Huawei's latest push for technological self-reliance arrives in an elegant package – but early reviews suggest its new HarmonyOS-powered MateBook Pro faces challenges under the hood. The laptop, unveiled this week, marks the PC debut of China's homegrown operating system developed amid U.S. tech restrictions.
Design Wins, Performance Questions
At first glance, the 7,999 yuan ($1,100) device impresses with a sub-1kg aluminum body and vibrant OLED display matching Huawei's premium MateBook X Pro line. Store visitors praised its sleek profile and oversized touchpad during hands-on sessions. However, technical limitations linked to its domestic Kirin chipset reportedly caused noticeable lag during multitasking tests.
OS Expansion Strategy
The release extends Huawei's decade-long OS development efforts, accelerated after 2019 U.S. sanctions cut access to Google's Android ecosystem. From smartphones to IoT devices and now PCs, HarmonyOS aims to create an integrated Chinese alternative to Western tech stacks.
Market Implications
While the MateBook Pro's design competes with Apple and Dell equivalents, analysts note its success may depend on attracting users prioritizing tech sovereignty over raw performance. The launch comes as China's domestic semiconductor industry works to overcome production bottlenecks.
Gong Zhe, senior sci-tech editor at CGTN Digital, contributed observations. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect CGTN's editorial stance.
