Honor is known for its own laptops under the MagicBook series. They appear to be present with several model options that generally focus on productivity. Recently, Honor MagicBook 14 (2022) was launched in Malaysia with a price starting at RM4,299.
There are two models offered with different GPU support either Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVDIA GeForce RTX 2050. It can be seen that the body construction is still recycled like some previous models but Honor is still able to maintain premium elements. For those who may be wondering about its performance, here is our full review of this Honor laptop.
Specifications
Honor MagicBook 14 2022
Screen 14″ IPS LCD 1080P (2160 x 1440 pixels), 60Hz
Aspect Ratio 3:2
100% sRGB / 1500:1
Windows 11 + OS Turbo
Intel i5-12500H processor
2.5GHz Base Chip; Up to 4.5GHz
Graphics Chip Intel Iris Xe Graphics / NVDIA GeForce RTX 2050
RAM 16GB Dual-Channel DDR5
Internal Load 512GB SSD PCIe 4.0
Main Camera 720P HD
I/O 1 X USB-C
2 X USB-C 3.2 Gen2
1 X USB-A 3.2 Gen1
1 X HDMI
3.5mm audio jack
2 X microphones
75Whr battery
65W Fast Charging
SIM/Telephony None
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/6
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System Fingerprint & face scanner
Sale Price Starts at RM4299
As the name suggests, this laptop is equipped with a 14-inch 2.1K (2160×1440 pixels) IPS LCD screen with an 88% screen-to-body ratio. It is then matched with some additional features such as 300 nits peak brightness, 3:2 aspect ratio, 1500:1 contrast ratio and 300nits peak brightness. The screen also passed TÜV Rheinland recognition for user eye health. The bezel size also looks better with a smaller chin size. But don't be fooled by the design which is now no longer plastic but continues to be built on a screen that seems to include touch support. The reason is that laptops are not provided with this function at all.
The Honor MagicBook 14 (2022) we received uses an Intel i5-12500H chip with a matching NVDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU. At the same time, Honor also offers a variant with an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU as an option. The memory configuration is 16GB Dual-Channel LPDDR and the internal storage is 512GB SSD. This is the same capacity used on the MagicBook 15 but larger than the MagicBook 14 (2021). This combination is to ensure smooth laptop performance can be enjoyed with minimal lag issues.
The web camera used is just a 720P resolution placed on the top of the bezel. This is in contrast to some previous models that placed it on the keyboard. Also provided is face scan support, in addition to a fingerprint scanner that can be used as an option. Both are supported with Windows Hello software.
The stereo speakers are placed at the bottom and the performance is not satisfactory with less loud audio quality. In particular, when it is used on soft surfaces. The audio quality using the audio jack is just satisfactory. The 75Wh capacity battery supports a 65W fast charging system.
All of this internal hardware is housed in a completely aluminum alloy body including the construction for the hinges. This neat and compact design also comes with three rubber pads on the bottom. Also included is an air vent as a cooling system for internal components for better use. But unfortunately Honor seems not to take full advantage of this advantage by providing more I/O plugs. It is obvious that the laptop has a lot of empty space on the left and right sides. Among the I/O plugs provided include:
1 X USB-C
2 X USB-C 3.2 Gen2
1 X USB-A 3.2 Gen1
1 X HDMI
1X 3.5mm audio jack
2 X microphones
Usage Experience
The usage experience shared through this article is based on personal opinion. Clearly, the design of the Honor MagicBook 14 and MagicBook 15 has been recycled on this laptop. It is quite ergonomic, neat and comfortable to use for large users. Otherwise, it may cause discomfort especially when carrying this laptop. It feels a bit heavy but not so much that it causes shoulder pain.
The matte finish used certainly looks premium, but it is extremely easy to trap dirt. Therefore, careful care along with frequent cleaning is highly recommended so that this laptop remains neat and beautiful. Apart from that, the placement of the Honor logo also shows a change which is now in the middle and no longer on the side like some previous models. No comment can be given for it as it can still be clearly seen as an Honor laptop.
Screen performance with a matte finish is good but depends on the environment. For example, it is quite good to use in closed areas with good color processing and detail especially when used to watch video content. Likewise in terms of text and image sharpness, it doesn't show any problems in our opinion. But if otherwise the performance will begin to decrease with screen problems that are difficult to see. Likewise with the selection of a 3:2 screen ratio that feels good enough for an effective work experience, but not fun to use for multimedia purposes.
The reason is that there will be two black bars at the top and bottom of the screen when the video content is viewed in full screen mode. As before, this new variant also does not come with touchscreen capabilities and high refresh rates. This however is not a big problem because not many users actually take advantage of the function. As a laptop that focuses on productivity, what is currently offered is quite adequate. However, each individual has different needs, depending on their individual tastes.
