HONOR has been building high quality smartphones and other devices for tech enthusiasts looking for premium features at affordable prices. Their latest laptop, the HONOR MagicBook X15, aims to bring that same blend of portability, power and value to the thin-and-light laptop market.
Boasting an 11th Gen Intel processor, 16GB of RAM, 87% screen-to-body ratio and 56W supercharged battery, the HONOR MagicBook X15 promises productivity and entertainment on the go. The slim aluminum chassis checks in at just 1.56 kg while packing a full range of ports and WiFi 6 connectivity.
In this review, I will put the key specs and features of the HONOR MagicBook X15 to the test. We’ll examine the performance, battery life, display quality, port selection and more to determine if this slim laptop truly provides a magic blend of value and versatility. So without further ado, let’s dive into my HONOR MagicBook X15 review.
Table of Contents
HONOR MagicBook X15 Specifications
| Display | 15.6 inches Screen-to-body ratio: 87% Size of bezel (two sides): 5.3mm Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast ratio: 800:1 Color: 45% NTSC |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core™ i5-10210U/i3-10110U |
| Memory | 8GB/16GB DDR4 Dual-Channel RAM |
| Storage | PCIe NVME SSD 256GB/512GB |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 3.5mm Audio Jack USB 3.0 Gen1 x 1 USB-C x 1 USB 2.0 x 1 HDMI x 1 |
| Battery | 42Wh (Rated capacity) Battery |
| Size | 229.5mm x 357.3mm x 16.9mm |
| Weight | 1.56kg |
| Price | 37,990 |
Unleashing the Magic
The HONOR MagicBook X15 arrives in basic but sturdy brown box packaging. The laptop is secured with thick styrofoam cradles to prevent any damage during shipping.
The simple unboxing experience is refreshingly hassle-free, containing just the essentials – the laptop itself, a quick start guide, and a convenient 56W Type-C fast charger. No superfluous extras are included.
The packaging does its job by keeping the HONOR MagicBook X15 safe and sound during transit. While not an ornate “unboxing experience,” the functional packaging effectively protects the laptop and charger on arrival.
Form Meets Function
The HONOR MagicBook X15 has a slim yet premium aluminum body that feels durable yet lightweight at just 1.56kg, making it comfortable for travel. Measuring 229.5mm x 357.3mm x 16.9mm, the HONOR MagicBook X15 has compact dimensions that allow it to slip easily into a backpack or bag. The aluminum chassis feels sturdy and durable, instilling confidence in the laptop’s long-term use. The compact dimensions make the laptop portable enough to carry from the coffee shop to my house. Its slim 5.3mm bezels maximize the 15.6 inch display in a compact footprint.
The HONOR MagicBook X15 comes in Space Gray or Mystic Silver colors. I prefer the understated elegance of the space gray finish to hide dust. However, opening the laptop requires using both hands to securely hold the base while flipping up the screen.
The fingerprint power button feels like a high-tech luxury – with a single tap, the laptop boots up instantly so I can get to work without wasting precious time, especially on busy workdays.
The responsive trackpad and comfortable keyboard layout allow me to type and navigate web pages with ease. Adequate port selection includes USB, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, and HDMI for connecting devices.
Colors and Audio Clarity
The 15.6 inch Full HD display on the HONOR MagicBook X15 makes the most of its narrow bezels, providing an immersive viewing experience for media and web browsing – even if colors do tend to lean towards the washed out side due to the modest 800:1 contrast ratio and 45% NTSC color gamut. The display also features TUV Rheinland certifications for reducing eye strain.
The pop-up webcam concealed between the F6 and F7 keys is a novel touch, rising from the keyboard at the push of a button. But it’s awkward below-eye-level view may have you adjusting your posture more than the camera itself during video calls.
The downward-facing speaker pushes out decent volume for video conferencing or the occasional YouTube video. While the bass response could be fuller and the audio can sound a bit tinny at times, the built-in speaker gets the job done in a pinch for listening to audio while you work.
Powered Up Performance
The HONOR MagicBook X15 gets the basics right. An 11th Gen Intel chip ensures speedy boots and app launches, ideal for remote workers who value responsiveness above all else. 16GB of RAM and heat management technologies mean the laptop can handle a day’s work with stability.
While general productivity tasks are a breeze for the Honor MagicBook X15, gamers may find its processor and graphics capabilities a bit limited. Less demanding games like Roblox run smoothly enough. But the most graphic-intensive AAA titles are likely to prove quite challenging due to the lack of a dedicated GPU. Still, for spreadsheets, documents and web browsing, this laptop is up to the task. The Intel silicon inside means apps open in the blink of an eye and the generous RAM ensures multitasking muscles through.
Here are the benchmark results for the HONOR MagicBook X15:
A Power That Lasts
This laptop’s 56W charging is a life-saver – literally. The Honor SuperCharge pumps enough juice into the battery to keep me working all day. And when my battery runs low during remote meetings or all-night Netflix marathons, a quick top-up gives me enough power to keep going.
The HONOR MagicBook X15’s 6-hour battery life is decent enough for my 9-to-5 productivity needs. As long as I remember to plug it in once or twice during the workday, I can grind through spreadsheets and documents without interruption.
The C-type charger is a traveler’s dream. Not only does it charge my phone too, but I’ve even used my smartphone charger in a pinch when I forgot the laptop one while traveling. Type C plugs might not provide peak performance, but in an emergency they’ll keep this laptop running (if at a slower pace).
The Final Verdict
This HONOR laptop gets the job done before you’ve had your second coffee. That speedy 11th Gen Intel chip and generous 16GB of RAM mean apps open in the blink of an eye and spreadsheets, documents and tabs fly by without a hitch. The fast SuperCharge technology quickly tops up the battery so you can get back to work in no time.
Eye protection features reduce strain for remote workers and students glued to the screen all day. With a comfortable keyboard and bright Full HD display, everyday tasks and coursework feel that little bit easier.
All in all, if your work-from-home, student or on-the-go lifestyle demands a no-nonsense laptop that just works – breezing through emails, documents and Netflix in equal measure – then the Honor MagicBook X15 is for you. For basic computing needs, this slim yet mighty machine delivers productivity in spades.
The HONOR MagicBook X15 costs around the price of a modest staycation – Php 37,990 to be exact. For that relatively affordable outlay, you get a hardworking laptop that helps you ace productivity so you can finish tasks sooner and get on with your day.
