No, the Huawei MateBook D15 is not ideal for gaming, as it lacks a dedicated graphics card required for high-performance games. Designed as a lightweight, budget-friendly Ultrabook, the MateBook D15 is better suited for productivity tasks, light photo or video editing, and general daily use.
This laptop appeals to students, business professionals, and entry-level content creators who need a reliable device for on-the-go tasks but don’t prioritize gaming.
In this article, we’ll explore the Huawei MateBook D15’s design, build quality, and technical specifications to assess its suitability for gaming and help you determine whether it meets your needs as a gamer.
Related Post: Is the Huawei MateBook D15 worth it?
Can the Huawei MateBook D15 handle modern games effectively?
No, the Huawei MateBook D15 is not designed to handle modern, graphics-intensive games effectively. While it can run some light or older games at lower settings, the MateBook D15 lacks a dedicated GPU and has limited graphics performance, which restricts its ability to handle demanding titles.
This laptop is better suited for general tasks, such as web browsing, media streaming, and productivity work, rather than high-performance gaming.
For smoother gaming with modern titles, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and more powerful hardware is recommended.
What are the Specs of the Huawei MateBook D15?
Before we go anywhere, we have to check out the specs of this laptop so we can get a general idea of what this laptop is all about.
| Specifications | |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U |
| GPU | Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics |
| STORAGE | 256GB PCIe SSD |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 (upgradable) |
| DISPLAY | 15.6” IPS FHD Display |
| Dimensions and weight | WI=357.8mm D=229.9mm H=16.9mm WE=2.8lbs |
| Battery | 42Wh battery |
| wireless | WIFI 6 Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.0, 2x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C(charger) 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm 2-in-1 jack |
| OS | Windows 10 home with a free windows 11 upgrade. |
| misc | 2, mics 2W speakers, fingerprint sensor, hall sensor |
Display
The display on the Huawei MateBook D15 is one of the few places where Huawei tried to save money to keep the laptop within a certain price range. I’m not saying the screen is bad, but it falls short of the standards found in some of Huawei’s higher-end laptops.
The D15 features a 15.6-inch FHD display with thin bezels on three sides and a chin on the bottom, giving it an 87% screen-to-body ratio and a nice 16:9 aspect ratio. All of these are standard for a low-cost 15-inch laptop.
However, it falls short in terms of colour accuracy, to say the least. With an sRGB rating of 65%, an Adobe RGB rating of 49%, and a P3 colour gamut rating of 48%, it is not a colour-accurate screen. These are unquestionably poor results.
I wouldn’t recommend this laptop for high-level video or photo editing because you won’t be able to colour-grade images accurately. It also has a maximum brightness of 250nits, which is adequate for indoor use but not ideal for working outdoors.
Processor
The Huawei MateBook D15 has a few AMD and Intel-based processors, but the model I am reviewing has the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U. This is a very respectable processor that can efficiently handle a lot of work, and it is ideal for simple to intermediate tasks.
It can handle some simple video editing work at 1080p with multiple Chrome tabs open, and it is even able to handle both Adobe Premiere and Photoshop running at the same.
This is very good because not every computer within its price range can have both of them running, with minimal lag and almost no wait time in processing.
I was able to render an hour-long 1080p video in under 15 minutes, which is also very impressive given that it is not one of AMD’s most prominent processors.
It scored very well on GEEKBENCH test scores, hitting over 950 points on a single core count and getting almost double that score on a multi-core test, clocking in at over 1650 points. The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U is not the most powerful processor, but it more than holds its own when taking on heavy workloads.
Graphics
The Huawei MateBook D15 does not have a dedicated graphics card; I’m very disappointed to see that it doesn’t even have a base model NVIDIA or AMD dedicated graphics card. It only comes with a Radeon Vega 8 integrated card.
This means the graphics are still being rendered from a portion of the processor, which has to dedicate a bit of its power to the integrated chip to render graphics for games and 3D images being rendered.
Gaming Performance
It doesn’t mean you can’t play games on this laptop; it just means you won’t be able to play a lot of the latest “AAA” games, which are more graphically intensive and require a lot more processing power.
I ran it through some games just to see the kind of benchmarks I would get so that I could provide you with some context to the kind of games that could run smoothly on this as well as some games that couldn’t and why it is more suited to some light gaming.
| GAMES | LOW Video Quality | MEDIUM Video Quality | HIGH Video Quality |
| CSGO | 60 | 40 | 30 |
| Witcher 3 | 45 | 30 | 22 |
| PUBG | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| CALL OF DUTY MW3 Anti-Aliasing off | 100 | 80 | 60 |
| COD AA ON | 55 | 40 | 30 |
While the Huawei D15 performed admirably in some games, particularly first-person shooters, it struggled in others, such as The Witcher 3, and even at lower settings, I noticed some dips in frame rates from time to time.
Most first-person shooters can be played competitively, and the figures put up are good for single-player games. An average gaming laptop is still able to get at least double the number of frames per second when compared to this laptop, and that gives other players a competitive advantage over someone using the Huawei MateBook D15.
Battery Life
The Huawei MateBook D15 laptop has a 42wh battery, which is not as strong as I would like to see. Huawei has advertised that it lasts about 10 hours after an average day of usage, but in my opinion, the battery is not very strong.
I was able to use the laptop for about 6 hours after I had the screen on 50% max brightness, as well as streaming some videos on YouTube and doing some light browsing. While I was gaming or editing videos with it, I was able to get at least 2.5 hours out of it.
On the plus side, the laptop does come with a 65w charging brick, which can get you from 0-50% in less than 30 minutes as well as give you about 2 hours of use from 10 minutes of charge. So, at least, you should be able to top up the battery very quickly once it is low.
