The Surface Pro may be the poster child for tablet-laptop hybrids, but its price tag often sends people looking for alternatives. Enter the Chuwi Hi10 Max, a device that takes a solid swing at offering similar functionality without draining your wallet. With nearly a decade of experience in making hybrids, Chuwi’s latest offering packs a punch—but does it land?
Specifications
- Product Name: Hi10 MAX
- Finish: Space Gray
- Material: Al-Mg Alloy & Polycarbonate
- Display: 12.96-inch IPS, 3K resolution (2880 × 1920), 430 nits
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel N100
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Memory: 12GB LPDDR5 (4000MHz)
- Cameras: 8 MP AF Rear, 5 MP Front
- Battery: 36.48 Wh (7.6V/4800MA)
- Ports: 2x USB-C (PD), 3x USB 3.2 Gen1, 3.5 mm jack, Micro-HD
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Operating System: Windows 11
First Impressions
The Hi10 Max makes a strong impression right out of the box. Its simple yet sturdy packaging features appropriate dividers and foam to keep the device and accessories secure. For bundle buyers, the keyboard and stylus come in separate boxes. So, no, those accessories are not bundled in one package—if that’s what you are wondering.
In terms of design, the Hi10 Max is impressive. The aluminum-magnesium alloy body gives it a premium appearance, but it does come with some heft. The build too feels premium. The complete setup, with the magnetic back cover tips the scales at 1,015g (2.24 lbs), and with the keyboard, it bumps the weight to a hefty 1,388g (1.39 kg or around 3 lbs). While manageable for portability, it leans more towards being a desk-bound hybrid than a lightweight companion.
Display and Features
The 12.96-inch 3K screen is a highlight of this device. Its vibrant colors and high resolution make it excellent for both work and entertainment. Pairing it with the HiPen H7 stylus enhances its appeal for sketching and light creative tasks.
Speaking of the stylus, it looks so much like a regular pen. Just make sure you don’t confuse it with a regular pen. That will be disastrous. Thankfully, the device comes pre-applied with a screen protector. Back to the HiPen H7 stylus… interestingly, it does not run on rechargeable battery. It uses a not-so-common AAAA battery, instead. And no, it does not magnetically attach to anywhere on the tablet.
Connectivity is another strong suit. The device includes two USB-C ports (both PD), three USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a Micro-HD port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While it lacks features like NFC and a fingerprint sensor, it makes up for it with reliable Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support.
Performance Analysis
CPU and GPU
The Hi10 Max uses the 12th Gen Intel N100 processor, which is suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and document editing. However, it struggles with more demanding applications.
Creative software like Photoshop functions, but with delays during file operations and other basic tasks. Gaming performance is limited to lightweight titles, as semi-AAA games fail to load or perform adequately. While it’s not a powerhouse, the processor is efficient for less intensive workflows.
As far as benchmarking goes, this last-gen chip has been benchmarked countless times by so many reviewers but we also understand that the performance may vary between different models, and so here it is, the benchmark for the device as performed by the free version of novabench software and Geekbench.
And here’s the Geekbench results for those who are interested to know:
Camera and Battery
Camera performance is average. The 8 MP rear camera works well in bright environments but introduces noticeable graininess in low-light conditions. The 5 MP front camera is functional for video calls but doesn’t stand out.
Battery life, on the other hand, is commendable. The device lasted nearly a week with mixed usage, including streaming and light productivity tasks. Charging, however, is slow, taking over four hours to fully recharge.
Drawbacks to Note
One of the most noticeable trade-offs is the weight, which can make the device less portable than similar hybrids. The lack of a built-in battery for the keyboard is another downside, as it relies on the tablet for power. These factors, while not deal-breakers, may limit its flexibility for on-the-go users.
Final Verdict
Pros:
- Beautiful 3K display
- Solid port selection, including USB-C PD
- Attractive design with a premium feel
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Heavier than competing hybrids
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Keyboard lacks independent power
Conclusion
The Chuwi Hi10 Max strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a good choice for users focused on media consumption, light productivity, and creative work. While it isn’t ideal for power users or gaming, it offers excellent value for its price and serves as a capable alternative to pricier hybrids.
If you are sold by the device and wonder where you can get your hands on one, well, you can find it on Chuwi.com for just US$319 and up. The setup that I have here, which includes the Hi10 Max 12.96” 12 GB LPDDR5 and 512 GB SSD, the keyboard, and the stylus, will run you back at US$375.
Disclaimer:
This device was provided for review, but all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Chuwi did not influence the content of this review.
Images: Mike for Mikeshouts.com.
