The 10 best notebooks from China in late 2017, early 2018
Surprising prices are also for notebooks, and the machines are also competitive with a European eye.
Chinese companies often refer to machines as notebooks that would be suitable for a maximum tablet based on hardware. They are not useless either, but anyone who is unaware of what they are buying will surely be disappointed. For this reason, it is worth checking to see if the indicated hardware will be suitable for us.
Of course, such a machine did not fit in the top ten. I’m not saying these machines, or at least some of them, will compete with a device from a more reputable manufacturer known in Hungary, but you’ll see that in the first half of the list there will already be machines that are impeccable in this respect as well.
If someone asks me if it’s worth buying a notebook like this, I tend to cite phones as an example. Almost every one of the cheap Chinese phones has some objectionable detail. These, in turn, do not affect operations, and in most cases we get a performance for our money that we have to pay nearly double the price at home. Let's see which are the best machines on offer today!
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10. CHUWI LapBook 14.1 - One of the cheapest Apollo Lake Notebooks
Chuwi's machine is one of the cheaper pieces at a glance. We can't find metal anywhere in the coverings, but we also see it in the offer of the more famous manufacturers. The machine is built around the Intel Apollo Lake Celeron N3450 2,2 GHz clock processor. This CPU is certainly not up to par with the members of the Core i series, but it is much more powerful than the Intel Atom X5 or X7 mounted in the cheapest category.
Plastic enclosures don’t offer the premium feel of metal, but they do have an advantage as well. The 32,92 x 22,05 x 2,05 cm machine weighs just 1,74 Kg. We can't complain about the exterior anyway. The back is only 9 millimeters thick at the front, but at the back, the hinges are only 2 centimeters thick.
In terms of specifications, the Chuwi LapBook 14.1 gives the impression of a well-used machine. The display is a full HD IPS panel. Hidden under the keyboard is the processor mentioned above, next to it you will find 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of eMMc storage, which can be expanded with a Micro-SD card. The battery of the machine has a capacity of 4400 mAh, which can be used for 4 hours in a socket-free environment. In the notebook, of course, we find ac standard WiFi, there is Bluetoot and USB 3.0 connection. For the price you ask for, this machine is a really good buy.
Advantages:
- Full HD display
- Strong build
- Friendly price
Disadvantages:
- Made of plastic
- The battery could be stronger
Price: HUF 92
Ratings: 4.8 / 5
Learn more here: CHUWI LapBook 14.1
9. CHUWI LapBook 12.3 - The cheapest notebook with 2K display and metal case
This machine already belongs to a higher category than its previous brand due to its cover and display. The CHUWI LapBook 12.3 has a similar design, but as you can see from its name, the diagonal of the display is smaller, so the case is also smaller. What is interesting, however, is that in the case of notebooks, the smaller of the two machines of the same design tends to be significantly more expensive, while in this case the difference between the two machines is only HUF 5.
Even so, as can be seen above, the housing is made of metal, namely an aluminum-magnesium alloy. The display is a 12,3-inch, 2K-resolution retinal IPS panel. The notebook measures 29,90 x 22,20 x 1,75 cm and weighs only 1,384 kilograms. This lightweight and easy-to-carry machine, like its larger brother, is based on Intel’s ninth-generation Apollo Lake Celeron N3450 processor, but with 6GB of memory, 64GB of eMMc storage left behind. If we don't feel enough, we can expand it with a memory card, but we can also find a second slot in the machine, where we can build an M.2 SSD. We will not have a complaint about the battery here, because a piece with a capacity of 8000 mAh has been put into the machine. As described, this allows up to eight hours of work in battery mode.
Advantages:
- Metal housing with CNC milling
- Hardware of adequate strength with a second SSD slot
- 2K display
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Disadvantages:
- Slightly thick edges
Price: HUF 78
Ratings: 4,9 / 5
Learn more here: CHUWI LapBook 12.3
8. Jumper EZBOOK 3 PRO Notebook - the best value for money in Chinese 13,3 inches
If the first place on the list, the Chuwi Lapbook 14.1 isn’t impressed, check out this machine, you’re sure to like it. The Chuwi Lapbook 14.1 is lighter and thinner, measuring just 31,50 x 20,85 x 1,50 cm and weighing 1,39 kilograms. The housing on this machine is also made of metal at the smaller Chuwi.
The Jumper EZBOOK 3 PRO uses a 13,3-inch Full-HD screen. This machine also uses the Intel Apollo Lake Celeron N3450 processor, in which we find the HD500 graphics accelerator - as of course in the previous machines. Next to the processor is 6GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. It also has a memory card expansion and a second M.2 bus. WiFi is dual channel, it also supports the 2,4 and 5 GHz bands, Bluetooth 4.0. The machine has a battery of 4700 mAh, which provides 7 hours of energy saving mode.
