HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop Review: Is this Laptop Worth Buying?

The HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop is a stylishly designed mid-range laptop that offers great performance and an excellent display. It has a solid build and a good port selection. The battery life isn’t the best, but it does have fast charging capabilities.

Overall, this is one of the better laptops in its price range. Read on to find out more about the HUAWEI Matebook D15.

Design

This device looks really nice with its sleek design and premium finish. Its aluminium body feels sturdy and well-built. The HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop is a portable and lightweight laptop with thin bezels and a design seen mostly on premium laptops. It has a grey all-metal chassis and a nicely shaped and comfortable keyboard with the HUAWEI branding on it.

This laptop measures 357.8 x 229.9 x 16.9mm and weighs 1.53kg. The power adapter weighs 159g and looks like a phone power plug. The webcam is built into a space on the keyboard between the F6 and F7 keys where you can press the button for the webcam to pop up and press it down to turn it off. This feature offers extra privacy and security.

This laptop looks like it got its design idea from Apple, but it offers better out-of-the-box connectivity. It includes a full-size HDMI port, USB-C 3.1 port, 3x USB-A, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. It does not include a micro SD card slot, so it doesn’t support expandable memory. The power button also serves as a fingerprint scanner that securely logs you into Windows 10.

Display

This laptop has a decent screen for a budget laptop. It has a 15.6-inch IPS FHD, 16:9 aspect ratio, 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution at 141.2ppi density. It has 250 nits of maximum brightness and an 87% screen-to-body ratio.

The screen is not one to be used outdoors or for video or picture editing as it has a very dim display and lacks colour accuracy. It has 56.6% sRGB gamut coverage and supports content playback.

Performance and Battery life

The HUAWEI MateBook D Laptop is equipped with Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD and AMD’s Ryzen 3500U quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage to provide you with all the speed you need for everyday tasks. It is not advisable to play games on this laptop, but you can always try older games at the native 1080p resolution.

The speakers located underneath the chassis deliver solid performance. This laptop supports the use of Huawei Share if you have a Huawei phone. You just have to tap your phone to the Huawei Share sticker, and both devices are connected, which allows you to quickly transfer files between both devices.

The battery life on the MateBook D15 is not good enough at about five hours per charge, but it’s a good thing it is fast charging with a 65W USB-C charger that ships with it. This charger would boost your battery from 25% to 61% in 30 minutes.

Features

1. Aluminium chassis.
2. Narrow bezels.
3. 15.6-inch IPS display.
4. Intel Core i5 11th Gen, and AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor.
5. 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD and 512GB SSD.
6. A recessed camera is located on the keyboard.
7. Fingerprint scanner.
8. Large and responsive touchpad.
9. 65W USB-C fast charging adapter.

Specifications

• Operating system: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core i5 11th Gen 2.4GHz, or AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 2.1GHz
• Graphics: ‎Intel Iris Xe Graphics or the AMD Radeon Vega 8
• Display size: 15.6-inch FHD IPS 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Dimensions: 229.9 x 357.8 x 16.9mm
• Weight: 1.53kg
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
• Sensors: Fingerprint scanner
• Camera: 1MP webcam
• Ports: 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.0 Type C, HDMI port, 3.5mm audio combo jack
• Battery: 42Wh
• Colour: Space Grey.

Buying Guide

The Huawei MateBook D15 laptop is a really nice budget laptop that handles basic everyday tasks well. This device cuts back on a few features for the price reduction, but it’s still pretty good and has a stylish design, too. But if you are looking for a laptop with a great display, excellent battery life or powerful performance, this device is not for you. Those are the sacrifices that had to be made for a budget laptop.

Things to Consider Before Buying:

How much is the HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop?

The mid-range Huawei MateBook D15 laptop is available in the following configurations:

• Intel® Core™ i5, 512 GB SSD: £449 ($570 Approx.)
• Intel Core i5 11th Gen, 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD: £459.99 ($584 Approx.).
• Quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD.

Other Available series

The Huawei MateBook D series is a range of laptops produced by Huawei since 2016. They come in different sizes and configurations depending on what type you need. They are;

• Huawei MateBook D14
• Huawei MateBook D15
• Huawei MateBook D16.

Does the Huawei Matebook D15 Have a Backlight Keyboard?

No, the Huawei Matebook D15 laptop does not have a backlit keyboard. Based on our testing of the product and Huawei’s official specifications, none of the Matebook D15 models, including the 2021 and 2022 releases, come equipped with an LED backlit keyboard. 

The lack of keyboard backlighting looks like a deliberate design choice by Huawei to position the D15 laptop as a more affordable, budget-friendly mainstream laptop compared to their higher-end offerings like the Matebook X Pro, which do include backlit keyboards. 

If keyboard backlighting is a must-have feature for you, then the Huawei Matebook D15 laptop is likely not the right option for you.

Is the HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop worth buying?

The Huawei MateBook D15 laptop is worth buying if you need a cheap and budget-friendly laptop. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard and touchscreen display is a drawback, depending on your preferences. 

On the bright side, the Huawei MateBook D15 laptop does offer a good port selection, slim bezels, a decent processor, and an aluminium chassis. But if you want a better processor or battery, you should be willing to spend a little more money on models like the Huawei Matebook X Pro.

Final Thoughts:

So, at the end of the day, is the Huawei MateBook D15 the right budget laptop for your needs? Well, that depends. Its slim, sleek design and portable size certainly make it an appealing option if you’re on the go often. And the NFC connectivity with Huawei phones could come in handy.

