© Developed by MUO If you're a professional and want a decent Windows PC with good battery life, you'll usually have to spend a decent amount to get one. However, Tecno has shown that it can offer it at an affordable price with the Megabook T1. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor and comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD as the base specifications.
If you need more, you can upgrade to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, allowing you to multitask. In addition, its 70Wh battery will last you more than four hours with normal use. You can work all morning without a power outlet and quickly charge it at lunch with the 65W GaN charger. Its 15.6-inch display offers a large desktop area, and 100% sRGB coverage ensures accurate colors when watching movies.
Competing laptops from well-known brands are much more expensive than this computer. Or, if you want to stay within your budget, you'll have to compromise on power and looks. However, you no longer have to choose between style, performance and price. With the Tecno Megabook T1, you have it all.
- Slim and light design
- payable price
- Great for performance
- Brand: Techno
- Color: moon silver
- Memory: 512GB
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1155G7
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating system: Windows 11
- Battery: 70Wh
- Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x 3.5mm combo jack, 2x USB Type-C, 1x microSD card reader
- Camera: 2 MP with protective cap
- Display (size, resolution): 15.6" FHD IPS LCD 1920 x 1080, 350 nits, 100% sRGB
- Weight: 1.6kg
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Integrated Graphics
- Dimensions: 36 x 23.8 x 1.5cm
- Speakers: 2.5 W stereo speakers with DTS Immersive Sound
- Model: Megabook T1
- Adapter and battery: 65W GaN charger
- Built-in protective cover for the webcam
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- Relatively long battery life
- USB-C charging port does not transfer data
If you're looking for a thin and light laptop with great battery life, most users will recommend Apple's silicone MacBook Air. However, this computer is only $999 for the base model M1 with 256GB of storage.
You can buy a thin and light Windows laptop, but a decent model that lets you run programs at the same time will still run you around $600. That's where the Tecno Megabook T1 comes in: thin and light, with reasonable specs and an affordable price. . 450 dollars
But will it work as expected? Or are you just frustrated? Let's check.
Who is Techno?
Although the Chinese smartphone brand is relatively unknown around the world, Tecno has been in the mobile market for a long time. The company was founded in 2006, but by 2008 it had focused its efforts on Africa. This strategy has made it one of the top three smartphone brands on the continent. In 2017 Tecno expanded into other markets including the Middle East and India.
Today the company is widely represented in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. You can also buy in Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. The company is known for making affordable smartphones and has even compiled a list of lesser-known Android smartphone brands worth buying.
The Megabook T1 is the company's first laptop launched by Tecno at IFA 2022 in Berlin. However, even though it was his first time, he created a beautiful design that can compete with other more famous brands. Its appearance reflects the company's philosophy of "the perfect combination of modern design aesthetics with the latest technology."
Megabook T1 Features
Tecno Megabook T1 comes only with Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor. However, you can configure it to have a 512GB or 1TB SSD and 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of RAM. But for this review, Tecno sent me a Megabook T1 with the following specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1155G7
- Memory: 512 GB Intel 670p SSD
- RAM: 8 GB soldered
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Wireless: Intel Wireless-AC 9461 Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1
- Display: 15.6" FHD 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD, 350 nits, 100% sRGB
- Webcam: 2 MP with protective cover
- Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x 3.5mm combo jack, 2x USB Type-C, 1x microSD card reader
- Microphone: two noise canceling microphones
- Speakers: 2.5W stereo speakers with DTS surround sound
- Battery: 70Wh
- Charger: 65W USB-C GaN Fast Charger
- Dimensions: 36 x 23.8 x 1.5cm
- Weight: 1.6kg
Given these specs, you can see that the Tecno Megabook T1 in our photos is labeled Intel Core i7. This must have been misapplied because Windows 11 claims our device is powered by a 2.5GHz 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor.
Inside the box, you'll find the Tecno Megabook T1 laptop, along with a 65W GaN charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Be careful when opening the laptop case. After removing the plastic lid and cutting the tape that seals the box, the lid can be opened freely.
Although the laptop is secure in the case, if you open it at the wrong angle, it may fall out unexpectedly. To avoid accidents, it is better to carefully remove the laptop case on the table.
Construction and design
The Tecno Megabook has an all-aluminum construction that gives it a premium finish. On the cover, you'll find the Tecno name clearly written in the bottom right corner, along with a large Megabook label. However, the Megabook name is beautifully printed in horizontal lines with a glossy finish, giving it a classy look.
