Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop: Full Review, Specs, Ecosystem and Buying Guide

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop: The New Era of Chinese Computing

Huawei MateBook Pro HarmonyOS: What Was Unveiled and Why It Matters

On May 19, 2025, Huawei officially launched its first HarmonyOS-powered laptops, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Chinese personal computing. The headline products were the Huawei MateBook Pro HarmonyOS and the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design. These devices are not just new hardware—they represent a strategic shift away from Western technology dependencies, especially after Huawei’s Windows license expired in March 2025. The MateBook Pro HarmonyOS is a traditional ultrabook, while the MateBook Fold is the world’s first 18-inch foldable laptop, both running the newly developed HarmonyOS 5 for PC.

Why is this launch significant for Chinese laptops? For years, Chinese PC manufacturers relied on Microsoft Windows and Intel/AMD processors. Due to escalating US sanctions, Huawei accelerated its investment in self-reliant technology, culminating in HarmonyOS PC and in-house Kirin X90 chips. This move is not just about software independence; it’s about building a vertically integrated ecosystem that can compete with Windows and macOS, especially in the Chinese market.

HarmonyOS Features on PC: HarmonyOS 5 for PC is a full-stack operating system, rebuilt from the kernel up. It features the Harmony kernel, the Ark graphics engine for smooth UI and multitasking, the StarShield security architecture for chip-level encryption, and deep AI integration via the Xiaoyi assistant. The OS supports seamless multi-device collaboration, allowing users to share keyboards, mice, screens, and files across Huawei phones, tablets, and PCs. Over 150 native PC apps and 2,000+ universal apps are available at launch, with a focus on productivity, security, and ecosystem integration.

In summary, the Huawei MateBook Pro HarmonyOS and MateBook Fold are more than new laptops—they are the vanguard of a new, self-sufficient Chinese computing era, offering a fresh alternative to Windows and macOS, especially for users and institutions seeking independence from Western tech infrastructure.

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Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Design and Build

Huawei Foldable Laptop 18-inch: Materials, Hinge, and Portability

The Huawei foldable laptop 18-inch, officially known as the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design, redefines laptop engineering with its innovative form factor and premium materials. When unfolded, it presents a stunning 18-inch OLED display, yet folds down to a compact 13-inch device, weighing just 1.16 kg and measuring only 7.3 mm thick when open and 14.9 mm when closed. This makes it lighter and thinner than many traditional 13-inch ultrabooks, a remarkable feat for such a large-screen device.

Materials and Build: The chassis combines high-grade metal and vegan leather, with a unique “basalt water drop” hinge that stretches 285 mm—the largest in the industry. The hinge uses a three-stage shaft with mortise and tenon structure, providing exceptional stability and durability, supporting angles from 30° to 150°. The display is protected by a dual-layer LTPO OLED panel and reinforced with carbon fiber support layers, tripling impact resistance compared to single-layer designs.

Port Layout and Comparison: The MateBook Fold features two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and an 8MP front camera. The port selection is minimalist, reflecting a forward-looking design philosophy similar to Apple’s MacBook Air. Compared to standard ultrabooks, the Fold is not only lighter and thinner but also offers a more versatile form factor, transitioning seamlessly between laptop, tablet, and presentation modes.

Mobile-Optimized Table: MateBook Fold vs. Standard Ultrabook

The MateBook Fold’s design is a leap forward in both aesthetics and engineering. Its ultra-thin, lightweight build, robust hinge, and premium materials set a new benchmark for foldable laptops, offering portability and versatility unmatched by conventional ultrabooks.

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Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Display and Form Factors

MateBook Fold Ultimate Design: Panel Technology and Usage Modes

The MateBook Fold Ultimate Design boasts the world’s first 18-inch dual-layer LTPO OLED display in a laptop, setting new standards for visual quality and flexibility. The unfolded screen delivers a 3.3K resolution (3296 × 2472 pixels) with a 4:3 aspect ratio, while folding down to a 13-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio display (2472 × 1648 pixels).

Display Specifications:

• Panel Type: Dual-layer LTPO OLED
• Refresh Rate: Adaptive, up to 144 Hz
• Brightness: 700 nits typical, 1600 nits peak (HDR)
• Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000:1
• Color Gamut: 100% DCI-P3, Delta E < 1 (factory calibrated)
• Eye Comfort: TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort 3.0, 1440 Hz PWM dimming
• Anti-Glare: Advanced anti-reflective coating for reduced glare in bright environments.

