HUAWEI MateBook Fold Ultimate: The Foldable Revolution Comes to Laptops
Did you know that HUAWEI is taking foldable tech to a whole new level? While foldable phones have been the buzz for a while, the tech giant is now shifting the spotlight with the announcement of the MateBook Fold Ultimate, an 18-inch display cleverly packed into the body of a 13-inch laptop. Interestingly, this concept might ring a bell for tech enthusiasts, as it closely mirrors the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED that debuted back in 2022. That earlier model showcased the potential of large foldable displays in a truly portable form factor, and now, HUAWEI is pushing that vision even further.
Adaptable Design for Every Task
This groundbreaking device, which operates on HarmonyOS PC, offers more than just a large screen in a compact form. It adapts to various user needs, providing ultimate versatility. Opening the device to a 90° angle displays a virtual keyboard, creating a familiar laptop experience. Fully unfolding the device reveals a stunning 18-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio (3,296 x 2,472), ideal for expansive vertical or horizontal work, while the built-in kickstand ensures stable use.
Despite its large unfolded size, the MateBook Fold Ultimate is remarkably thin and light, weighing only 1.16kg (2.56lbs) and measuring just 14.9mm when closed, with an open thickness of only 7.3mm, a feat HUAWEI accomplished through an ultra-thin PCB and a robust three-layer aluminium structure.
Cutting-edge Technology Inside and Out
The innovation extends beyond the foldable design, encompassing several other noteworthy features. Firstly, the stunning display technology includes a dual-layer OLED LTPO panel that delivers a vibrant 1,600 nits of brightness and a smooth 1,440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. This dual-layer design also offers the benefits of 30% lower power consumption and a tripled lifespan for the panel. A non-Newtonian fluid and a carbon fibre support layer protect the display and enhance its durability.
Secondly, while the specific chipset remains undisclosed, the device promises powerful performance with a substantial 32GB of RAM and storage options of either 1TB or 2TB SSD, and a vapour chamber along with dual super-slim fans are implemented to ensure efficient cooling. Thirdly, for users who prefer a tactile typing experience, HUAWEI provides an optional ultra-thin (5mm) wireless keyboard with a 1.5mm key travel. HUAWEI constructs this keyboard from aluminium alloy, keeping it lightweight at just 290g (0.64lbs), and equips it with magnetic attachment and matching colour options for added convenience.
Fourthly, the device is equipped with a substantial 74.69Wh battery for all-day power, along with two USB-C ports, six speakers, and four microphones, and its connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (ax) and Bluetooth 5.2. Finally, the MateBook Fold Ultimate is provided as a complete package, bundled with the wireless keyboard, carrying cases for both the laptop and the keyboard, as well as a powerful 140W USB-C charger and cable.
Availability and Pricing
The HUAWEI MateBook Fold Ultimate is currently on pre-order on Vmall in China and will be officially available starting 6th June. The 32GB/1TB model costs CNY 24,000 (approximately RM14,143.20), while the 32GB/2TB variant costs CNY 27,000 (approximately RM15,911.10).