Huawei Matebook D16 review: the right size matters!

It has the allure, design and flattering materials of a ultrabook, but despite appearances this Huawei MateBook D16, as its name suggests is a computer 16-inch laptop intended to remain essentially sedentary at home. Huawei has reduced the size of the bezels of the screen from 16.1 inches to 4.9 mm to achieve 90% occupancy area. In the end, we end up with a laptop that can fit in small bags and remains transportable with its weight of 1.7 kilograms and its advantageous size. Huawei also considers that it has a 16.1-inch screen in a box of PC 15.6 inch laptop.

An aesthetic bias across the range

The Matebook D16 looks good with its plastic shell. alloy dark gray. We will also note a continuity of architecture at the aesthetic level regardless of the computer in the MateBook range. As on the other models, we find at the top right of the keyboard the round power button. It is also used for unlocking by digital print. As for the other models of the brand, this sensor works very well and avoids entering a password or a code. Similarly, like the other models of the brand, which allows the screen surface to be extended as far as possible on the edges, it is the evacuation of the Webcam. This is located in the keyboard, hidden in the form of a key to the right of the F6 key. A simple pression allows it to stand out. We can not say that its angle of view in low angle is the best asset for videoconferences, but it has the merit of being discreet and of being able to be concealed. The microphone can also be muted at the press of a button.

Despite this 16-inch format, we do not have more pavement digital than on other models. This is a questionable bias for a 16-inch format, but it is true that the keyboard would have been off-center and perhaps less easy to operate. In the end, this keyboard is bordered by two speakers and wide borders. Despite this configuration, the keyboard is very pleasant to use. It is also possible to apply a backlight to it. In terms of sound, it’s okay, but the sound level remains quite low, or in any case not sufficient, even at full blast.

There is not much to fault the vast touchpad, and it has a little extra with the Huawei Share. It is a chip NFC dedicated to the twinning of smartphones of the brand. Working with theapplication Huawei Share, just drop a smartphone Huawei so that it is automatically detected and associated in a few seconds by the computer app and vice versa.

We can then exchange data from one device to another very simply or even control the mobile on the PC with a very appreciable screen sharing system. The idea ofto implant ce day NFC under the touchpad is a novelty, because it was placed in a sticker affixed under the shell of computers of the previous range. A small sticker that users tended to remove. That said, it should be remembered that this process only works with Huawei mobiles.

A versatile machine for the home

Under the hood, there is a processor AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, supported by 16 GB of RAM. For storage, it is a Hard disk 512 GB SSD that operates. It is partitioned into two to separate data storage from system and application storage. The power adopted is largely sufficient for many domestic uses and even the video montage. However, the computer remains sluggish for the most demanding video games. It will do the trick in degraded mode, the fault of the lack of a real Graphic card. Overall, we can say that the D16 is quite versatile for its price.

The display on the matt panel is precisely 16.1 inches diagonally. The 16: 9 aspect ratio screen features effective anti-reflective coating. The whole is flattering at the level of colors. And above all, the laptop is not as gigantic as its competitors with its thin borders.

All that is missing is an SD card reader

For wireless connections, just like the entire 2021 range, this is the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 which are part of the game. On the connection side, Huawei has not been stingy and we find on the right side two sockets in the format USB 3.1 classic (A) and a headphone jack. On the left, there are two prises USB-C and a catch HDMI that take place. One of the outlets, as desired, supplies power to the computer via a double cable USB-C of good length that plugs into a 65 W charging unit. The two sockets can also be used to recharge mobiles or accessories even when the computer is off. The D16 then serves as a large external backup battery. His autonomy is very correct for a laptop of this size, since it was able to last almost nine hours. But this is not necessarily useful for a computer intended for the family environment. The battery can take advantage of the fast charge, in order to recover a few hours of autonomy in less than twenty minutes.

Futura’s opinion

The Matebook D16 incorporates the advantageous design of the other models in the 2021 range, with a larger screen. Its metallic and sober shell gives it both the look and the solidity of an ultrabook while it is far from being one on paper. The Matebook D16 is dedicated to family use and its low weight combined with its small dimensions due to its thin screen bezels allow it to be easily transportable. Power side, we have for its silver and he fulfills the missions for which he is destined.

WE love

• The advantageous dimensions
• The 16.1 inch 16: 9 screen quality
• Versatility

We don’t like

• The lack of a touchpad
• The volume insufficient sound
• Lack of SD card reader

The note of Futura

The Huawei Matebook D16 specification

• Screen: 16.1 inch (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) / 16:9
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H (Radeon graphics card)
• Graphics chip: internal
• Memory: 16 GB, 512 GB storage (SSD)
• Battery: approximately nine hours of battery life
• Connections: two USB-C sockets, two conventional USB sockets (3.2), one HDMI socket, one mini-jack socket, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
• Weight: 1.74 kg
• OS: Windows 10
• Price: 899.99 euros (introductory offer 849.99 euros)