Notebook Review
Huawei MateBook 14 (2020) Review: A Practical 14-inch Laptop for Study and Office Work
Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation of a Notebook-Center.ru review, prepared by Notebook Center Editorial Team.
Overview
The Huawei MateBook 14 (2020) is a 14-inch laptop aimed at students, office users, and people who need a compact machine for everyday work. The device combines a 3:2 touchscreen, solid build quality, and a practical input setup. In this configuration, it uses Intel Core i7-10510U, 16 GB RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce MX350 graphics.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-10510U (1.8 GHz) |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR3 2133 MHz |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch IPS, 2160x1440, glossy, touchscreen |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 + NVIDIA GeForce MX350 2 GB GDDR5 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 stereo speakers |
| Ports | USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, combo audio jack |
| Extras | 1 MP webcam, fingerprint scanner |
| Battery | 56 Wh Li-Polymer |
| Size and Weight | 307 x 224 x 16 mm, 1.5 kg |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Design and Build
The laptop uses an aluminum alloy chassis in dark gray and follows a minimal style. The lid and keyboard deck feel rigid, and overall assembly quality is solid. A single long hinge holds the display firmly. With 1.5 kg weight and 16 mm thickness, it stays portable for daily commuting while not being the lightest option in its class.
Display, Audio, and Webcam
The 14-inch IPS panel has a 2160x1440 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. This format is useful for documents and side-by-side windows, though videos in 16:9 show black bars. The panel offers up to 300 nits brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, and about 1000:1 contrast. The glossy finish can reduce outdoor readability. Speakers are loud and clear for regular media use, while the 1 MP pop-up webcam works for occasional calls but gives a lower camera angle.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with clear feedback, quiet key action, and backlighting. Commonly used keys such as Enter and Shift are large and easy to hit. The power button includes a fingerprint scanner for quick logins. The touchpad is large, smooth, and responsive with multitouch gesture support.
Performance
This configuration targets office workloads, web use, streaming, and study tasks with no issues. The Intel Core i7-10510U and 16 GB RAM keep everyday multitasking smooth, while the 512 GB SSD provides fast storage behavior. The GeForce MX350 is entry-level discrete graphics, but it can still handle many modern games at playable settings according to the source review.
Ports, Battery, Heat, and Noise
Port selection includes HDMI, USB Type-C (with DisplayPort and charging), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a combo audio jack. Wireless connectivity is Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The 56 Wh battery delivered around 10 hours in web browsing and around 10 hours in 1080p streaming tests at 50% screen brightness in the source review; heavy workloads reduced runtime to about 1.5 hours. Charging from empty took about 90 minutes. Noise levels stayed low even under load, while chassis temperatures can rise noticeably during sustained heavy use.
Verdict
The MateBook 14 (2020) is a balanced choice for students and office users who want a compact laptop with a sharp 3:2 touchscreen, comfortable keyboard, good battery life, and quiet operation. The main compromise is limited outdoor screen usability due to the glossy panel and moderate brightness, plus a webcam position that is less flattering in video calls.