Our Tecno test unit arrived in Moonshine Silver, but it's also available in Rome Mint, Galaxy Silver, Monet Violet, Space Grey, Champagne Gold, and Denim Blue.
If you look below, you'll find two speaker grills on each side and a large air intake grill on top. It also has three rubber feet, the largest of which bears Tecno's slogan, "Stop At Nothing".
The laptop itself is very thin. It's almost thicker than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, making it easier to pick up and hold. The beveled edges of the lid give it a premium look, with a discreet Megabook logo on each side (in case you've probably forgotten which of the many laptops you're using). The base of the computer also has a nice ridge that allows your thumb to grip the lid and open it easily.
In addition, the laptop is convenient to open - the base allows you to lift the screen with one hand while remaining on the table. Once opened, you're greeted by a large 15.6-inch display and superior webcam. The camera has two microphones on both sides with a small privacy switch.
There is an LED indicator on the left of the camera, which is not easy to see. The hole on the right side between the camera and the right microphone is probably an ambient light sensor or an infrared sensor. However, there is no documentation or user manual on the laptop that says so.
The Megabook T1 has a backlit keyboard with a number pad. However, the layout of the digital keyboard differs from the usual five-by-four layout. Instead, Tecno used a five-by-three format in which the zero key was placed in the lower left corner of the number pad. The right arrow key can be confusing, especially if you're still getting used to the keyboard.
Although the laptop is made entirely of aluminum, its slim design shows that it flexes quite a bit when you press on it, especially when the screen is open. The keyboard also flexes a bit when pressed. Still, it's reasonable for the price, and the typing experience is still great.
The large keys on the keyboard make typing easier and prevent typos. It's also backlit, so you'll have less trouble typing in the dark. And while it's not mechanical, typing on the T1 is still excellent and almost comparable to the MacBook Air M1.
The laptop also has a massive 5.6-inch trackpad in the center of the case. It offers excellent tracking and the Windows 11 gestures make it easy to use. You won't miss a mouse with this trackpad.
However, its central placement means that it sits to the right of the main QWERTY keys, along with a nearly full-size keyboard. Sometimes it leaves marks on the palm of the hand when typing, so you have to be careful.
Tecno Megabook T1 Screen and Sound
The Tecno Megabook T1 has a 15.6-inch Full HD monitor with 350 nits of brightness, making it easy to use in brightly lit rooms. And while it's not DCI-P3 rated, there's no need for it because it's not intended for creators. However, 100% sRGB coverage means you can enjoy viewing photos and videos in accurate colour.
You'll experience less eye strain with the T1 because it uses DC dimming to control screen brightness, which is one of the features that makes newer monitors less tiring on your eyes. It is also TÃœV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certified and provides low blue light output, further reducing eye strain.
And surprisingly, for a slim and affordable laptop, you get quality sound from the stereo speakers. There's not much bass, of course, but sound quality is comparable to the Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-53, a gaming laptop that costs about four times the price of the T1.
Comparative Tecno Megabook T1
The Intel Core i5-1155G7 allowed the Megabook T1 to achieve decent results in the software comparison. We used the PCMark 10 and 3DMark benchmarks for this test.
PK Mark 10
Since the Tecno Megabook T1 is first and foremost a productivity device, we decided to test it with PCMark 10. We ran two PCMark 10 PC tests: PCMark 10 Extended, which includes core applications, performance, content creation, and gaming; and the PCMark 10 application test, which includes running Microsoft Office applications.
In PCMark 10 Extended, the Megabook T1 scored an average of 3,757 points. It had an Essentials score of 8451 and a performance score of 5807, decent numbers considering the price. However, the average score has dropped as their digital content creation score is only 4134 points. Its gaming score is even lower at 2656. This is because it only uses Intel's Iris Xe integrated GPU.
However, the laptop takes the lead in the PCMark 10 applications test, where it scored an average of 9,393 points. Although it only scored 5,170 on Microsoft Word, it scored better on Microsoft Excel (14,918), Microsoft PowerPoint (10,101), and Microsoft Edge (9,992). It just shows what type of charging the Tecno Megabook T1 is designed for.
3Dmark
Although the Tecno Megabook T1 is not designed for gaming, it can still run simpler games. However, you should not expect much from him. Although the Intel Core i5-1155G7 is a relatively powerful processor, it's designed with power efficiency in mind and you shouldn't rely on it for long, heavy workloads.