Usage Modes:

• Laptop Mode: Folded at 90°, with a virtual or physical keyboard on the lower half.
• Tablet Mode: Fully unfolded for touch and stylus input, ideal for drawing, reading, or presentations.
• Screen/Presentation Mode: Propped up with the integrated kickstand, usable in both portrait and landscape orientations for collaborative work or media consumption.

Mobile-Optimized Table: Display Features

The MateBook Fold’s display is not just large and vibrant—it’s engineered for versatility. Whether used as a traditional laptop, a massive tablet, or a portable presentation screen, the panel’s adaptive refresh rate, high brightness, and anti-glare technology ensure a premium experience in any scenario. This flexibility, combined with robust build quality, positions the MateBook Fold as a true “ultimate design” for modern professionals and creators.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Performance and Architecture

HarmonyOS NEXT PC: Microarchitecture, Compatibility, and AI

The HarmonyOS NEXT PC platform represents a radical departure from legacy PC operating systems, built on a proprietary microkernel architecture and optimized for Huawei’s own hardware. The first HarmonyOS laptops, including the MateBook Pro and Fold, are powered by the Kirin X90 desktop chip—a 10-core ARM-based processor designed for high efficiency and AI acceleration.

Microarchitecture and OS Design: HarmonyOS NEXT PC is a full-stack, vertically integrated OS. Its microkernel design isolates core services, reducing the attack surface and improving stability. The Ark graphics engine delivers smooth, high-frame-rate UI and multitasking, while the StarShield security architecture provides chip-level full-disk encryption and advanced privacy controls.

App Compatibility: At launch, HarmonyOS PC supports over 150 native PC apps and 2,000+ universal apps, with a focus on productivity (WPS Office), communication (QQ, DingTalk), and creative tools. However, it does not natively support Windows applications. For legacy compatibility, users can run Windows 11 via the Oseasy virtual machine, enabling access to essential Windows-only software within a sandboxed environment.

AI Features and Local Models: HarmonyOS NEXT PC integrates the Xiaoyi AI assistant, powered by Huawei’s Pangu and DeepSeek models. Xiaoyi offers real-time meeting transcription, document summarization, translation, and system-level automation. The AI is deeply embedded, enabling context-aware actions, voice/image/text input, and smart search across devices.

Performance Impact: The tight hardware-software integration ensures fast boot times, responsive multitasking, and efficient resource management. While synthetic benchmarks suggest that raw performance may lag behind top-tier Intel or Apple silicon chips, real-world usage is optimized for office tasks, web browsing, and AI-driven workflows.

In essence, HarmonyOS NEXT PC delivers a modern, secure, and AI-enhanced computing experience. Its microkernel architecture, deep AI integration, and virtualization support for Windows apps make it a compelling alternative for users seeking a seamless, cross-device ecosystem—especially within the Huawei hardware family.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Software Platform and Versions

HarmonyOS 5 Laptop: Features, Updates, and Security

HarmonyOS 5 laptop is the first major release of Huawei’s PC operating system, designed from the ground up for desktop and foldable form factors. It is based on the HarmonyOS NEXT mobile OS but rebuilt for PC, with enhancements in three core areas: HarmonyOS Base, Ecosystem, and Experience.

Key Features:

• Ark Graphics Engine: Delivers smooth animations, dynamic wallpapers, and efficient multitasking with high frame rates and pixel-level occlusion culling.
• StarShield Security Architecture: Provides chip-level full-disk encryption, one-time app permissions, anti-peeping screens, and remote device wiping—even when the device is powered off.
• AI Assistant (Xiaoyi): Offers translation (21 languages), document summarization, report generation, and contextual search via voice, text, or image input.
• Customizable UI: Features a bottom-center dock, top status bar, card-based desktop, dynamic wallpapers, and gesture controls (three-finger swipe, drag-and-drop multitasking).
• Control Centers: Includes a unified control panel for device management, privacy toggles (camera/mic/location kill switch), and quick access to settings.
• Cross-Device Features: Distributed soft bus enables keyboard/mouse sharing, app continuation, clipboard sync, and high-speed file transfers across Huawei devices.

Updates and Security: HarmonyOS 5 receives regular updates via Huawei’s DevEco Studio and OTA mechanisms. All apps in the AppGallery undergo real-name developer authentication and rigorous security checks before publication. The OS is designed for rapid adaptation to new hardware and peripherals, supporting over 1,000 external devices at launch.

