The future of laptops is foldable — and Huawei is leading the charge with the MateBook Fold. Unveiled as part of its Ultra series, this device isn’t just a technical flex — it’s a meticulous showcase of industrial design, mobile engineering, and ecosystem integration, all wrapped into one seamless fold.
Huawei MateBook Fold isn’t here to play safe. It’s here to challenge the traditional form factor, and in the process, it redefines what we should expect from a high-end laptop in 2025.
Specifications
• Display (unfolded): 18.0” LTPO OLED, 3296 × 2472, 4:3 ratio, 3.3K resolution, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits peak brightness
• Display (folded): 13.3” 2472 × 1648, 3:2 ratio
• Processor: might be a Kirin chip
• Graphics: Intel Arc integrated GPU
• Operating System: HarmonyOS 4.2 (HarmonyOS 5 OTA expected)
• Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 1 TB or 2 TB PCIe SSD
• Battery: 75 Wh, supports 140W USB-C fast charging
• Audio: Six-speaker system with spatial sound
• Microphones: Quad-array with AI noise cancellation
• Camera: 8 MP front-facing camera
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, dual USB-C
• Build: Magnesium alloy and vegan leather, basalt “waterdrop” hinge
• Kickstand: Magnetic fold-out design
• Thickness: 7.3 mm (unfolded), 14.9 mm (folded)
• Weight: 1.22 kg
• Colors: Elegant Black, Starry Blue, Moonlight White
Display, Hinge, and the Engineering Leap
The MateBook Fold features one of the largest foldable OLED panels ever put into a consumer laptop: 18 inches diagonally when unfolded. This expansive 3.3K LTPO panel delivers not only stunning sharpness but also peak brightness of 1600 nits, HDR Vivid certification, and an ultra-responsive adaptive refresh rate.
The real technical magic lies in Huawei’s basalt-fiber “waterdrop” hinge. This hinge design enables the panel to fold flat without leaving a visible crease, minimizing panel stress and maximizing longevity. When folded, the device transitions into a compact 13.3-inch unit — ideal for mobility without compromising function.
Huawei’s engineering precision is evident. The hinge opens with smooth resistance, the display remains structurally rigid when fully open, and the crease remains imperceptible in most lighting conditions.
Build, Portability, and Materials
“Luxury without compromise.”
The MateBook Fold is crafted from ultra-light magnesium alloy with vegan leather finishing — more akin to high-end fashion accessories than traditional laptops. The profile is razor-thin at 7.3 mm unfolded, yet feels reassuringly solid in hand.
The magnetic kickstand clicks confidently into place and supports the unfolded display at multiple angles, ideal for extended productivity or media consumption. It’s minimal, effective, and contributes to the clean visual identity of the Fold.
Despite its foldable form, the MateBook Fold weighs only 1.22 kg — a remarkable feat for an 18-inch device.
HarmonyOS and Productivity Ecosystem
Running HarmonyOS 4.2 out of the box, the MateBook Fold offers an ecosystem-oriented experience. The OS is designed for seamless continuity across Huawei devices, enabling features like SuperHub (cross-device clipboard), Multi-Screen Collaboration (mirror/control tablets and phones), and drag-and-drop file sharing.
HarmonyOS has matured rapidly — offering a robust multitasking environment with split-screen layouts, resizable windows, and responsive performance. While app availability remains a regional factor, Huawei’s own suite of office and productivity tools covers most essential workflows.
For professionals in the Huawei ecosystem, this operating system transforms the MateBook Fold into a control hub — not just a standalone computer.
Battery, Audio, and Thermal Considerations
The 75 Wh battery inside the Fold delivers respectable endurance, with around 10 hours of light productivity and media usage. The bundled 140W USB-C GaN charger can restore the battery to ~85% in under 60 minutes, making it ideal for fast turnarounds.
Audio is delivered through a six-speaker spatial array that supports surround sound and vocal isolation. With quad AI-enhanced microphones, the device is equally ready for video conferencing and voice input.
Thermal performance is aided by passive cooling and the flexibility of positioning the Fold at different angles. During productivity tasks and 4K video playback, the chassis remains quiet and cool to the touch.
Price and Availability
• Starting Price: ¥24,999 (~$3,400 USD)
~$3,400 USD
• Configurations:
• 32 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD — ¥24,999
• 32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD — ¥26,999
• Market: Currently exclusive to China
• Global launch: Not officially announced
How It Stacks Up
Huawei MateBook Fold vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Gen 2)
• Display: MateBook’s 18” OLED is significantly larger and brighter
• Design: Huawei opts for fashion-forward aesthetics; Lenovo leans utilitarian
• OS: HarmonyOS offers Huawei ecosystem benefits; Lenovo supports Windows 11
• Ports: Lenovo includes more I/O; Huawei keeps it minimal with dual USB-C
Verdict: The MateBook Fold is more refined and premium, but limited by software regionality. Lenovo offers broader software compatibility at the expense of cutting-edge design.
What Others Say
“Huawei’s MateBook Fold is the boldest take on folding laptops yet — it’s not just about bending displays, but bending expectations.” — Android Central
“This is a luxury tech object as much as it is a functional PC. Huawei went all-in on materials, screen, and silence.” — Gizmodo China
FAQ
• Can I run Windows on the MateBook Fold?
No. The device runs HarmonyOS natively and does not support Windows installation.
• Is the fold crease visible?
Huawei’s basalt fiber hinge significantly reduces crease visibility. Under normal use, it’s nearly undetectable.
• Does it support stylus input?
Huawei has not confirmed stylus support for this model.
• Is it durable enough for everyday folding?
Yes. The hinge is rated for over 250,000 folds, equating to years of regular use.
Cons
• HarmonyOS limits international software compatibility (but better that the windows)
• No stylus or pen support
• Premium pricing for a first-generation concept
• Limited availability outside China
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Huawei MateBook Fold is a landmark moment for foldable computing. Combining a stunning 18-inch OLED with a nearly invisible hinge mechanism, it’s equal parts design object and productivity machine. With HarmonyOS at its core and Huawei’s signature build quality, the Fold is ready to lead the ultra-premium laptop segment — if you live within its ecosystem.
For professionals who want the absolute cutting edge in design, portability, and screen technology, there’s little else like it.
4.8 / 5