Advantages:
- Metal CNC built-in
- Appropriate hardware with SSd expansion
- Dual channel WiFi
- Adequate battery life
- The cheapest Apollo Lake Notebook
Disadvantages:
- Cheap plastic adapter
- The pad is small
Price: HUF 60
Ratings: 4,9 / 5
Learn more here: Jumper EZBOOK 3 PRO
7. Jumper EZBOOK 3 Plus - The cheapest laptop with Core M3 processor
Same brand, same name, only the word "PRO" changed to "Plus". This is more than a simple name change. So far we have talked about low-end laptops, now let's turn our attention to the mid-range. If you want to get an Intel Core M3 notebook and your wallet is not stuffed, then the Jumper EZBOOK 3 Plus may be the best choice for you.
Aluminum housing with CNC cut and simple layout. The breathtaking hardware includes the latest Intel Core M3 7Y30 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of M.2 SSD, as well as a 14-inch, non-capacitive Full-HD display. This laptop is certainly one of the best mid-range machines in China for under 125 thousand forints. Now seriously, do you need more than that?
The laptop weighs just 1,3 kg and measures 33,00 x 22,00 x 1,30 centimeters. Other important details to mention are the 360-degree four-band speaker, dual-channel WiFi and large keyboard. The only thing that can make us some compromise is the battery, which has a capacity of 9600 mAh. It’s not necessarily a little, but keep in mind the Core M3 SoC uses more energy than Apollo Lake.
Advantages:
- Housing made of aluminum CNC milling
- Cheapest Core M3 SoC
- 8G RAM and 128GB SSD
- Best for typing (large keyboard)
- Quad speakers
Disadvantages:
- Medium battery life
Price: HUF 106
Ratings: 4,2 / 5
Learn more here: Jumper EZBOOK 3 Plus
6. Chuwi Lapbook Air - The best Chinese notebook for under $ 400
Chinese manufacturers are famous for copying trendy brands. This is also the case with the Chuwi Lapbook Air. One would think that the sample was the Xiaomi Notebook Air, but no, Chuwi was based on another Air. The hardness of the metal housing, the 7H Moh, is perhaps the best in this segment, the keyboard quality matches the housing, plus it has been given LED backlighting. On the back we find an illuminated CHUWI logo that glows white. It’s a typical MacBook experience, but under $ 400.
The laptop is the thinnest 14-inch from China. The clear black CNC-milled sides provide a perfect contrast to the dark silver housing. The laptop is quite large at 32,92 x 22,05 x 2,05 centimeters and weighs 1,74 kilograms thanks to the 7H Mohs metal case. The edges of the laptop are only 0,6 inches thin when closed. As we said, this notebook is the best in terms of construction, thanks to the micro-matte treatment it is scratch resistant.
We can’t complain about the hardware, the Chuwi Air features a 14,1-inch IPS (capacitive) Full-HD display. The screen is fully laminated with 0,2 mm compact lamination. The screen uses all black technology to keep it from hanging out of the thin black frame around it. The heart of the machine is the Intel Celeron N3450 (latest Apollo Lake) processor with Intel HD500 graphics. Operation is aided by 8GB of RAM and lightning-fast 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, which is twice as fast as a standard SSD. Plus, we get an SSD slot, C-type, USB 3.0 connector, Micro HDMI output, 3,5mm audio connector and TF socket. The battery in this machine has a capacity of 10 mAh, which allows a suitable length of battery life with this processor.
Advantages:
- All-metal construction (backlit keyboard)
- The best, most robust Chinese laptop
- Type C port, TF socket
- 128 GB eMMC 5.1
- Bright capacitive IPS display, fully laminated
- 8 hours battery life
- Good value for money
Disadvantages:
- No fingerprint reader
Price: HUF 92
Reviews: None (new product)
Learn more here: Chuwi Lapbook Air
5. Xiaomi Air 12 notebook (2017) - The biggest among the little ones
Xiaomi is one of the best known of Chinese companies, and not by chance. If you give it a name on your machine, but you don't want to pay for it yet, Xiaomi's machine will be your choice. Like all products from the Chinese manufacturer, its portable machines are top-notch, standing up to any major manufacturer in terms of hardware or assembly quality.
This tiny machine weighs only 1,07 kg and measures 29,20 x 20,20 x 1,29 centimeters. The housing and all parts are made of metal, and the keyboard is backlit. Due to its extremely thin design, this machine is the best and cheapest alternative to machines famous for their thinness such as the Dell XPS 13 and Macbook Air (2017).