Is the Huawei MateBook D15 Thermals Good for Gaming?
The Huawei MateBook D15 employs an advanced cooling system featuring dual Shark Fin fans with thinner, denser fins to enhance airflow and maintain optimal temperatures during heavy workloads.
Additionally, six sensors monitor the laptop’s thermals, dynamically adjusting fan speeds to prevent overheating. This design effectively minimizes thermal throttling, keeping the laptop comfortable to the touch even during intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
However, while the cooling system is efficient, the MateBook D15’s hardware limitations, such as the absence of a dedicated graphics card, may still impact its performance in high-end gaming scenarios.
Is the Huawei MateBook D15 Keyboard Suitable for Gaming?
The Huawei MateBook D15 features a full-size keyboard with firm, slightly roughened keys measuring 17 × 17 mm, enabling fast and quiet typing. However, it lacks backlighting, which can be a drawback for gaming in low-light environments.
The keys, while tactile, have a plasticky feel that may not meet the expectations of users seeking a more premium experience. Additionally, the absence of dedicated gaming features, such as customizable key functions or enhanced key travel, limits its suitability for intensive gaming sessions.
Overall, while adequate for general use, the MateBook D15’s keyboard may not provide the optimal experience for gamers.
Huawei MateBook D15 Price and Availability
The Huawei MateBook D15 is a widely available laptop, and I found it on Amazon for about $400. Also, searching for it in a few places on the internet, I managed to find it on eBay for about $280, and I also found it on the Huawei store for about $450, which all seem fair, by the way. I also found it on Amazon UK for about 500 pounds.
Is the Huawei MateBook D15 a Good Choice for Light Gaming and Productivity?
The Huawei MateBook D15 is a capable, budget-friendly laptop designed primarily for productivity tasks and light creative work, such as 1080p video editing or photo editing. Priced around $400, it offers good value for students, entry-level content creators, and professionals seeking a portable and affordable laptop for everyday use.
However, the MateBook D15 is not ideal for serious gaming, as it lacks a dedicated graphics card, limiting its ability to run demanding games smoothly. While it can handle basic or older games at low settings, those seeking a true gaming experience may prefer an alternative like the Acer Nitro 5, which includes a dedicated GPU and costs around $500.
In summary, the Huawei MateBook D15 is a solid productivity laptop with light gaming capability, making it a versatile choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize productivity over gaming performance.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei MateBook D15 stands out as a commendable budget-friendly laptop, offering a robust build and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. While it may not cater to high-end gaming needs due to the absence of a dedicated graphics card, it excels in productivity and light multimedia applications.
Its affordability and versatility make it an attractive option for students, professionals, and casual users seeking a reliable device without breaking the bank.
If you own a MateBook D15 or are considering purchasing one, especially for light gaming or productivity purposes, your experiences and insights would be valuable to others. We value your feedback.
Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Thank you for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Huawei MateBook D15 Worth it for Gaming?
A: The Huawei MateBook D15 is not designed as a gaming laptop and lacks a dedicated graphics card, which limits its performance in high-end gaming. It can handle light gaming and older titles, but for more demanding games, a laptop with a dedicated GPU would be a better choice. However, the MateBook D15 is a solid option for productivity and everyday tasks.
Q: Can the Huawei MateBook D15 run modern games?
A: The Huawei MateBook D15 can run some light or older games, but it struggles with modern, graphics-intensive titles due to its integrated graphics. It’s more suited for basic tasks rather than high-performance gaming.
Q: What type of games can the Huawei MateBook D15 handle?
A: The MateBook D15 can handle casual and less demanding games, like indie titles and older games, at low settings. However, it’s not recommended for graphically demanding games due to its lack of a dedicated GPU.
Q: Does the Huawei MateBook D15 have a dedicated graphics card?
A: No, the Huawei MateBook D15 uses integrated graphics rather than a dedicated graphics card, which limits its ability to run graphics-intensive games smoothly.
Q: Is the Huawei MateBook D15 a good laptop for students?
A: Yes, the Huawei MateBook D15 is a great option for students, offering reliable performance for tasks like note-taking, web browsing, and light multimedia use. Its portability and budget-friendly price make it well-suited for academic needs.
Q: How does the Huawei MateBook D15 handle multitasking?
A: The MateBook D15 can handle moderate multitasking, especially with configurations that include 8GB of RAM or more. It’s sufficient for productivity tasks and can run multiple applications at once without major slowdowns, though it may struggle under heavier loads.
Q: Does the Huawei MateBook D15 overheat during gaming?
A: The Huawei MateBook D15 has an effective cooling system with dual fans and thermal sensors, which helps prevent overheating. However, for intensive gaming, temperatures may still rise due to the lack of a dedicated GPU.
Q: Is the keyboard on the Huawei MateBook D15 suitable for gaming?
A: While the MateBook D15’s keyboard is comfortable for typing, it lacks backlighting and dedicated gaming features, making it less ideal for gaming. It’s more suited to productivity and general use.
Q: Can the Huawei MateBook D15 handle video editing?
A: The MateBook D15 can manage basic video editing tasks, especially with 1080p footage. However, for more intensive video editing projects, a laptop with higher specs and a dedicated GPU is recommended.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Huawei MateBook D15 during gaming?
A: The battery life on the MateBook D15 varies depending on usage, but gaming can drain the battery quickly, typically within 1-2 hours. For better performance, it’s recommended to keep it plugged in during gaming sessions.
Image Gallery – Is the Huawei MateBook D15 Laptop Good for Gaming?
References: Huawei Laptop, sRGB rating of 65%.