However, you have to ask yourself – can you live without that backlit keyboard for late-night working sessions? And will the just average battery life leave you constantly hunting for an outlet? For some, perhaps convenience and affordability outweigh minor shortcomings.

But maybe you deserve more – more power, more pixels, and more endurance from your daily driver. 

If so, I’d take a look at what else is on the market in the same price bracket. You might find something with better specs that’s still easy on the wallet. But if the few drawbacks discussed are something you can live with, then you might want to consider this laptop.

At the end of the day, only you can decide what combination of features, design, and price makes for your perfect laptop match!

FAQ – HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop Review

Q: Can users provide their own upgrades to the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 has limited upgradability. Users can upgrade the SSD for more storage, but the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, making it non-upgradable. This is a common limitation in slim, budget-friendly laptops.

Q: How does the Huawei MateBook D15 perform in competitive analysis against other laptops in its price range?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 offers a solid combination of performance and build quality. Compared to similarly priced laptops from brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, it stands out for its sleek design and good port selection. However, it may lag behind in areas like battery life and display brightness.

Q: What software enhancements does the Huawei MateBook D15 offer?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 runs on Windows 10 and includes unique Huawei software enhancements, such as Huawei Share for seamless connectivity with Huawei smartphones, enhanced file transfer, and multi-device collaboration.

Q: Where can I purchase the Huawei MateBook D15, and what configurations are available?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 is available through various online retailers, Huawei’s official website, and select physical electronics stores. It typically comes in configurations featuring the Intel Core i5 11th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD or 512GB SSD.

Q: What type of after-sales support and warranty does Huawei provide for the MateBook D15?

A: Huawei offers a standard 1-year warranty for the MateBook D15, covering manufacturing defects. Their after-sales support includes customer service through phone, email, and in some regions, service centers for repairs and maintenance.

Q: How does the Huawei MateBook D15 fare in terms of battery performance?

A: The MateBook D15’s battery life is moderate, lasting about five hours on a single charge under typical usage. This duration can vary depending on the intensity of the tasks performed.

Q: Are there any thermal management features in the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 has a basic thermal management system, with vents and a fan to dissipate heat. It handles heat well during regular tasks but may get warm during heavy usage or gaming.

Q: How does the display of the Huawei MateBook D15 perform outdoors?

A: The display of the Huawei MateBook D15, while being FHD IPS, has limited brightness, making it less suitable for use in bright outdoor environments. Its performance is optimal in indoor settings.

Q: What is the user experience like with the Huawei MateBook D15’s keyboard and touchpad?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15’s keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with adequate key travel. The touchpad is large and responsive, making navigation easy. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard may be a drawback for some users.

Q: How reliable are the connectivity options on the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 provides reliable connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. Its range of ports, including USB-C and HDMI, facilitates a variety of external connections.

Q: What is the quality of the built-in speakers and microphone in the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The built-in speakers of the Huawei MateBook D15 deliver decent sound quality for everyday use, though they may lack depth for more intensive audio experiences. The microphone is adequate for calls and basic recording.

Q: How well does the AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics perform in the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics in the Huawei MateBook D15 are suitable for basic graphic tasks and light gaming. They support moderate graphic loads but are not ideal for heavy gaming or professional graphic design work.

Q: Are there any eco-friendly practices associated with the Huawei MateBook D15’s production?

A: Huawei has not specifically highlighted eco-friendly practices or materials in the production of the MateBook D15. Typically, information on sustainability is more prominent in higher-end models or from brands focusing on eco-conscious manufacturing.

Q: How long is the expected lifespan of the Huawei MateBook D15?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15, with proper care and moderate use, can last for several years. Its build quality and hardware are designed to sustain regular use, giving it a lifespan of around 4-5 years under normal conditions.

Q: What type of battery does the Huawei MateBook D15 have, and how does it affect its longevity?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 is equipped with a 42Wh battery. This capacity, combined with the hardware efficiency, leads to an average battery life of around five hours, which can decrease over time with regular use.

Q: Is there any warranty offered by Huawei for the MateBook D15?

A: Yes, Huawei provides a standard one-year warranty for the MateBook D15, covering manufacturing defects and issues that are not caused by the user.

Q: Will the Huawei MateBook D15 charge faster with the USB-C charger?

A: Yes, the Huawei MateBook D15 supports fast charging with its 65W USB-C charger, enabling rapid battery replenishment. It can charge from 25% to 61% in about 30 minutes.

Q: Does the Huawei MateBook D15 support any high-speed data transfer protocols?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15 supports high-speed data transfer through its USB-C 3.1 port, offering faster data transfer rates compared to traditional USB ports.

Q: How does the Huawei MateBook D15 handle multitasking and everyday workloads?

A: With its Intel Core i5 11th Gen, or the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor and 8GB RAM, the Huawei MateBook D15 handles multitasking and everyday workloads efficiently. It’s well-suited for standard productivity tasks, web browsing, and multimedia consumption.

Q: Can the Huawei MateBook D15 be used for professional video editing?

A: The Huawei MateBook D15, while capable of handling basic video editing, is not ideally suited for professional video editing due to its moderate graphics capabilities and limited colour accuracy display.

Related Post with alternative Huawei MateBook laptop model: HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021 Laptop Review

Product Image Gallery – HUAWEI MateBook D15 Laptop Review.

References: Huawei MateBook Series.