Mobile-Optimized Table: HarmonyOS 5 Laptop Features

HarmonyOS 5 laptop is not just a Windows replacement—it’s a modern, AI-powered platform with robust security, intuitive UI, and seamless cross-device integration, tailored for the next generation of Chinese computing.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Comparison with Windows Ecosystems

HarmonyOS vs Windows Laptop: UX, Productivity, and Compatibility

The HarmonyOS vs Windows laptop debate centers on user experience, productivity, creative work, gaming, and software compatibility.

User Experience (UX): HarmonyOS PC adopts a macOS-inspired UI, with a bottom-center dock, dynamic wallpapers, and gesture-based multitasking. Windows 11, while modernized, retains a more traditional desktop paradigm. HarmonyOS’s gestures (three-finger swipe, drag-and-drop, split-screen) are more deeply integrated and intuitive, especially on touchscreens and foldable devices.

Office Tasks and Creative Work: HarmonyOS offers WPS Office and a growing suite of productivity apps, but lacks the breadth of legacy software available on Windows. Creative professionals may find the absence of Adobe Creative Cloud and other specialized tools limiting, though the large OLED display and stylus support on the MateBook Fold are ideal for digital art and presentations.

Gaming: HarmonyOS PC currently does not support mainstream Windows games natively. Some mobile games and casual titles are available, but the lack of DirectX and Windows-specific drivers limits gaming potential. Windows remains the platform of choice for gamers.

Drivers and Peripherals: HarmonyOS supports over 1,000 external devices, including 800 standard peripherals and 250+ certified non-standard devices (printers, scanners, etc.). However, compatibility with niche or legacy hardware may be limited compared to Windows.

VPN and Software: HarmonyOS includes built-in VPN support and strict app permission controls. However, many enterprise and Western productivity tools are not yet available. Users reliant on specific Windows software can use the Oseasy virtual machine to run Windows 11 within HarmonyOS, though with some performance overhead and potential driver limitations.

Who Benefits from Switching? HarmonyOS PC is ideal for users who:

• Primarily use web apps, WPS Office, and Huawei ecosystem services.
• Value seamless integration with Huawei phones, tablets, and wearables.
• Prioritize security, privacy, and AI-enhanced workflows.
• Are based in China or operate within the Huawei ecosystem.

Power users, gamers, and professionals dependent on legacy Windows software may find the transition challenging, though virtualization offers a partial solution.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Ecosystem, Connectivity and Services

Huawei HarmonyOS PC: Integration, Multiscreen, and AppGallery

The Huawei HarmonyOS PC is designed as the centerpiece of a unified digital ecosystem, offering deep integration with Huawei phones, tablets, monitors, and accessories.

Integration Features:

• Super Device: Allows quick collaborative management of multiple Huawei devices. Users can drag and drop devices (phones, tablets, monitors, headsets) onto the PC for instant connection and collaboration.
• Multi-Screen Collaboration: Mirror or extend phone/tablet screens on the laptop, control apps and files, and share clipboards across devices.
• File Transfer: High-speed, one-to-many file transfers (up to 160 MB/s) via Huawei Share, supporting documents, images, and videos without quality loss.
• Notes and Clipboard Sync: Cross-device clipboard and notes, enabling seamless copy-paste and note-taking between PC, phone, and tablet.
• Peripheral Sharing: Share keyboard and mouse across devices, use the PC’s keyboard to type on a phone or tablet, and transfer files with a single gesture.

AppGallery and Alternatives: The HUAWEI AppGallery is the primary app store, offering over 150 native PC apps and 2,000+ universal apps optimized for HarmonyOS. While the selection is growing, it currently lacks many Western productivity and creative tools. Quick Apps provide lightweight, installation-free alternatives for common tasks.

Mobile-Optimized Table: Ecosystem Features

The Huawei HarmonyOS PC ecosystem is a major differentiator, offering seamless, high-speed collaboration across devices. For users invested in the Huawei ecosystem, this integration delivers a unified, efficient, and intelligent digital experience.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Price, Configurations and Availability

Huawei MateBook Fold Price: Options, Launch, and Service

The Huawei MateBook Fold price reflects its premium positioning and cutting-edge technology. As of November 2025, the device is available exclusively in China, with international expansion planned for the future.

Pricing and Configurations:

Launch Regions and Preorders: Both the MateBook Fold and MateBook Pro are currently available for preorder in China, with sales starting June 6, 2025. Color options include Forged Shadow Black, Sky White, and Cloud Blue for the Fold, and black, blue, and silver for the Pro.

