Huawei MateBook Fold vs MacBook Pro: Which Laptop Deserves Your Money?

You are about to spend a serious amount of money on a laptop. The Huawei MateBook Fold and the MacBook Pro M5 both sit at the top of their class. One folds in half. The other runs Apple silicon. Both promise a premium experience, but they deliver it in very different ways.

The MateBook Fold brings an 18-inch foldable OLED display that shrinks to a 13-inch form factor. The MacBook Pro M5 delivers Apple’s latest chip architecture with battery life that lasts all day and then some. Choosing between them is not easy.

This post breaks down every detail. You will learn about their screens, processors, build quality, battery life, and software. By the end, you will know exactly which laptop fits your needs.

Key Takeaways

• The Huawei MateBook Fold is the world’s first foldable laptop PC. It features an 18-inch dual-layer OLED display that folds into a compact 13-inch package. This makes it one of the most portable large-screen devices available today.
• The MacBook Pro M5 offers class-leading performance and battery life. Apple’s M5 chip delivers up to 24 hours of video streaming on a single charge. It also handles demanding creative workloads with ease.
• The MateBook Fold runs HarmonyOS, not Windows or macOS. This means your favorite desktop apps may not be available. The MacBook Pro runs macOS, which has a mature ecosystem of professional software.
• Price is a major factor in this decision. The MateBook Fold starts at around $3,400 USD, while the MacBook Pro M5 starts at $1,599 USD. The price gap is significant.
• Display quality favors the MateBook Fold on size and technology. Its tandem OLED panel with 1600 nits peak brightness is stunning. The MacBook Pro counters with a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display at 1600 nits peak brightness.
• Availability differs between the two laptops. The MateBook Fold is primarily sold in China with limited global availability. The MacBook Pro is sold worldwide through Apple Stores and major retailers like Amazon.

Huawei MateBook Fold: A Quick Overview

The Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is a bold piece of engineering. It packs an 18-inch foldable OLED screen into a body that weighs just 1.16 kg (2.56 lbs). The device measures only 7.3mm thick when unfolded and 14.9mm when folded. That makes it thinner than most traditional laptops.

Huawei built this machine around its Kirin X90 processor with an integrated Maleoon 910 GPU. It comes with 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The display uses a tandem OLED LTPO panel with a 3296 x 2472 resolution (3.3K) and a 92% screen-to-body ratio.

The laptop ships with a detachable magnetic keyboard and supports Bluetooth peripherals. It runs HarmonyOS 5 (PC Edition), which is Huawei’s own operating system. The battery is a 74.69Wh cell that supports 140W fast charging. Huawei claims up to 10-12 hours of use on a single charge.

This laptop targets professionals who want a large screen they can carry easily. It is a premium device with a premium price tag to match.

Pros:

• Stunning 18-inch foldable OLED display
• Ultra-thin at 7.3mm when unfolded
• Lightweight at just 1.16 kg
• 32GB RAM and up to 2TB storage
• 140W fast charging support

Cons:

• Runs HarmonyOS with limited app availability
• High starting price around $3,400
• Limited global availability and warranty support
• Kirin X90 processor trails Apple M5 in performance
• Only two USB-C ports

MacBook Pro M5 (2025): A Quick Overview

The MacBook Pro M5 launched in late 2025 with Apple’s latest silicon. The M5 chip features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It starts with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. Higher configurations offer up to 32GB of memory and larger storage options.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels. It supports a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and reaches up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. Colors are accurate and the display looks crisp at every angle.

Apple claims up to 24 hours of video streaming on a single charge. Real-world testing from reviewers confirms around 16 to 20 hours of mixed use. The laptop charges through MagSafe 3 or USB-C with a 70W adapter in the box.

The MacBook Pro M5 runs macOS with full support for professional apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, and Xcode. It is a proven workhorse for creative professionals and developers.

