The laptop market is filled with a wide range of options that cater to different needs and budgets.
From high-end models with all the latest features to affordable options that provide the basics, there is a laptop for everyone. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and office work, then the HONOR MagicBook X14 might be worth considering.
Priced at only Php29,990, the HONOR MagicBook X14 offers a decent set of specifications that should be able to handle most tasks. This laptop is marketed as a practical option, with a design and build quality that prioritizes portability and sturdiness. However, at this price point, can it truly deliver in terms of performance, display, and sound quality? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the HONOR MagicBook X14 and find out if it’s a good value for your money.
Design and Build Quality
The HONOR MagicBook X14 has a design that can be described as plain yet minimalistic. While some people may find it a bit too simple, others appreciate the laptop’s clean and understated look. One of the standout features of this laptop is its weight and thickness. Weighing just 1.38 kg and measuring 15.9 mm thick, it is easy to carry around, making it an excellent option for people who are always on the go.
The HONOR MagicBook X14 boasts an all-metallic body that not only looks great but also feels sturdy. The laptop’s construction is top-notch, and it is evident that great care was taken in its design and manufacture. The result is a laptop that has a premium feel to it, despite its relatively affordable price point.
Another area where the HONOR MagicBook X14 excels is in its hinge and screen flexibility. The hinge is sturdy, and the laptop can be easily adjusted to any position. The screen is also flexible, allowing users to adjust it to their preferred angle for optimal viewing. Overall, the design and build quality of the HONOR MagicBook X14 are impressive and definitely worth considering for anyone in the market for a new laptop.
Hardware
The Honor MagicBook X14 comes with a full-size backlit keyboard that has a 1.3mm actuation distance, which provides a comfortable typing experience. The keyboard is well-built and has a good tactile feel, making it easy to type for long periods of time. The backlighting feature is a nice touch, especially for users who prefer working in dimly lit environments.
The laptop’s trackpad is responsive and has multi-touch capabilities, although some users might find it small. Nevertheless, it is precise and accurate, making it easy to navigate through the screen. Additionally, the trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, which are handy for quickly accessing various functions.
The retractable webcam is a unique feature of the Honor MagicBook X14, and it is physically hidden when not in use to protect privacy. It is located on the top bezel of the screen and can be easily activated by sliding it out when needed. However, some users might find it uncomfortable to use as it is positioned at an odd angle. Moreover, users can also block the webcam with their fingers while typing, ensuring their privacy remains intact.
The laptop also features a fast and reliable fingerprint scanner on the power button, which provides an extra layer of security. The scanner works quickly and accurately, making it easy to log in to the device.
The port selection of the Honor MagicBook X14 includes all the basics needed for most users. It comes with two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. This selection is sufficient for most users who need to connect external devices such as mice, keyboards, or external displays.
Display and Sound Quality
The Honor MagicBook X14 boasts a 14-inch FHD IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, 157ppi, 250-nits peak brightness, and 800:1 aspect ratio. The TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker Free Certifications make it easier on the eyes, especially for those who spend long hours in front of a screen. The display quality is fine for the price and provides decent colors and sharpness. Additionally, the anti-glare coating makes it easy to see even in bright environments.
When it comes to sound quality, the speakers on the Honor MagicBook X14 provide decent volume that can fill up a room. However, the bass may not be as prominent as some users would like. Overall, the display and sound quality of this laptop are satisfactory for most everyday tasks.
Performance
The Honor MagicBook X14 is equipped with an 11th-Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 dual-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB internal storage, making it a capable machine for most daily tasks. The laptop also features Intel UHD graphics and WiFi 6 dual-band capabilities, providing fast and reliable internet connectivity. The laptop’s battery life is impressive, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for users who need to work on the go without being tethered to a power outlet. During use, the laptop performs well for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike. Overall, the Honor MagicBook X14 offers solid performance for its price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The HONOR MagicBook X14 offers a practical, budget-friendly option for everyday use. It has a sleek, minimalist design that prioritizes portability and sturdiness, with an all-metallic body that feels premium. The laptop is also lightweight, weighing only 1.38 kg and measuring 15.9 mm thick, making it easy to carry around.
In terms of hardware, the HONOR MagicBook X14 features a full-size backlit keyboard with a good tactile feel, a responsive trackpad with multi-touch capabilities, and a fast and reliable fingerprint scanner for added security. It also has a retractable webcam that is physically hidden when not in use, providing extra privacy. The port selection is sufficient for most users, with two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
Cons:
While the HONOR MagicBook X14’s display is fine for the price, it may not be the best option for users who require high color accuracy or sharpness. The speakers provide decent volume, but the bass may not be as prominent as some users would like.
In terms of performance, the HONOR MagicBook X14 is capable of handling most daily tasks, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming. The laptop is equipped with an 11th-Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 dual-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB internal storage, which may not be sufficient for power users. Additionally, while the laptop’s hinge and screen flexibility are impressive, the webcam’s odd angle may be uncomfortable for some users.
Product Hardware and Software Specification
Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Operating System | Windows 11 |
Display | 14-inch FHD IPS display, 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, 157ppi |
Aspect Ratio | 800:1 |
Peak Brightness | 250 nits |
Certifications | TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker Free certified |
Processor | 11th-Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 dual-core CPU, 2.4GHz, up to 4.2GHz |
Memory | 8GB RAM |
Graphics | Intel UHD graphics |
Storage | 256GB internal storage |
Camera | Retractable camera, 720p |
Connectivity | WiFi 6, dual-band |
Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 |
Keyboard | Full-size, backlit |
Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Security | Fingerprint power button |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Other Features | HONOR Magic-link |
Dimensions | 322.5 x 214.8 x 15.9mm |
Weight | 1.38kg |
Color | Space Gray |
Battery | 56WH Li-Po battery |
Price | Php29,990 |