Huawei has unwrapped its latest Linux notebook, the MateBook X Pro 2024 Linux Edition — alas, it’s only available in China.
The Windows-free MateBook X Pro 2024 uses the same hardware as the Windows version, but clocks in at CN¥300 cheaper thank to a lack of Windows license fee and a government subsidy discounting tech that, from what I can gather, use a domestic OS.
Chinese consumers can reportedly claim an extra discount of CN¥2000 on the purchase price as part of a national subsidy to promote usage of homegrown tech in general.
With US sanctions in play, Microsoft is reportedly not renewing its deal to supply Huawei with Windows licenses once it expires this year.
Between that, and those national subsidies, this is likely why Huawei is ramping up the release of ‘Linux Editions’ of its most popular laptops and PCs.
Huawei’s X Pro Linux Laptop
MateBook X Pro 2004
(Linux Edition)
| CPU: | Intel Core Ultra 7 (16 Core @ 4.8Ghz Turbo) |
|---|---|
| RAM: | 16/32GB |
| GPU: | Intel Arc (integrated) |
| NPU: | AI Boost (11 TOPS) |
| Storage: | 1TB SSD |
| Other: |
1080p webcam 3x USB Type-C 6 speakers |
| Network: |
Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery: | 70 Wh |
| Weight: | 980g |
| Price: |
From CN¥10,399* (*CN¥8,199 with subsidies) |
You can see the MateBook X Pro 2024 Linux Edition specs in the box to the right. It’s currently only available with an Intel Ultra 7 115 (Windows edition has Ultra 9 option).
Per HuaweiCentral, the new Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 Linux Edition is available in two memory variants, priced accordingly:
- 16GB – CN¥10,399
- 32GB – CN¥11,399
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 has a 14.2-inch OLED touch display in 3:2 ratio, at 3120 x 2080 resolution pushing 264 PPI – higher pixel density than the latest 14″ MacBook Pro M4 models, FYI.
It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, hits 1000 nits peak brightness, boasts a deep 1000000:1 contrast ratio, and decent P3 colour coverage.
There are only 3x USB Type-C ports only.
The 2 ports ports the left-side are Thunderbolt 4 on Windows, but not on Linux (they still might be, just no the license fee paid to claim so).
Either way, in addition to data they still handle video out and fast charging. The right-side port is USB Type-C on both editions.
There’s a full-size backlit keyboard, but the fingerprint reading power button doesn’t work under Linux. Neither does the 1080p HD webcam (and its privacy switch) — chances are the community will get it to work at some point, though.
Which version of Linux does this run?
I’m relying on Google Translate to aid me in answering this. The official Huawei product page for the MateBook X Pro 20024 simply lists “Linux version”, but the Huawei Mall mentions, albeit only once, HarmonyOS.
Current versions of HarmonyOS is what Huawei uses on smartphones, tablets and smart devices. It is yet to debut on Laptops (and the next-gen version isn’t based on Linux at all). This, it’s probable this laptop does indeed use Linux, which in China typically means Kylin Desktop OS.
As such, a number of software features touted on the product web page, like AI assistants, 3D spatial audio algorithms, webcam filters, and “browse your smartphone from your desktop” capabilities, are strictly Windows-only.
Where Can I Buy One?
If you’re in mainland China you can buy the Linux version of the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024 from online store, including Huawei Mall (which has the 16GB model in black or blue, and the 32GB model in blue only, plus a link to verify and apply national subsidises to lower the price).
Outside of China, chances are this won’t be “readily available” but the Windows version is available though various places (AliExpress), and can, in theory, run Linux — but whether the hardware support has been upstreamed to the mainline kernel, I can’t say — YMMV!
Thanks Georgi!