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life (up to 24 hours video streaming)
• Powerful M5 chip handles demanding workloads
• Mature macOS ecosystem with broad software support
• Excellent build quality with aluminum unibody design
• 120Hz ProMotion display with accurate colors

Cons:

• Starts with only 512GB SSD at the base price
• No touchscreen capability
• Limited port variety (three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C, HDMI, SD slot, MagSafe)
• Upgrades from Apple are expensive
• Display is smaller at 14.2 inches compared to the MateBook Fold

Display Comparison: Foldable OLED vs Mini-LED

The display is where these two laptops differ the most. The MateBook Fold uses an 18-inch dual-layer tandem OLED panel. It folds in half to become a 13-inch display. The resolution sits at 3296 x 2472 pixels with up to 1600 nits peak brightness.

The MacBook Pro M5 uses a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED panel. It offers a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels and also reaches 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth.

OLED delivers true blacks and infinite contrast ratios. Each pixel produces its own light. The MacBook Pro’s mini-LED uses local dimming zones, which can cause slight blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

The MateBook Fold wins on screen size and display technology. The MacBook Pro wins on refresh rate and color accuracy for professional creative work. Both screens look gorgeous. Your choice depends on whether you value screen real estate or color precision.

Processor and Performance

The Huawei MateBook Fold runs the Kirin X90 (Hi9600) processor with an integrated Maleoon 910 GPU. This is Huawei’s in-house chip. It handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and light creative work well. However, it does not match the raw performance of Apple silicon in most benchmarks.

The MacBook Pro M5 uses Apple’s M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Reviewers report that it outperforms most Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI processors in CPU and media workloads. It nearly matches an RTX 4070-class GPU in certain tasks.

For video editing, 3D rendering, and software development, the MacBook Pro M5 is the clear winner. Apple’s unified memory architecture lets the CPU and GPU share the same pool of fast memory. This reduces bottlenecks during heavy workloads.

The Kirin X90 is capable for general productivity and media consumption. But if raw performance matters to you, the M5 chip pulls ahead by a significant margin. The MacBook Pro handles demanding professional tasks with ease.

Build Quality and Design

Both laptops feature premium materials and excellent build quality. The MateBook Fold uses a custom water-drop hinge that allows the screen to fold without a visible crease at most angles. The body is slim at 7.3mm unfolded and lightweight at 1.16 kg.

The MacBook Pro M5 uses Apple’s signature aluminum unibody construction. It feels solid and resists flexing. The laptop measures 15.5mm thick and weighs about 1.55 kg (3.4 lbs) for the 14-inch model.

The MateBook Fold is the more impressive engineering achievement. A foldable screen on a laptop is still a rare thing. The hinge mechanism works smoothly and the device feels surprisingly sturdy for something this thin.

The MacBook Pro feels like a tried-and-true design. Apple has refined this form factor over many years. It does not try to be flashy. It just works. The Space Black and Silver finishes look professional and clean.

Both devices will turn heads. The MateBook Fold does it with innovation. The MacBook Pro does it with understated elegance.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is a critical factor for portable devices. The MacBook Pro M5 dominates this category. Apple claims up to 24 hours of video streaming. Independent tests from PCMag measured over 24 hours in their battery rundown test. RTINGS confirmed around 16 hours of light use.

The MateBook Fold packs a 74.69Wh battery. Huawei claims around 10-12 hours of regular use. This is respectable for a foldable device with a large OLED screen. OLED panels consume more power than mini-LED when displaying bright content.

The MacBook Pro charges with a 70W USB-C adapter through MagSafe 3. The MateBook Fold supports 140W fast charging, which fills the battery much faster. If you need a quick top-up between meetings, the MateBook Fold has the advantage.

Overall, the MacBook Pro M5 wins the battery life race by a wide margin. If you spend long hours away from a power outlet, the MacBook Pro gives you more freedom. The MateBook Fold compensates with faster charging speeds.

