Laptops

Huawei MateBook 14 review: Energy-efficient workflow

The work-from-home laptop that keeps you working

Published

October 26, 2020

Gab Orlina

At this point in time, everybody is already used to a 9-5 grind from their homes. As we continually adjust to the pandemic’s ways, we also need the proper devices dedicated for our workload in the day. Even if you’re a student taking online classes, you want a laptop that can keep up with all your requirements.

Enter the Huawei MateBook 14, the company’s take on a more productive work laptop. With a sleek design, a powerful processor inside the device, it offers what is essentially a balanced machine. Upon first glance, I thought that it was simply a mixture of the Huawei MateBook D14 and the MateBook X Pro.

The question is whether it stacks up as a power-efficient, balanced work laptop. Well, here’s what you get with the Huawei MateBook 14:

It comes with a 14-inch, 2K FullView Display

An AMD Ryzen 4000-series processor powers the device

It comes with a recessed camera at the top-middle of the keyboard

It only comes in Space Gray

Admire the design first

I know that I usually go straight to how this device performs, but I honestly couldn’t ignore its build quality. Compared to most Huawei laptops I’ve looked at, the Matebook 14 remains consistent with all of them in terms of design. They go for the sleek, subtle yet professional tone with how the laptop looks and feels.

Upon knowing that the build was mostly CNC-ed in, I was expecting durability and hardness in the device. It felt durable enough for me to toss it onto the bed most of the time, and I was pretty confident it wouldn’t break. Also, for a device that weighs almost 1.5 kg, it sure feels light to carry around.

These were some of my observations on the Huawei Matebook X Pro, which I felt is a more powerful version of the Matebook 14. It’s nice to see that Huawei brought that in, leaving no rough surface behind.

Performance that’s great for any type of work

Huawei’s Matebook 14 comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, with 16GB of RAM — which is what most people want out of a work laptop. Because a newer AMD chip is inside, I was expecting great performance right out of the gate. Not to mention that this device also comes with a 512GB SSD, so booting up should be fast.

Just as expected, the device performs well for most work-related tasks I threw at it. I tried using it as my main work laptop for three days, and I was able to do my work in an efficient way. I mean, I still finished overtime for work one day but the device lasted long enough and performed well. Also, I felt that most applications ran pretty smoothly while I was using it.

It was even able to handle close to 100,000 rows of Microsoft Excel data without slowing down significantly. Also, I felt that I didn’t have to manually switch to Performance Mode just to do that. However, because this only comes with built-in Radeon Graphics, I wouldn’t recommend it for creative work and advanced data processing.

Long lasting battery, and it’s surprisingly not warm

The Matebook 14 boasts its 56Wh battery to last all day when you’re doing your usual tasks. Realistically, I don’t think you could keep a laptop running the whole day without plugging the charger. However, on a full charge, I managed to get close to 14 hours mixing work, watching YouTube and streaming Netflix.

Charging the device didn’t take long, either as I got about two hours to fully charge it. That whole thing about a 15-minute charge granting 2.5 hours is close to the truth. Also, I appreciate that Huawei thought of putting a charger that supports SuperCharge, which also charges smartphones.

The biggest surprise I found was the thermal setup for the device. Compared to the Matebook X Pro, this did not feel that warm to hold at all — especially while working. Honestly, I give full credit to the AMD chip in keeping it energy-efficient. The dual fan, dual heat pipe design worked wonders, even in a much smaller chassis.

More things that deserved to be noticed, for better or worse

Other things I wanted to bring to light include the usual features it comes with. The hybrid of a fingerprint sensor and the power button still works wonders. It’s pretty easy to set up, and it recognizes your fingerprint pretty fast so you start working right off the bat.

Also, I’m a big fan of the keyboard mostly in terms of the key travel. I’m not drawn to the whole backlit keyboard since it still looks dim in the dark. But in terms of my typing experience, it provides a great one every time I use it. Honestly, it made me work a lot faster so it’s a win for me.

