Huawei MateBook D16 i9 review, a solid production partner

The latest laptop offering from Huawei, the MateBook D16 i9 can only be described as a perfect example of a device ready to nurture the user-machine bond, which most manufacturers are likely to prioritize with the advent of AI.

If you recall, Huawei recently introduced the Huawei MateBo0k D16 i5 version, just in time for the school stationery run.

Now Huawei brings forward a compelling Inte 14-core Intel i9 13900H processor capable of handling more edit-heavy workloads.

Aesthetic

We describe the Huawei MateBook D 16 i9 as a device that easily builds the relationship between the machine and the user due to its convincing large display, minimalistic design, matte display that appears to repel reflections, and an AI webcam placed to practically follow your face.

It’s clear Huawei looked into user experience more when looking at the 180-degree screen split, the 16 GB RAM, and the Huawei Metaline antenna that maintains WiFi connections even when the WiFi signal is a little diluted. The message from Huawei is simple, this device is for productive users and nothing less.

The addition of the Intel Iris Xe graphics makes sense when compared to the MateBook D16 i5 version which came with Intel UHD Graphics.

Specs

The MateBook D16 i9 makes better sense when looking at specs alone, The intel Core i9 13900H CPU, a terabyte PCle SSD on storage, one USB-C , 2x USB, an HDMI slot and a 3.5mm combo jack.

It comes weighing just over a kilogram at 1.72kg, with a 70Wh battery with a 65W changing adapter. This is impressive considering the MateBooks i9 CPU which could have battered battery power, if it came in any lower in battery size. This is definitely a step up.

There’s Windows 11 inside the mystic silver colour which feels pretty solid in the palms of your hands. We didn’t game on this one but instead did a lot of video editing.

Display

The aspect ratio sits at 16:10 with narrow 4.6mm bezels, which translates into a bigger screen, perfect for streaming a series.

We appreciated how effortless it was to connect a Huawei smartphone, the Huawei P60 Pro to be exact, and how convenient it became when moving files from the smartphone to MateBook D16 i9.

Packed with Huawei share, sharing videos and overall content between devices makes cables look outdated.

We appreciated the fact that the Huawei PC manager was easily accessible to allow users to toggle between features in order to make the laptop more personal.

This is easily accessible at the bottom tab making accessibility a breeze.

The speakers were pretty standard compared to the competition, but the sound was palatable, clear, and decent enough to hear audio clearly without any ruffling.

We saw two massive fan vents under the MateBook D16 i9 and expected blaring fan noise especially when put to its paces and were surprised by the a decent hum.

Biometric security

We appreciated the fingerprint power button which makes banking on the MateBook D16 h convenient.

The lighter version of the Huawei MateBook D16, the i5 retails at R14 999 or 12 payments of R 1 406.16.

The price for the latest, faster, and more graphic-savvy MateBook is still to be confirmed as we await Huawei’s official South African launch expected in the first quarter.