We’d be surprised, but if the look doesn’t reach your stimulus threshold, the hardware is sure to hit the benchmark your needs require. The notebook has a 12,5-inch IPS display with Full HD resolution. The screen has a high-contrast 178-degree viewing angle and can distinguish the touch of ten of your fingers at once. The processor features the latest Intel Core m3-7Y30 Intel HD 615 graphics accelerator with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of M.2 SSD. Xiaomi’s updated notebook has got Dual Band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1. The 5000 mAh battery may look small, giving the machine up to 11,5 hours of standby time The new model also comes with a fingerprint reader.
Honestly, the Jumper EZBOOK 3 Plus is a better choice in terms of hardware, but the quality of the Xiaomi can be a serious consideration when choosing. However, the Jumper offers double the amount of memory at a lower price. As we wrote above, this machine will be your choice if the well-sounding name and impeccable appearance are important to you. If you choose this you will definitely not regret it!
Advantages:
- All-metal construction (backlit keyboard)
- C-type port
- Bright capacitive IPS display
- The thinnest and lightest Chinese notebook
- 11,5 hours standby time
- Fingerprint reader
- Good value for money
Disadvantages:
- The screen is reflected
- No TF card slot
- Touch detection is slow
Price: HUF 162
Ratings: 4,9 / 5
Learn more here: Xiaomi Air 12 notebook
4. VOYO i7 Notebook - Gaming notebook for under $ 600
So here is an important question. Is it really possible to build a gaming laptop for under $ 1000 or even $ 600? It may be surprising, but the answer is yes! The VOYO i7 Notebook has a $ 733,08 price tag, so for the price, it can run games with decent performance. The machine is extremely light, the 15,6-inch machine weighs only 1,7 kg and measures 37,50 x 24,50 x 1,80 centimeters. The case is made entirely of metal, which can heat up quite properly during play, so it’s worth getting an efficient notebook cooler as well.
In terms of performance, this machine outperforms most of its competitors. The display has a 15,6-inch Full-HD resolution. The Intel Core i7 6500U, the company’s sixth-generation powerhouse, comes with 8GB of RAM and a 1TB SATA hard drive. In a machine designed for gaming, there is a strong emphasis on the graphics accelerator. This machine is running a 940GB version of the Nvidia GeForce 2MX. This hardware is sufficient to run games at a medium level, such as GTA 5 at medium settings and Witcher 3 at low settings. The performance would have been greatly improved by the 4GB of graphics memory, so if for some reason, that’s why we can pull our mouths a little.
The high-capacity 13000 mAh battery provides 5-6 hours of normal use and 2,5 hours of gaming time. Charging, on the other hand, is relatively slow, we have to wait 5 hours from zero to full charge. The VOYO i7 notebook received 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, a Type C HDMI port, 3,5mm audio and DC ports. Unfortunately, the TF card slot is missing. In short, the VOYO i7 Notebook with some compromise is a perfect gaming machine for under $ 750.
Advantages:
- Metal construction
- Low weight
- Nvidia GT 940MX GPU
- Core i7 6500U processor
- C-type port
- Good battery capacity
Disadvantages:
- Plastic keys
- It easily overheats
- No TF card slot
- Slow charging
Price: HUF 149
Reviews: TBA (new product)
Learn more here: VOYO i7 notebook
3. Xiaomi Notebook Air 13.3 (2017 Edition) - One for everyone
Here’s another Xiaomi machine that delivers better performance than the previous machine with a little extra money, but it also costs less than $ 1000. The Xiaomi Notebook Air 13.3 is a multi-purpose machine that is suitable for both work and play. The VOYO i7 had some objectionable points, but I couldn’t find one for the Xiaomi Air 13.3 (2017 Edition). It’s as light and premium-feeling as the new Air 12. The same metal metal keyboard with backlit metal. The machine weighs 1,31 kilograms and measures 30,90 x 21,10 x 1,48 centimeters, making it a fairly compact machine.
The notebook has a 13,3-inch Full-HD IPS display. At the heart of the machine is the latest 7th generation i5 7200U processor, which works with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB M.2 SSD. The machine comes with the Nvidia GeForce MX 150 GPU with 2 GB of memory. The performance of the notebook has improved a lot compared to the previous 2016 model. The new MX 150 is 3% better than the GT 950MX. Unlike the 940MX, the latest games can also be played at the highest settings, we can also try Watch Dogs 2 and FIFA 18. Most games will run nicely even at medium or high settings.
The laptop is capable of 9,5 hours of normal and easy use and 3,5 hours of game mode working on battery power. The charging time is only 2 hours at full charge.
In short, the Xiaomi Notebook Air 13.3 (2017 release) is a lot better than the previous release. This improvement reaches 30 percent while the price has not changed. If you want a machine that can do both work and play, this will be your machine!