What isn’t a win, and will honestly continue being an L for Huawei is the camera. It’s not because the quality is bad, but it’s just the placement of it. I know that they had to do it for the FullView Display, but it really is an unflattering angle.

Is the MateBook 14 your GadgetMatch?

For PhP 54,999 (US$ 1133), the Huawei MateBook 14 delivers on many fronts as a work laptop. It checks all the important boxes on what you need so you can work better. Plus, it lasts as long as you want it to without reaching for the charger, and stays cool too.

All the usual features Huawei puts in their laptops have their moments to shine. From the keyboard to the display, everything fits quite nicely for what you need it for. At this point, there’s really nothing you can do about the camera being where it is.

If you need a more than decent laptop for work or school, this is a great option to consider. All in all, It gives you premium yet energy-efficient performance that will keep you at the top of your game.

Laptops

MacBook Neo enters the chat with a $599 starting price

Here comes a new challenger

Published

March 5, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Apple has a new contender in the ring. And if you grew up on fighting games, the reveal almost feels like that classic moment when the screen flashes: Here comes a new challenger.

Meet the MacBook Neo — Apple’s newest and most affordable laptop yet. Starting at just US$599 (US$499 for education), it aims to bring the Mac experience to a much wider audience.

Despite the lower entry price, Apple isn’t treating this like a stripped-down Mac. The new machine still carries a full aluminum design, a vibrant display, and Apple silicon performance — the same core pillars that define the modern Mac lineup.

The goal is simple: make the Mac more accessible without losing the parts that make it feel premium.

A colorful new entry

At first glance, MacBook Neo looks every bit like a modern Mac. It features a durable aluminum enclosure with soft rounded edges and weighs just 2.7 pounds, making it easy to toss in a backpack or handbag.

Apple is also leaning into color here. The laptop comes in four finishes: blush, indigo, silver, and citrus. The Magic Keyboard matches each colorway with lighter shades, creating a cohesive look across the entire device.

Front and center is a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2408 × 1506 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and support for one billion colors. Apple says the panel delivers sharper text and brighter visuals than most laptops in this price category.

It’s a display designed to make everyday tasks — browsing, watching videos, editing photos — feel a little more vibrant.

A18 Pro powers everyday performance

Under the hood, MacBook Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip — the same architecture that powers some of Apple’s most advanced mobile devices.

Apple says the chip delivers up to 50 percent faster everyday performance compared to the bestselling PC powered by Intel Core Ultra 5. For AI-heavy tasks like applying advanced photo effects or running on-device intelligence features, the system can be up to three times faster.

The chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence features and a 5-core GPU for graphics workloads. The system is completely fanless, which means silent operation even under load.

In practical terms, that translates to smooth multitasking across apps like Messages, Safari, Canva, Excel, and more.

Built for all-day use

Battery life is another highlight. Thanks to the efficiency of Apple silicon, MacBook Neo can run for up to 16 hours on a single charge.

The laptop also includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with improved image processing, along with dual microphones that use directional beamforming to reduce background noise during calls.

For audio, dual side-firing speakers support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive listening experience.

The device features Apple’s Magic Keyboard and a large Multi-Touch trackpad, while select models include Touch ID for quick and secure logins.

Connectivity includes two USB-C ports for charging and accessories, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6.

The Mac experience, now more accessible

MacBook Neo ships with macOS Tahoe, complete with built-in apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. It also supports Apple Intelligence features such as Writing Tools and Live Translation.

For users already in the Apple ecosystem, Continuity features make switching between devices seamless. Tools like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring let users move between Mac and iPhone without breaking their workflow.

With its $599 starting price, MacBook Neo now becomes the most affordable entry point into the Mac lineup — a position long rumored but never quite realized until now.

In fighting game terms, Apple didn’t just add another character to the roster.

It added one meant for a whole new set of players.

Pricing and availability in Singapore and the Philippines

In Singapore, the MacBook Neo starts at S$849 and S$729 for education. Customers can pre-order the new MacBook Neo from Friday, March 6.

