F
40.5 °C
105 F
37.2 °C
99 F
 
 32.1 °C
90 F
33.9 °C
93 F
32.6 °C
91 F
 
 30 °C
86 F
29.5 °C
85 F
29.8 °C
86 F
 
Maximum: 40.7 °C = 105 F
Average: 34 °C = 93 F
38.7 °C
102 F
39.4 °C
103 F
40.4 °C
105 F
35.2 °C
95 F
36.3 °C
97 F
35 °C
95 F
33.1 °C
92 F
32.5 °C
91 F
32.3 °C
90 F
Maximum: 40.4 °C = 105 F
Average: 35.9 °C = 97 F
Power Supply (max.)  40 °C = 104 F | Room Temperature 21.6 °C = 71 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34 °C / 93 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 40.7 °C / 105 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 40.4 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.8 °C / 75 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 30 °C / 86 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 (-1.7 °C / -3.1 F).

Speaker

A thin case means little space for the four speakers. Nevertheless, they sound relatively balanced, but lack bass. Overall, the Huawei MateBook X is above the class average.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2023.825.123.82526.531.326.5312931.3294022.925.822.95027.426.527.46321.72121.78023.520.223.510032.420.932.412544.214.344.216050.414.450.420049.613.349.625060.113.160.131566.318.666.340071.118.371.150068.812.368.863065.411.965.480066.811.766.8100073.311.873.3125069.512.569.5160071.41271.4200070.712.570.7250070.612.970.6315071.81371.8400076.513.276.5500075.313.675.3630076.213.776.2800079.914.179.91000082.514.982.51250080.41480.41600071.512.871.5SPL87.125.587.1N69.70.769.7median 70.7median 13.2median 70.7Delta5.31.25.335.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHuawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.4% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (3.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 21% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 73% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 13% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 84% 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 absorption

The maximum power consumption of Huawei's MateBook X is a good 30 watts in the test. Thus, the 65-watt power supply is more than adequately sized and provides enough room for improvement.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.39 / 0.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.6 / 6.7 / 9 Watt
Load midlight 29.3 / 31 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.
No graph data

Battery life

The MateBook X achieves good battery runtimes in the test. It cannot quite keep up with most of the comparison models, but they also have a larger battery due to their space. The Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5 with about 42 Wh beats it easily, and is even on par with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL with 50 Wh.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
LG Gram 14Z90N
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 72 Wh
838 min +72%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2021
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, 56 Wh
629 min +29%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (303 - 1144, n=66, last 2 years)
626 min +28%
Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020)
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
488 min
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon 13 ITL
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, 50 Wh
480 min -2%
Huawei MateBook 13 2020 i5
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 41.7 Wh
441 min -10%
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
13h 21min
WiFi Websurfing
8h 08min
WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness
5h 57min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
8h 9min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 21min

Pros

+ silent thanks to fanless cooling
+ very light
+ compact dimensions
+ 3K touch display
+ high-quality workmanship
+ MateDock 2 included

Cons

- low performance
- few ports on the device
- reflective display

Verdict: Silent companion convinces in the test

In review: Huawei MateBook X. The review sample was provided by Huawei.
In review: Huawei MateBook X. The review sample was provided by Huawei.

Those looking for a particularly light and compact notebook will undoubtedly find what they are looking for with Huawei's MateBook X. Weighing just one kilogram (~2.2 lb), the 13-incher is extremely light and thus the ideal companion for on the go.

The second big advantage of the device is its silent operation because it does not have a fan. It is not surprising that this is at the expense of the performance.

The Huawei MateBook X proved itself for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, a few office applications, and streaming videos in the test. However, it quickly loses its edge when it comes to more demanding tasks. Users who can do without silent operation and want more performance and even longer battery runtimes are better off with LG's current Gram models. A review of the 14-inch model will follow soon.

Price and availability

The Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) with the model number EUL-W19D (Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) is available at the time of our test for a price of 1,142 Euros (~$1395) at Cyberport and for 1,249 Euro (~$1526) at Notebooksbilliger.de.

Huawei MateBook X Silver Frost (2020) - 05/18/2021 v7
Marcus Schwarten

Chassis
91 / 98 → 92%
Keyboard
86%
Pointing Device
91%
Connectivity
44 / 75 → 58%
Weight
75 / 20-75 → 100%
Battery
78%
Display
89%
Games Performance
41 / 78 → 52%
Application Performance
82 / 85 → 96%
Temperature
93%
Noise
100%
Audio
78 / 91 → 86%
Camera
42 / 85 → 49%
Average
76%
88%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Huawei MateBook X in review: Ultra-thin, extremely light and absolutely silent
Marcus Schwarten, 2021-05-22 (Update: 2021-05-22)