The line between smartphone manufacturers and laptop makers continues to blur, and the latest evidence is the intriguing new Hi MateBook 14. While the "Hi" branding might be new to some, tech enthusiasts will immediately spot the familiar hand of Huawei in its DNA. The device is launched by Wiko, a brand that appears to have deepened its collaboration with the Chinese tech giant, resulting in a laptop that blends proven design with a few surprising twists.
Positioned firmly in the competitive mid-range segment, the Hi MateBook 14 isn't just another slim-and-light clone. It aims to stand out with a combination of a premium display, solid performance, and one of the most unique keyboard designs we've seen in years.
A Familiar Yet Distinct Design
At first glance, the Hi MateBook 14 sports the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that has become a hallmark of Huawei's MateBook series. The all-metal chassis feels premium and durable, promising to withstand the rigors of daily commuting. It also manages to stay remarkably portable, measuring just 14.5 mm (0.57 inches) thick and weighing a light 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs).
Beyond the surface, Wiko has incorporated some of its own identity. The most immediate and noticeable difference is the keyboard. Departing from the industry-standard rectangular keys, the Hi MateBook 14 features rounded, pill-shaped keycaps. This ergonomic choice could offer a more comfortable and distinct typing experience, though it will undoubtedly be a matter of personal preference. For security and convenience, a fingerprint sensor is seamlessly integrated into the power button, allowing for a one-touch login that's both fast and secure.
The Show-Stopping OLED Touchscreen
If there's one feature that truly elevates the Hi MateBook 14 above many of its peers, it's the display. In a segment often dominated by good, but not great, IPS panels, Wiko has gone all-in with a 14.2-inch 3:2 OLED touchscreen.
Let's break down why that's a big deal:
- 3:2 Aspect Ratio: This taller screen ratio is a productivity dream. It allows you to see more of a webpage, document, or spreadsheet vertically without scrolling, making it far more efficient for work than traditional 16:9 screens.
- Stunning OLED Clarity: With a razor-sharp resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels, every image pops with perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and incredible contrast.
- 120Hz Smoothness: The buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate makes every on-screen interaction, from scrolling a webpage to navigating the OS, feel incredibly fluid and responsive.
- Eye Comfort: Wiko claims a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) frequency of 1,920 Hz, which is high enough to significantly reduce screen flicker and potential eye strain during long work sessions.
This display isn't just a spec sheet highlight; it's a genuine game-changer for a laptop in this price range.
For those who want to dive deeper into the complete specifications and official features, you can find more information on the official Wiko website for the Hi MateBook 14 Ryzen.
Performance and Power to Spare
Under the hood, the Hi MateBook 14 is powered by modern AMD silicon. The chip of choice is the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255, built on the efficient Zen 4 architecture. With eight performance cores that can boost up to an impressive 4.9 GHz, this CPU is more than capable of handling demanding tasks like heavy multitasking, photo editing, and even some light video work.
It's paired with the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, which is widely regarded as the most powerful iGPU on the market, capable of handling some casual gaming and smooth video playback. The laptop can be configured with a substantial 32 GB of RAM and a speedy 1 TB SSD, ensuring snappy app load times and plenty of room for files and projects.
Despite its performance potential, battery life doesn't seem to be a compromise. Packing a 70 Wh battery, Wiko claims the Hi MateBook 14 can last for up to 15 hours of local video playback on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for a full workday or long-haul flight.
Connectivity and Price
For ports, Wiko has kept things practical. You get a USB-C port (likely used for charging), two USB-A ports (5 Gbit/s) for legacy devices, an HDMI output for external monitors, and a trusty 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Wiko Hi MateBook 14 is set to launch first in China with a starting price of ¥4,999 (approximately $702). This aggressive pricing puts it directly in the crosshairs of established players like Dell's XPS series, Apple's MacBook Air, and Lenovo's Yoga lineup. Unfortunately, pricing and availability for international markets in Europe and North America have yet to be announced. For eager buyers outside of China, direct import may be the only initial option.
The Bottom Line
The Hi MateBook 14 shapes up to be a compelling contender in the crowded mid-range laptop market. By combining a stunning, productivity-focused OLED display with potent AMD performance and a unique design flair, Wiko has created a device that demands attention. If it makes its way to global markets at a competitive price, it could very well become the new value king for students and professionals alike.
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