Warranty and Service: Buyers receive a comprehensive service package, including:

• 2-year screen replacement at 50% discount (one time)
• 4 free screen cleanings and film applications within 2 years
• 2 free on-site maintenance visits within 2 years
• VIP in-store service and loaner devices at select locations.

How to Choose Configuration: For office and web tasks, the base 32GB/1TB model is sufficient. Creators and power users may prefer the 2TB storage option. The ultra-thin keyboard and accessories are included in the box, ensuring a complete out-of-the-box experience.

The MateBook Fold price is high, reflecting its status as a flagship, innovative device. However, for users seeking the ultimate in portability, display quality, and ecosystem integration, it represents a compelling investment.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Use Cases and Audience

Huawei MateBook Fold HarmonyOS: Who Needs Foldable, Who Prefers Pro?

The Huawei MateBook Fold HarmonyOS and MateBook Pro target distinct but overlapping audiences, each with unique needs and preferences.

Who Needs the Foldable MateBook Fold?

• Creators and Designers: The 18-inch OLED canvas, stylus support, and high color accuracy make it ideal for digital art, photo editing, and presentations.
• Business Professionals: The foldable form factor enables on-the-go presentations, multitasking, and seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and screen modes.
• Students and Researchers: The large display is perfect for reading, note-taking, and collaborative work, while the lightweight build enhances portability.
• Frequent Travelers: At 1.16 kg and ultra-thin, the Fold is easy to carry, offering both a full-size laptop and a tablet in one device.

Who Prefers the MateBook Pro?

• Office Workers: The traditional ultrabook form factor, long battery life, and robust build make it ideal for productivity and everyday tasks.
• General Consumers: Those who value simplicity, reliability, and a familiar laptop experience will appreciate the MateBook Pro’s design and performance.
• Budget-Conscious Users: The Pro offers a more affordable entry point into the HarmonyOS ecosystem, with configurations starting at $1,100.

Mobile-Optimized Table: Audience and Use Cases

In summary, the MateBook Fold HarmonyOS is for those who crave innovation, versatility, and a premium experience, while the MateBook Pro is the go-to for traditional productivity and value. Both benefit from HarmonyOS’s ecosystem integration and AI features.

Huawei HarmonyOS Laptop — Summary, Risks and Purchase Recommendation

Strengths, Weaknesses, Risks, and Final Checklist

Strengths:

• Innovative Design: The MateBook Fold’s 18-inch foldable OLED display and ultra-thin build set a new benchmark for laptop engineering.
• HarmonyOS 5 Platform: Modern, secure, and AI-enhanced, with seamless cross-device integration and robust privacy controls.
• Ecosystem Connectivity: Super Device, Huawei Share, and AppGallery deliver a unified experience across phones, tablets, and PCs.
• Premium Build: High-quality materials, durable hinge, and thoughtful accessories (keyboard, case, charger) included.

Weaknesses:

• Software Compatibility: Limited native app ecosystem; major Western productivity and creative tools (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft Office) are not yet available. Windows apps require virtualization, with some performance and compatibility trade-offs.
• Service and Support: Currently available only in China; international buyers may face challenges with warranty and service coverage.
• Price: Premium pricing limits accessibility to early adopters and professionals.

Risk Map:

Pre-Purchase Checklist:

1. App Needs: List essential software; check AppGallery and virtualization options.
2. Ecosystem Fit: Own other Huawei devices? You’ll benefit most from integration.
3. Warranty/Service: Confirm coverage in your region.
4. Budget: Assess if the premium price aligns with your needs and usage.
5. Hands-On Experience: If possible, try the device in-store to assess form factor and usability.

Final Recommendation: The Huawei HarmonyOS laptop lineup—especially the MateBook Fold Ultimate Design—represents a bold leap into the future of mobile computing. If you are a creator, business professional, or tech enthusiast invested in the Huawei ecosystem and can work within the current app limitations, the Fold offers unmatched versatility, display quality, and portability. For traditional office users or those on a budget, the MateBook Pro HarmonyOS delivers a familiar yet forward-looking experience.

However, if your workflow depends on specific Windows or macOS software, or you require global service support, it may be prudent to wait for further ecosystem development and international expansion. As HarmonyOS matures and the app catalog grows, these laptops are poised to become a compelling alternative to established platforms—especially in China and for users seeking technological independence.

In conclusion, Huawei’s HarmonyOS laptops are not just new devices—they are the harbinger of a new era in Chinese computing, blending innovation, security, and ecosystem synergy. For the right user, they are a glimpse into the future of personal computing.