Software and Ecosystem

Software is one of the biggest differences between these two laptops. The MacBook Pro M5 runs macOS Sequoia with access to the entire Mac App Store. You can use professional tools like Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, and thousands of other apps.

The MateBook Fold runs HarmonyOS 5 (PC Edition). This is Huawei’s proprietary operating system. It does not support Windows or macOS applications natively. The app library is growing, but it is still much smaller than macOS or Windows.

HarmonyOS works well within the Huawei ecosystem. It integrates smoothly with Huawei phones, tablets, and accessories. Multi-device collaboration features let you share files and screens across Huawei devices instantly.

macOS offers a similar ecosystem advantage for Apple device owners. AirDrop, Universal Control, Sidecar, and Handoff make the Mac work perfectly with iPhones and iPads.

If you rely on specific professional software, the MacBook Pro is the safer choice. If you are already deep inside the Huawei ecosystem and use primarily web-based tools, the MateBook Fold can work for you.

Portability and Travel

Travelers will appreciate both of these laptops. The MateBook Fold is remarkably portable. It folds down to a 13-inch form factor and weighs only 1.16 kg. You can slip it into a bag and unfold an 18-inch screen at your destination. That is a huge advantage for people who fly often.

The MacBook Pro 14 weighs 1.55 kg and measures 15.5mm thick. It is not heavy by any standard. But it offers only a 14.2-inch screen that does not grow. What you see is what you get.

The MateBook Fold gives you two laptops in one body. Use it folded as a compact 13-inch tablet. Open it up for an 18-inch desktop replacement. This flexibility is hard to match.

The MacBook Pro offers more durability for travel. The aluminum body handles bumps and minor drops better than a foldable screen. You do not need to worry about the display crease or hinge wear over time.

For frequent flyers and digital nomads, the MateBook Fold is the more exciting option. For reliability on the road, the MacBook Pro is the proven choice.

Connectivity and Ports

The MateBook Fold offers two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports on the upper and right side. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. There is no headphone jack. The laptop supports up to 66W charging through USB-C.

The MacBook Pro M5 provides three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MagSafe 3 for charging. This is a much more complete port selection.

For professionals who connect external monitors, cameras, and storage devices, the MacBook Pro offers far more flexibility. Thunderbolt 5 delivers faster data transfer speeds than USB 3.2 Gen 1.

The MateBook Fold keeps things minimal. Its slim design limits the number of ports. You will likely need a USB-C hub or dock for expanded connectivity. This adds cost and inconvenience to the setup.

Port selection is a clear win for the MacBook Pro M5. It connects to more devices without adapters or docks.

Audio and Speakers

The MateBook Fold features a six-speaker system with quad microphones. Huawei tuned the speakers to deliver clear and immersive sound from a thin chassis. The large screen area provides space for better speaker placement.

The MacBook Pro M5 also has a six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers. Apple’s speaker technology supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. The sound quality on the MacBook Pro is among the best in any laptop.

Both laptops deliver excellent audio for their size. Movie watching, video calls, and music playback sound great on either device. The MacBook Pro has a slight edge in bass response and spatial separation thanks to its force-cancelling woofer design.

The MateBook Fold’s speakers perform well for a foldable device. The thin body limits how deep the bass can go. But for general media consumption, most users will be satisfied with either laptop.

Pricing and Value

Price tells an important story here. The Huawei MateBook Fold starts at approximately $3,400 USD (¥24,999) for the 32GB/1TB configuration. The 2TB version costs even more. This pricing puts it firmly in ultra-premium territory.

The MacBook Pro M5 starts at $1,599 USD for the base model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. A 1TB configuration with 24GB RAM is available for $1,999 USD. Amazon frequently discounts these models by $150-$250.

The MacBook Pro offers significantly better value per dollar spent. You get a proven operating system, world-class performance, and outstanding battery life. The MateBook Fold charges a premium for its foldable screen technology.

The MateBook Fold is a luxury device and a technology showcase. It makes sense for buyers who want the largest portable screen possible. The MacBook Pro is a practical workhorse that delivers top performance without the foldable premium.