Advantages:
- All-metal construction (backlit keyboard)
- Bright capacitive IPS display
- Nvidia GT 150MX
- Strong hardware
- 9,5 hours battery life timer
Disadvantages:
- No TF card slot
- Touch detection is slow
Price: HUF 240
Ratings: 4,9 / 5
Learn more here: Xiaomi Notebook Air 13.3
2. Cube Thinker i35 Notebook - Price Performance Champion
This machine is the perfect rival of the Xiaomi Notebook Air 12, though one size bigger than that. The notebook is relatively thin and falls into the 13-inch notebook category. Because it is made of aluminum alloy, it is a bit of a serious individuality. Weighing 1,68 kilograms, the machine measures 31,30 x 23,70 x 1,40 centimeters.
Perhaps the most objectionable part of the machine is the plastic keyboard, which didn’t get backlit either. However, the contrast of the black keyboard with the CNC-milled silver metal housing is amazing. We may also notice that there is a fingerprint reader on the trackpad. It is noteworthy that the machine has been given a wonderful 3K resolution, capacitive IPS panel, the display is able to distinguish the touch of ten fingers at a time. The fully laminated display is perhaps the best we can get with a Chinese machine.
Under the hood of the Cube Thinker i35 Notebook is the latest Intel Kaby Lake M3 processor (Intel Core m3-7Y30) with two cores, with a maximum clock speed of 2,6 GHz. The processor is supported by 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM and 256 GB M.2 SSD. The machine has the latest Type C port with DC socket, audio port, USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectors, but no TF and HDMI ports can be found. In addition to the strong hardware, we get a relatively weak battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh. Nevertheless, it is described as operating for up to 6 hours (standby time 8 to 10 hours according to the manufacturer) is easy to use, such as browsing at medium brightness.
The Cube Thinker i35 Notebook is the best solution if the quality of the display is the most important thing for you, but as you can see above, you won't have a problem with the machine in terms of other capabilities.
Advantages:
- CNC-milled aluminum housing
- 3K resolution, 10-point capacitive IPS screen (fully laminated)
- Fast touch detection on the display
- Strong hardware
- Good value for money
- C-type port
Disadvantages:
- No LED backlight
- No Micro-SD interface and HDMI port
- The battery is only average
Price: 148 FT
Ratings: 5/5
Learn more here: Cube Thinker i35
1. Xiaomi Notebook Pro - The best is the greatest
We have arrived at the machine that we believe is the best among Chinese notebooks today. We wouldn’t say a price champion, but that’s not what this machine is about, we’d rather see the pinnacle of quality and performance, a machine that would be to the credit of any manufacturer. It should be noted that Xiaomi did not release a machine with such a diagonal before 2017, so this is the first machine in this series.
The Xiaomi Notebook Pro boasts a 15,6-inch diagonal and dimensions of 36.00 x 24.40 x 1.50 centimeters, with a light weight of just 1,95 kilograms. The case is made entirely of metal, magnesium alloy, cooling is more efficient than any of its brands.
The keyboard has undergone major changes. Unfortunately, we can't find a numeric keypad, although the notebook is 15.6, which would fit that too. The advantage of the keyboard, however, is that the keys are large, comfortable to use, and also backlit. Xiaomi is proud to compare its notebook to the Apple MacBook Pro 2017, where the Xiaomi is 1,5 millimeters thinner than the MacBook Pro, with a C-type port on both sides of the machine. We have 2 USB 3.0 ports, a 3 in 1 MicroSD reader, an HDMI port and a 3,5mm audio connector, as well as a fingerprint reader.
There can be no doubt about the specifications of the new notebook, the manufacturer has packed the latest technology into the housing. The Xiaomi Notebook Pro runs on the latest Intel Core ™ i5 / i7 processor Quad-Core processor. It is one of the first notebooks in the world to be based on an eighth generation Intel processor. In addition to the processor, depending on the configuration, you will find 8/16 GB DDR4 (2400 MHz) memory and a 256 GB PCI-E / NVMe SSD. The graphics accelerator is an NVIDIA GeForce MX150. We also find 802.11 ac Wi-Fi with two antennas, and there’s also a quick charge that can charge a discharged machine’s battery to 50 percent in 35 minutes.
The 8000mAh battery is enough to last 7-8 hours in light mode and 2-3 hours in gaming mode. The display has excellent color fidelity, but its resolution is "only" Full HD, i.e. 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen is capacitive, touch sensitive.
This machine is currently the pinnacle of Chinese notebook production, but in terms of price, even if we dare not call it cheap, it is definitely worthwhile and cheaper than most competitors with similar capabilities.
Advantages:
- 8th generation Quad-Core processor
- Nvidia 150 MX
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM
- SD slot
- 1,5mm thinner than the MacBook Pro
- 72% NTSC color space coverage, 15,6-inch capacitive IPS display
Disadvantages:
- Reflective glossy screen
- Double cooling in a slightly loud player mode
Price: 288 500 Ft (Core i5)
Rating: None (new product)
More information here: Xiaomi Notebook Pro
