CHUWI UBook Pro: 2-in-1 convertible for $600 Introduced

Meanwhile we have already tested some CHUWI notebooks and tablets, but we always had to criticize their relatively conservative processor selection. This seems to change with the newly introduced CHUWI UBook Pro, which is a genuine surface clone thanks to its 2-in-1 design.

• CHUWI UBook Pro
  • at CHUWI (Pre-Sale)

2-in-1 Tablet with U-Stand

The 2-in-1 design already implies that you get two functions from one device. After all, the UBook Pro can be used as a tablet and/or laptop. The Chinese manufacturer uses a 12.3 inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution in a 3:2 aspect ratio. Of course, the touch screen can be used with the finger, but also with a stylus that supports 2048 sensitivity levels.

Interesting about the design is the U-shaped stand on the back of the tablet, which holds the display and allows it to be used as a laptop. This mount takes up less space than the Surfaces stand, for example, and offers a 145° angle. Theoretically a third function can be achieved, as a “workstation” the tablet is only slightly raised above the table, but is operated manually. This makes the convertible design somewhat different from our previous favourite, the Teclast F5. There, the laptop function with a firmly integrated keyboard is clearly in the foreground.

The case thickness is given as 9 mm, which in fact would be as thin as a current smartphone. In addition, it weighs at least 780 grams for a laptop. However, the magnetic keyboard has to be included in the calculation, so that you’ll probably end up with a total weight of more than one kilogram. The keyboard is equipped with a backlight.

Finally with current CPU

The addressed processor selection is otherwise always a criterion for CHUWI. Now the manufacturer has grabbed the Intel Core M3-8100Y processor and put it on the mainboard. This dual-core CPU is already based on the 14nm production technology and can even reach a clock frequency of 3.4 GHz. In addition, there is an Intel UHD 615 on-board graphics card that can also handle 4K files. However, gaming is definitely not the strength of the laptop, so you should rather look around at established manufacturers.

In addition there is 8 GB LPDDR3 memory and a 256 GB SSD. So you can expect a certain basic performance. If the memory is not enough, the 2-in-1 tablet also offers a microSD slot. The difference in speed, however, should quickly be felt. The CHUWI UBook Pro relies on a 37Wh battery; in combination with the relatively energy-efficient CPU, the battery life should be fine overall. But here we can only publish reliable information after a test.

There are also some connections on the housing frame: USB Type-C, two USB-A ports, a Micro-HDMI connector and a 3.5 mm jack connector. The CHUWI UBook Pro comes with a pre-installed Windows 10 operating system, which should be officially activated. In this respect we had no problems with CHUWI so far.

Evaluation

The CHUWI UBook Pro has only just been introduced and is not yet on sale, this “pre-sale” will run until the beginning of October. Up-to-date one can register oneself only with its E-Mail for news, get up to 25% discount and participate in a profit play. Even if we like the processor choice and the design of the CHUWI UBook Pro, we are a bit sceptical. First, CHUWI hasn’t always delivered convincingly in the past and second, because we can’t judge how popular such convertibles are with you. Should we look for a test device or do you have alternatives from more established manufacturers?