Who Should Buy the Huawei MateBook Fold?

The MateBook Fold is built for a specific buyer. You should consider it if you want the largest portable screen available in a laptop. The 18-inch OLED display is stunning for media consumption, presentations, and creative tasks.

It suits people who are already invested in the Huawei ecosystem. HarmonyOS integrates well with Huawei phones and tablets. Multi-device workflows are smooth and fast.

Business travelers who need a big screen in a small package will appreciate the foldable design. You get desktop-level screen space that folds into a carry-on-friendly size.

Keep in mind that global availability is limited. The MateBook Fold is mainly sold in China and select Asian markets. Getting one in the US or Europe requires third-party importers. This also affects warranty and after-sales support.

Who Should Buy the MacBook Pro M5?

The MacBook Pro M5 is the right choice for most professionals. You should buy it if you need reliable performance for creative work, software development, or business tasks. The M5 chip handles everything from video editing to machine learning workflows.

It is the better option if you want all-day battery life. Up to 24 hours of video streaming means you can leave the charger at home for short trips. Few laptops match this endurance.

Mac users who rely on Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Xcode, or Adobe Creative Cloud will find the MacBook Pro M5 to be the best tool for their work. macOS has a deep library of optimized professional software.

The MacBook Pro also makes sense for anyone who values broad availability, Apple warranty, and strong resale value. You can buy it from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and many other retailers worldwide.

Final Verdict: Huawei MateBook Fold vs MacBook Pro

These two laptops serve different purposes. The Huawei MateBook Fold is a technological marvel that pushes laptop design forward. Its foldable 18-inch OLED screen is unlike anything else on the market. But it comes with trade-offs in software, performance, price, and availability.

The MacBook Pro M5 is the safer and more practical choice. It delivers top-tier performance, the best battery life in its class, and access to a mature software ecosystem. It costs roughly half the price of the MateBook Fold.

If you want innovation and the biggest portable screen, choose the MateBook Fold. If you want the best overall laptop for professional work, choose the MacBook Pro M5. Both are excellent machines at the top of their respective categories.

FAQ

Is the Huawei MateBook Fold available in the United States?

The MateBook Fold is primarily sold in China. It is not officially available through US retailers. You can find it through third-party importers on platforms like eBay and AliExpress. Keep in mind that warranty and support may be limited outside China.

Does the Huawei MateBook Fold run Windows?

No. The MateBook Fold runs HarmonyOS 5 (PC Edition). This is Huawei’s own operating system. It does not support Windows or macOS applications natively. The app ecosystem is smaller than Windows or macOS.

How long does the MacBook Pro M5 battery last in real use?

Apple claims up to 24 hours of video streaming. Independent reviewers report around 16 to 20 hours of mixed use including web browsing, email, and light creative tasks. Heavy workloads like video rendering will reduce battery life.

Can the Huawei MateBook Fold replace a desktop monitor?

The 18-inch OLED display is large enough for many desktop tasks. You can use it unfolded as a full-size screen for productivity, presentations, and media. However, it cannot match the size of a dedicated 24-inch or 27-inch desktop monitor.

Which laptop is better for video editing?

The MacBook Pro M5 is the better choice for video editing. Apple’s M5 chip provides faster rendering and export times. macOS supports professional editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. The MateBook Fold’s Kirin X90 chip is less powerful for these tasks.

Is the foldable screen on the MateBook Fold durable?

Huawei uses a custom water-drop hinge and dual-layer OLED construction. Early reviews report that the hinge feels sturdy. However, foldable displays are still a newer technology. Long-term durability data is limited compared to traditional laptop screens.

Which laptop offers better value for money?

The MacBook Pro M5 offers better value. It starts at $1,599 compared to the MateBook Fold’s $3,400 starting price. The MacBook Pro delivers stronger performance, longer battery life, and broader software support for nearly half the cost.

Last update on 2026-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API