Huawei just shook up the laptop world with its MateBook Fold, the company’s first Windows-free notebook. Instead of booting into Windows, this sleek device runs on Huawei’s own HarmonyOS, thanks to ongoing tensions with Microsoft. Right off the bat, you’ll notice the sheer novelty: an 18-inch OLED screen that folds into a compact 13-inch form factor.
We got hands-on time at BeyondExpo in Macao, and trust us, it’s a head-turner. Even though it’s impressively thin—just 7.3 mm when unfolded—it doesn’t feel fragile. Holding it feels more like cradling a high-end tablet than a traditional laptop, and that’s a big part of the MateBook Fold’s appeal.
A Breathtaking XXL OLED Display
Imagine an ultra-thin, 4K OLED panel that goes from “holy moly” to “this is crazy” in seconds. When you fully unfold the MateBook Fold, you get a sprawling 18-inch canvas that reaches up to 1,600 nits of brightness and refreshes at 144 Hz. Colors pop like you’ve never seen on a laptop, deep blacks are actually deep, and the tactile smoothness screams premium.
Fold it back and you still get a juicy 13-inch display for on-the-go use. The hinge mechanism feels reassuringly sturdy—no wobbles or weird creaks—so even after multiple folds, it stays reliable. Plus, at just 1.1 kg, it’s lighter than many 13-inch “regular” ultrabooks, making it a breeze to toss in a bag.
HarmonyOS Takes the Driver’s Seat
Without Windows onboard, HarmonyOS is the star of the show. If you’re familiar with Windows 10 gestures or macOS split-screen magic, you’ll feel right at home. Swipe up with three fingers to snap apps full-screen or drag to split the view. The touchscreen is super responsive, so pinching and dragging windows around feels really natural, like you’re working on a giant tablet.
Huawei even throws in its own AI assistant, Celia, with a dedicated shortcut key. Unfortunately, it’s still locked to Chinese, so we couldn’t test it in English. But the idea is compelling—think Microsoft Copilot vibes. The file explorer and taskbar look strikingly Windows-like, while the app launcher feels straight out of macOS. HarmonyOS is fresh and intuitive, but it’s still early days.
The Biggest Drawback: App Support
This is where things get bumpy. HarmonyOS has only about 150 compatible apps right now, and most of them are locally focused. You get WPS Office for productivity, but major players like the Adobe Creative Cloud suite or flagship gaming titles are nowhere to be found. Huawei promises another 2,000 apps soon, but until then, you’re limited.
Technically, you can switch the system language to English and import the device abroad, but that won’t magically unlock Western apps. Many essential tools and games just aren’t available, which could be a dealbreaker if you rely on specific software for work or play.
Standing Out Among Foldables
Huawei isn’t the first to try foldable laptops—that honor goes to devices like the Asus ZenBook 17 Fold and Lenovo X1 Fold. But the MateBook Fold’s build quality feels a cut above. The faux-leather back adds a touch of luxury (a nod to Chinese design preferences), and the shape retains its grip even when folded. The hinge feels rock-solid, too, giving confidence that it won’t wear out anytime soon.
Inside, there’s an undisclosed Huawei-made processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a roomy 1 TB SSD. We didn’t spot any Intel or AMD badges, which is unusual, but the performance felt snappy during basic tasks. Heavy lifting? We’ll need more benchmark time, but Huawei claims it can handle professional workloads without breaking a sweat.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict on Huawei’s bold experiment? The MateBook Fold is a true conversation starter with that colossal foldable OLED screen and ultra-slim design. It’s the kind of gadget that makes you pause and go, “Wow, this is the future… maybe.”
But before you empty your wallet—this thing starts at around ¥24,000 (roughly $2,900)—consider whether you can live without your favorite Windows or macOS apps. If you’re primarily a web surfer, a WPS Office user, or someone who loves cutting-edge hardware, this device could be your dream machine. For the rest of us, it might be too much compromise for all that style.
Ready to take the plunge? If you crave the latest tech flex and don’t mind living on the bleeding edge, the MateBook Fold is a bold pick. Otherwise, you might want to wait until HarmonyOS’s app ecosystem matures or prices drop. Either way, it’s an exciting glimpse at where laptops might be heading—and Huawei is leading the charge.
