The Chuwi Corebook X, available on Amazon, presents itself as a more robust version of the Chuwi Corebook Pro, requiring an additional investment of around $100. However, the question arises: does it justify the added cost over the already “Pro” model? Let’s explore!
Tech reviewers have given significantly more attention to the Chuwi Corebook Pro than the Corebook X. This is partly because the “Pro” model achieves an affordable $400 price point while still providing one of the best displays in this category.
Nevertheless, reviews unanimously highlight underwhelming internals, particularly concerning its ambition to run full-fledged Windows 10.
This is where the Chuwi Corebook X steps in.
Equipped with more RAM and a superior processor, the Corebook X delivers a significantly smoother experience. However, with a price tag of $500, it enters a new competitive field against other systems with similar specifications.
So, does opting for the Corebook X make more sense than the standard “Pro” model? This question will be answered in our comprehensive review of the Chuwi Corebook X.
But first, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons to provide an overview of what to expect.
Pros:
- Premium design featuring an aluminum chassis
- 2K Screen Resolution
- 3:2 aspect ratio – excellent for office workloads
- Tactile keyboard
- 65W Charger
- Affordable
Cons:
- Averagely sized 46.2Wh battery
- Relatively thick at 20mm
- Limited ports
Display
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of both the Corebook X and Pro models is their impressive 2K display. The 2160 x 1440p resolution across the 13” screen results in a pixel density of around 200 PPI, an uncommon feature in this price segment. Additionally, Chuwi opts for a taller 3:2 aspect ratio, perfect for productivity-based workloads.
While excellent for office tasks, web browsing, and casual media consumption, the device may not be suitable for image and video editing due to lower contrasts and somewhat bland colors.
Despite this, the display offers good viewing angles with minimal color distortion. It can achieve reasonable brightness, making it readable even outdoors, though direct sunlight should be avoided due to its highly reflective fully laminated display.
In summary, with its taller design and high pixel count, the Corebook provides one of the best displays for various tasks.
Design & Build Quality
Chuwi consistently delivers premium-quality designs at budget-friendly prices, and the Corebook X is no exception. The full-metal aluminum chassis with a polished matte finish exudes a high-end feel. Minimal branding, with the Chuwi logo discreetly placed, contributes to a clean and elegant design.
However, the display does not sit flush with the laptop’s body, creating a small gap, increasing the thickness to 20mm, and allowing dust entry. Caution is advised to protect the device when outdoors. The 1.49 kg weight makes it easy to carry in daily commutes.
The sturdy hinges on the laptop support a 180-degree screen unfold, offering flexibility in viewing angles. The option to lay it flat may not have a clear purpose, but it provides versatility.
Performance
This is the primary area where the Corebook X distinguishes itself from the Corebook Pro.
The Pro, equipped with a four-year-old i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, struggled in 2020. The Corebook X addresses this by adopting the Intel Core i5-8259U, a quad-core CPU that, while not the latest, surpasses the low-end Intel Atom CPUs typically used by Chuwi.
Paired with the built-in Iris Plus 655 Graphics, the Corebook X may not handle the latest AAA games, but it performs well with Windows Store games. The 16GB RAM significantly enhances multitasking, preventing system lag even with multiple Chrome tabs open.
Note that the soldered RAM is non-upgradable, but the built-in 512GB SSD can be supplemented with an M.2 SATA SSD up to 1TB.
In summary, while not featuring the latest technology, the Corebook X offers smoother performance through a few-year-old but more capable configuration.
Typing & Keyboard
The Corebook X inherits the praised Corebook Pro keyboard – a 10-KeyLess Chiclet Keyboard without a Numpad, improving key spacing. The keys offer decent travel, enhancing the typing experience. The keyboard includes 2-stage backlighting, providing sufficient visibility in the dark.
However, the power key’s red bordering, intended as a visual warning to prevent accidental presses, may be deemed unnecessary by touch typists.
The standard trackpad is smooth and responsive, supporting multi-finger gestures, but occasional accidental clicks during scrolling may be experienced.
Battery Life
The 46.2Wh battery may seem small, but it performs adequately, providing around 6-7 hours of screen-on-time on mixed usage. The included 65W charger can recharge the battery within one and a half hours.
Connectivity
Despite its 20mm thickness, the Corebook X has limited I/O support. On the left, there is one USB Type-C port for data transfer, while power delivery requires a dedicated barrel charging port. On the right, there is one USB 3.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a TF card slot.
Wired accessory options are limited, necessitating wireless alternatives through Bluetooth 4.2. Dual-band (2.4G|5G) WiFi facilitates internet connectivity.
Speakers and Webcam
The speakers, awkwardly placed at the bottom, lack loudness and may sound muffled due to their placement. The webcam quality is deemed poor, making it advisable to avoid its use.
The Verdict
Returning to the initial question – is the Chuwi Corebook X a worthwhile upgrade over the Corebook Pro?
Priced at just $400, the Pro competes favorably with Chromebooks and some Windows notebooks at its configuration level, making it one of the best laptops in its price range.
However, at $500, the Corebook X faces stiffer competition. Does the improved CPU and extra RAM justify the higher cost?
In essence, the Corebook X remains an excellent purchase at $500, offering performance on par or superior to the competition, especially in aspects like display quality and typing experience.
Watch Chuwi Corebook X introduction here,
Do we recommend the Chuwi Corebook X?
With its 3:2 screen aspect ratio, the Chuwi Corebook X is ideal for office-goers and students. Coupled with the tactile keyboard, it becomes the perfect device for word processing needs.
If you have a budget of $500 and seek a decent laptop for office productivity and casual media consumption, the Chuwi Corebook X is recommended.
Read Also: CHUWI GemiBook Plus Laptop: Hands-On Review