Huawei Matebook Fold - The First 24 Hours! WOW - AI Summary & Article | ClarifyTube

This article provides a comprehensive first impression of the Huawei MateBook Fold, highlighting its groundbreaking design, premium unboxing experience, unique software setup, and overall user experience. The reviewer, an experienced tech enthusiast, hails it as the "best product I have ever used," emphasizing its exceptional build quality, innovative features, and impressive specifications. Despite certain software limitations typical of Huawei devices, the device's stunning 18-inch foldable OLED display, versatile form factors, and powerful audio capabilities stand out. The article also delves into the process of installing Windows 11 ARM on the device, a crucial step for users accustomed to the Google ecosystem. While acknowledging its high price point and niche appeal, the review concludes by commending Huawei for its innovation and risk-taking in developing such a cutting-edge device, even if it might not be profitable for the company.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The unboxing experience of the Huawei MateBook Fold is described as incredibly premium, akin to other high-end Huawei devices like the XT. The package includes a range of high-quality accessories, all color-matched to the laptop. Key accessories include a physical keyboard, a $140W USBC charger, a braided USBC to USBC cable with a premium leather carry case, and even a microfiber cleaning wipe. The keyboard, though thin, offers a premium tactile experience with soft-touch vegan leather and responsive keys. Additionally, a large carry case for both the fold and the laptop with its keyboard is provided, ensuring protection and portability.

The unboxing itself is super premium. It's a Huawei device like the XT, you're getting super premium products with super premium accessories.

The device is available in a 1TB blue and white version or a 2TB black version. Prices range from £3,500 to £4,000, depending on the storage variant. The reviewer emphasizes that this is a significant investment, but one that will not disappoint those who can afford it and are keen on cutting-edge technology.

Setup Process and Display

Setting up the Huawei MateBook Fold is straightforward, similar to any other laptop. Users can choose their region and transfer data from a Huawei Cloud account if they have an existing Huawei device for quick setup. The initial setup takes about 15 minutes, which includes updating to the latest HarmonyOS 5/Harmony Next. Once unfolded, the device reveals an 18-inch dual OLED foldable display with 3K resolution. A remarkable feature is the absence of a visible crease, even when the screen is off, providing a seamless viewing experience.

When folded, the device transforms into a 13-inch laptop. Users can activate a stunning OLED virtual keyboard by double-tapping with all fingers at the bottom of the folded screen. This digital keyboard is highly customizable, allowing users to change colors and add background photos. For those who prefer a physical keyboard, the included color-matched accessory magnetically attaches to the device. However, it's crucial not to fold the device with the physical keyboard attached to avoid damage.

Versatility and Ports

The MateBook Fold offers immense versatility. In its 18-inch unfolded state, it can be used with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a desktop-like experience. Alternatively, it can be connected to an external monitor via its USBC port, functioning as a powerful workstation. The device is primarily a laptop, not just a tablet, indicated by its two USBC fast ports with Thunderbolt connection. These ports are essential for connecting external hard drives or other peripherals. It is recommended to acquire a USBC dongle for expanded connectivity. The device's hardware design is minimal yet sleek, featuring volume rockers and a power button.

Audio Experience

A standout feature of the MateBook Fold is its audio system. It boasts eight speakers and numerous microphones, delivering an incredible sound experience for such a thin device. The reviewer claims the speakers rival those found in a MacBook Pro, potentially being the best on a non-gaming laptop. This high-fidelity audio enhances multimedia consumption, making it ideal for watching videos or listening to music.

Integrating with Windows 11 ARM

For users outside of the Huawei ecosystem, particularly those reliant on Google services and Windows, a solution is available. By downloading an app called "OS-Easy" from the Huawei App Store, users can install a virtual Windows 11 ARM virtual desktop. The process primarily involves clicking an orange button in the Chinese-laden interface and allowing the installation. After about 5-7 minutes, users can seamlessly switch between the Huawei desktop mode and the Windows desktop mode with a four-finger swipe on the trackpad or screen.

Once Windows 11 ARM is installed, users gain access to the full suite of Microsoft applications like Outlook, Word, and Excel, and can download browsers like Google Chrome. A minor challenge is that the initial Windows 11 installation will be in Chinese, requiring users to manually add English as a language from the settings, which involves some trial and error due to the translated menus. Despite the initial setup hurdles, the functionality is seamless and allows for full integration with personal and work accounts.

Portability and Use Cases

When folded, the MateBook Fold is remarkably compact and easy to carry in a laptop bag or backpack. While holding it unfolded might be challenging due to its size, its folded form factor makes it ideal for travel and commuting. The large unfolded screen is perfect for productivity tasks or entertainment, such as watching YouTube videos or Netflix, enhancing the travel experience significantly.

The reviewer notes that the MateBook Fold will likely replace his travel tablet, serving as an "obscene" yet stunning piece of tech for consuming media on the go. However, he acknowledges that it won't replace his MacBook for professional video editing, as specific software like Final Cut Pro is not available, and he is unwilling to learn new editing suites like Adobe Resolve or Premiere Pro.

Huawei's Innovation and Future Outlook

The reviewer highly praises Huawei for its commitment to innovation, stating that the company likely won't make a profit from the MateBook Fold due to the immense research and development costs. This bold move demonstrates Huawei's dedication to pushing technological boundaries and showing what's possible in the consumer electronics market, rather than solely focusing on profit margins. The MateBook Fold is described as durable, featuring a dual OLED screen for extra protection, reinforcing that it is not just a gimmick or a prototype but a robust, well-engineered device.

Huawei will be making zero from the MateBook Fold, even at the price that it's been charged at, because the R&D, the man-hours that went or women-hours, the hours that went into designing and building and researching and getting everything working hunky-dory with the MateBook Fold, just means that they're not going to sell enough units to cover their nut. So they will not be making profit on these devices in the long run.

Takeaways

Unparalleled Innovation: The Huawei MateBook Fold is hailed as an engineering marvel, showcasing an 18-inch foldable OLED display with virtually no visible crease, pushing the boundaries of laptop design.
Premium Experience: From its luxurious unboxing to its high-quality accessories, including a premium physical keyboard and thoughtful carry cases, the device offers a truly premium user experience.
Versatile Form Factors: The ability to switch between an 18-inch unfolded display and a 13-inch folded laptop, complete with a customizable virtual keyboard or a magnetic physical keyboard, provides exceptional versatility for various use cases.
Robust Audio System: Despite its thin profile, the MateBook Fold's eight speakers deliver impressive sound quality, rivaling high-end laptops like the MacBook Pro.
Windows 11 ARM Integration: Users can install a virtual Windows 11 ARM environment, enabling full access to Microsoft and Google services, though it requires a slightly complex initial setup due to language barriers.
Niche but Groundbreaking: While expensive (£3,500 to £4,000) and not for everyone, the MateBook Fold represents Huawei's commitment to innovation over immediate profit, proving that advanced, durable foldable technology is viable beyond prototypes.

Huawei Matebook Fold - The First 24 Hours! WOW