Furthermore, the laptop lacks a dedicated GPU. You can only run games on the lowest settings, and even then you'll probably only get 30fps or less. In fact, the T1 only scored 1224 on the 3DMark Time Spy test. Its graphics score is only 1088, which is too low for any serious game.
Looking at the detailed results, the laptop averaged just 7.08 and 6.25 fps during the GPU tests and 14.19 fps for the CPU tests at maximum settings. So don't play intense games on this computer.
Ports, features and performance
Tecno will not let you down when it comes to doors. The Megabook T1 has seven connectors: a 3.5mm headphone combo jack, an HDMI 1.4 port for an external monitor, three USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. However, the USB-C port next to the Kensington lock slot is only used for charging and cannot transfer data.
It also has a microSD slot that allows you to quickly load images from a microSD-equipped camera. Also, you can use it to increase your laptop memory. Note that it only uses USB 2.0 speeds, so don't rely on it for large file transfers.
Tecno also added a fingerprint scanner to the top right corner of the keyboard, which doubles as the power button. This is a great position because it's not part of the keyboard and makes it less likely that you'll accidentally press it while you're working. The player is relatively fast, which makes it easy to access.
The T1 is also a great computer for video conferencing. Although the webcam is only 2MP, the camera is bright and clear even in low light conditions. And the dual noise-cancelling microphones that surround it ensure your audience can hear you clearly, even over the din of a crowded bar.
The power of this laptop's Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor is more than enough for basic office tasks. It also supports fairly advanced multitasking, such as running three Microsoft Edge browsers with more than ten tabs each, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Slack, Asana, Spotify, and Skype.
However, you'll need more patience when you start running more demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop, as your limited 8GB of RAM can slow things down. While you can still open multiple Photoshop files and even do some advanced processing like content-aware fill, the program will freeze for a while before resuming.
When setting up the laptop, it is necessary to go to the necessary functions. The only thing it can replace is the M.2 NVMe solid-state drive, though its back cover can easily be removed for upgrading. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard and no additional memory is provided. Also, the back panel uses nine Torx screws, so you'll need a screwdriver to open it.
Megabook T1 Battery and charging
Tecno supplies a 65W GaN charger and a compatible USB-C to USB-C cable to charge the Megabook T1. However, only the dedicated USB-C port can be used to charge the device. As mentioned above, this USB-C port does not transfer data. So you can't connect a laptop to a USB-C monitor and charge it at the same time: you have to connect the monitor to the T1's USB-C data port and also connect the laptop to the included charger. .
However, the USB-C charging port will come in handy as you no longer need to carry around a dedicated power bank. You can connect the Megabook T1 to any 65W or higher power adapter, power bank, or car charger. This makes the laptop flexible, allowing you to work from almost anywhere.
It also has a 70 Wh battery that can theoretically keep the laptop running for 17.5 hours. Naturally, it was calculated in the laboratory. In the real world, the computer usually runs for four to five hours at medium brightness when running Microsoft Word and Microsoft Edge and connected to a smartphone for data transfer.
However, once you start running demanding apps or playing games, you can expect your battery life to drop dramatically. You can run it for two hours or less and you'll find yourself in thermal throttling as its single fan can't handle the load.
Price and availability
When it was unveiled at IFA 2022, the laptop cost around $450 for the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD model. Since Tecno isn't available in the US yet, we can't confirm its price there. But when we checked some local markets, it was priced at around $550. If you go for the 16GB RAM/1TB SSD option, the price goes up to $680.
However, when we review other similar models from Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo, their prices generally range from $725 to $825. This makes the Tecno Megabook T1 more affordable than its more popular competitors, at around $175.
The main disadvantage of Tecno Megabook T1 is that it is difficult to find online all over the world. To buy it, you have to rely on local e-commerce programs on available marketplaces. Tecno does not have an Amazon page and the Megabook T1 is also not available through third-party sellers.
However, if you're looking for an affordable laptop that looks stylish and performs well, you should buy the Tecno Megabook T1.
Tecno Megabook T1 is a great portable laptop for office work
If you're looking for a high-performance laptop, your priorities are likely to be decent processing power, a large screen that's easy to see, an excellent keyboard and trackpad, fantastic portability, and good battery life. The Tecno Megabook T1 offers all this and more at an affordable price.
So there are many different recipes and fantastic recipes. Its sleek look is perfect for your office desk, coffee table, beach house, park bench, or anywhere you want to work.
