According to a TechRadar review, the Huawei MateBook Pro S is a standout 14.2-inch laptop weighing just 798 grams with a slim 11.9mm profile. The device runs HarmonyOS 6.1 and uses Huawei’s Kirin XE90 processor. While it is already available in China, official Western release plans are absent, making it difficult for Western consumers to acquire at a reasonable price.
- Extremely lightweight at 798 grams, slim and easy to carry
- Uses HarmonyOS and Huawei’s Kirin XE90 processor, not Windows
- Available only in China officially, with limited third-party overseas options
Product angle
The source review highlights Huawei’s MateBook Pro S as an engineering feat, chiefly due to its ultra-lightweight design and slimness. It achieves this with a sophisticated construction combining magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminum alloys and a segmented motherboard layout. The laptop features a 3.1K OLED touchscreen with 1000 nits brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate, positioning it as a premium device for visual quality.
However, performance claims related to the Kirin XE90 processor, including higher efficiency and neural processing capabilities compared to its predecessor, remain unverified outside Huawei’s own data. Running HarmonyOS 6.1 instead of mainstream operating systems like Windows limits software compatibility and may influence user experience depending on needs.
Best for / avoid if
This laptop is best suited for users who value portability, design, and an impressive display experience, especially those open to using HarmonyOS and Huawei’s ecosystem. It appeals to early adopters and tech enthusiasts familiar with or willing to explore beyond conventional PC platforms. Ideal scenarios include mobile professionals needing light, long-lasting devices with notable battery life claims.
Conversely, potential buyers should avoid the MateBook Pro S if they require seamless Windows application compatibility, easy access to Western markets, or lower entry prices. The absence of a Windows OS restricts software options, and no official sales outside China mean limited warranty support and higher costs when sourced through third parties.
Pricing and alternatives to check
In China, the MateBook Pro S starts at around 7,999 yuan (just under $1,200), placing it in the high-end ultraportable laptop segment. Different configurations vary in weight and features, including options like the Soft Light and Collector’s Edition. Although pricing is competitive for a laptop with such specifications, international buyers face significant markups and availability hurdles.
Alternatives to consider include ultraportables from established makers like Dell’s XPS series, Apple’s MacBook Air, and lightweight laptops from Japanese manufacturers that may offer thinner designs or better Western market support. These options typically run mainstream operating systems and benefit from broader software ecosystems and stronger global supply chains.