It is not easy to distinguish the new MateBook E from the MatePad Pro based on the design, because both the visuals in Nebula Gray as well as the chassis design with rounded corner is pretty much identical between the two units. The bezels are just 5.6 mm wide and results in a high body-to-screen ratio of almost 90 percent. Both the build quality as well as the stability of the tablet are very good and there are no creaking sounds or picture distortions when we tried to twist the device. The rear of the tablet is made of a slightly roughened and offers good grip, but you can quickly see fingerprints and it is not easy to clean the surface, either.

A direct comparison with the MatePad Pro reveals the fan exhausts at the top, which are required for the active cooling solution. The buttons are very well integrated and do not rattle around, and the power button also implements a fingerprint scanner. It is also possible to attach the optional M-Pencil magnetically at the top edge, but more on that later.

We already mentioned that the MateBook E does not offer an integrated kickstand. The problem is that Windows is much harder to operate just with your fingers compared to Huawei’s own HarmonyOS on the MatePad Pro, for example, so the use of the keyboard cover (including the touchpad) is recommended. The connection with the tablet is very stable and the quality of the keyboard cover also leaves a decent impression. The black material is slightly rubberized and smooth.