There are two GPU options on offer and one of them is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050. This is a laptop in our opinion suitable only for office use, graphics tasks or moderate level video games. The large memory capacity provided is also able to ensure that the laptop does not have chronic intermittent problems when programs are launched. The overall experience felt pretty smooth. It's just that at the beginning of use, we noticed that this laptop crashed for a while, especially during the process of swiping photos to be edited in Photoscape X.
However, this problem has been successfully fixed through a new update and we are no longer facing such issues until today. At the same time, the laptop does not overheat when using common software such as web browsing, video and audio streaming and photo editing. Not only that, the fan doesn't make any noise and no overheating issues were found, instead it was just warm.
Also included is the HONOR Magic-link function that facilitates direct connection to a smart device or tablet. Its use is similar to Huawei Share, where more effective work processes can be done through it. Among the things that can be done through this feature is launching up to three application windows at the same time to be more productive. Not only that, any file received through a smartphone can be directly downloaded from a laptop/tablet.
Then, users can also send or share any document from a smartphone to a laptop without cables, copy all content without additional applications and record screenshots easily using the One-Touch Connect feature. It should be noted, however, this function is limited to Honor MagicBook with Computer Manager 15.0 and above and Honor tablets that support MagicUI 5.0 and above.
Keyboard & Touchpad
The typing experience using this laptop keyboard feels good. The size and space between the keys are the same making it easy to type. At the same time, the robust construction, not too hard and good feedback when the keys are pressed can also be praised. At the same time, it also does not make a noisy sound when the keyboard is pressed. If you notice, there is no longer a webcam on the keyboard instead it has now been changed to the upper bezel.
This means, this time there are no negative comments from us for the position of this web camera as it has been said through some MagicBook reviews before. Also included is a white LED light that serves as a notification whether it is being used or not. This at once can avoid the issue of accidentally activating it. Next, this laptop also has a large space to put your hands.
This at the same time makes the typing experience more comfortable, regardless of whether when using it on a table or lap. The only thing worth noting is the power button and fingerprint scanner placed next to the delete key. This can result in some users pressing the wrong button and turning off the laptop by accident. This happens because most of us are used to the delete button placed at the end of the keyboard.
Another thing that needs to be pointed out is the white light support under the keyboard. Its existence could be considered a bonus for typing in the dark but it is too dim even with two brightness levels selected. Turning to the touch pad, the large design makes it easier to use, especially in the process of editing photos. The combination of a smooth and comfortable surface with pretty good motion detection detail also makes it easier to use. Scrolling and zooming can be done smoothly through it.
Battery Endurance
With a 75Wh battery, this laptop is advertised to last up to 15 hours of usage for watching video playback at 1080p resolution. It was later reduced to 10 hours for work purposes. If you also notice that the battery capacity is larger and what Honor advertises is not an unfounded claim. On average we can get a usage time close to that. Where daily use in the office can last between 7 – 9 hours using the Microsoft Edge browser and connected to WiFi all the time.
Also included is the Power Mode function with three setting options that include best power efficiency, balanced and best performance for better optimization. Next, the battery saver function will minimize a number of notifications and background applications for longer battery life. It is activated automatically when the battery capacity is at 20% and below.
Recharging can be done using the USB-C connection port and the provided charger supports an output power of up to 65W. Through it, the laptop can be fully charged in around 90 minutes from a battery level below 10%. It is fast enough but a comment needs to be made on the size of the charger with the large power block. As a result it feels heavy and also takes up space in the backpack.
Conclusion
Honor MagicBook 14 (2022) can be categorized among good productivity laptops. It is capable of offering a satisfactory user experience for daily work use, and is also suitable for use by content creators with editing purposes. Large RAM size and SSD usage guarantee smooth usage.
Although this laptop has recycled design and finish from two generations, it is still neat and premium. In the meantime, it is also comfortable to use, especially for those with large bodies, but it feels quite heavy otherwise. The combination of good battery life and fast charging system also add bonus to this laptop.
Not only that, the now changed position of the web camera on the bezel makes it easier to use than before. The downside to this laptop is the lack of touch screen support but it's not a major issue to talk about in our opinion. It can only be considered a bonus if it is included.
Another thing is that the existence of a backlight on a laptop can be considered good, but unfortunately the performance is not satisfactory with dim lights. For those interested, this laptop is sold in Malaysia at a price of RM4,299 for the base model with Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Meanwhile, the model with NVDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU is priced at RM5,099.
PRO
Neat and premium packaging.
The specs are good enough to do everyday tasks.
Battery life is good with fast charging system.
The keyboard and large touchpad are good overall.
No more webcams on the keyboard.
CONS
Laptops are quite heavy.
No support for touch screen.
The keyboard light is dim.