In the Philippines, Apple’s friendliest-to-the-budget MacBook starts at ₱39,990 and ₱33,990 for education. They will be available soon on apple.com/ph/store and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Laptops

ASUS launches 2026’s Zenbook S16, Zenbook 14

Both are built for ultra portability.

Published

March 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

ASUS’s ultrathin notebooks are back. As first revealed during CES 2026, ASUS has officially launched the Zenbook S16, a modest upgrade to the model of the same name from almost two years ago. Accompanying it is a lesser-but-just-as-capable sibling called the Zenbook 14.

ASUS Zenbook S16

Much like its predecessor, the latest Zenbook S16 is designed for ultra portability. In terms of thinness, the notebook measures only 1.1 centimeters. Plus, it weighs only 1.5 kilograms, making it a perfect addition to your daily kit.

As is always expected from the Zenbook S lineup, the Zenbook S16 will have a tactile Ceraluminum lid, bolstered by an EasyLift hinge for ease of use. It will also have an ErgoSense keyboard with dished keycaps.

The 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED screen has touchscreen capabilities, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and 500nits of brightness. For audio, it has a six-speaker Dolby Atmos system, including four front-firing tweeters and dual woofers.

Under the hood, the new notebook will sport an AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 chipset, which can deliver up to 50 TOPS. Combined with Radeon graphics, this processor is supported by 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

For battery, the notebook will have an 83 Wh battery, which can reportedly last over 21 hours.

ASUS Zenbook 14

Technically, this isn’t the Zenbook S14, but it bears a striking resemblance to that previous notebook, both in terms of design and hardware. For one, the new Zenbook 14 is 14.9mm thin and only 1.2kg light.

The 14-inch screen carries a WUXGA ASUS Lumina OLED display, putting out images in a 16:10 aspect ratio. The notebook also has an Ergosense keyboard and touchpad for more comfortable typing and more precise controls.

Under the hood, the Zenbook 14 trades the S14’s Intel chip for an AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor, capable of up to 50 TOPS. It will also have 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

For battery, the notebook will have a 75 Wh battery, reportedly capable of lasting over 15 hours of unplugged use.

Price, availability

The Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 are available now. They both come with a lifetime license of Office 2024 Home, one-year access to Microsoft 365 with cloud storage, and ASUS Warranty (consisting of two-year International Warranty and ASUS Perfect Warranty, plus one-year accidental damage protection).

The Zenbook S16 comes in Scandinavian White and retails for PhP 134,995. Meanwhile, the Zenbook 14 comes in Jade Black and retails for PhP 79,995.

Laptops

Apple accidentally revealed something called the MacBook Neo

Is this the rumored entry-level MacBook?

Published

March 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

We’re living in the week of Apple. Through the past few days, Apple launched a new iPhone, iPads, and now, MacBooks. But the week isn’t over, so the brand still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Now, on the cusp of its major event, a brand-new notebook lineup has seemingly been leaked ahead of time. Apple has accidentally leaked the name “MacBook Neo” on its official website.

While we’ve seen the launches of the new MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, the year’s lineup of notebooks is still missing the highly rumored entry-level MacBook. Ahead of this week, the brand was tipped to launch a new lineup that brought the price of the notebook down and introduced quirkier colorway options. Judging by the invite for it, the event scheduled for March 4 seems to be the launch pad for this device.

Today, in a now-deleted mention on a regulatory document on the brand’s official website (via MacRumors), Apple has accidentally leaked a mention of a “MacBook Neo (Model A3404)”. Sadly, the mention did not include any details about this device. Plus, it was deleted soon after it was spotted by the public.

There isn’t much to say about this model yet, if it is indeed the budget-friendly MacBook that everyone is talking about. If anything, it’s been tipped that the lineup will feature a mobile chipset rather than the M-series silicon often prominent in the regular MacBook series. It will also add splashes of color by offering colorway options apart from the usual metallic choices.

Then again, March 4 (in the States) is right around the corner, so the device’s launch might only be a few breaths away.