Huawei Mate X Hands-on and Initial Impression

Ciara Alarcon
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Mobile makers just introduced a new smartphone era with the launch of 5G-ready devices and foldable phones. While almost all brands came prepared for the battle of 5G handsets, it seems like only few companies had invested their time and money for its foldable phones, one of them are Samsung, and Huawei.

Huawei Mate X Hands-on and Initial Impression
Huawei Mate X Hands-on and Initial Impression

Even before 2019 started, we were all excited for Samsung’s Galaxy Fold as they teased it for several times already. To finally reveal its details, Samsung unleashed the device during this year’s Unpacked event. Meanwhile, Huawei didn’t want its rival to enjoy a solo spotlight, as a result, it also unveiled the Mate X – the brand’s first 5G foldable phone.

In the Philippines, Huawei allowed the local media to experience its latest innovation. Luckily, our team was able to join its hands-on experience.

Huawei's First 5G Foldable Phone
Huawei's First 5G Foldable Phone

We haven’t seen the Galaxy Fold yet, so, we can’t exactly say that the Mate X comes with a more handsome physique than the former. What we can say, on the other hand, is that Huawei didn’t compensate its design. As a quick recap, the Chinese mobile maker recently admitted that they almost had the same design as the Galaxy Fold. However, they realized that “it was so bad.”

6.6-inch main display (folded)
6.6-inch main display (folded)

For comparison, the Galaxy Fold is a smaller device that sports two screens – one on its cover, while the bigger panel is hidden inside. Meanwhile, the Mate X boasts a larger screen that can flash three possible display options.

6.38-inch secondary display (folded)
6.38-inch secondary display (folded)

When on tablet mode, the Mate X features a square-like 8-inch OLED screen. When folded, the device flaunts back-to-back display. The bigger 6.6-inch panel has 19.5:9 aspect ratio, while its secondary 6.38-inch screen gives off an unusual 25:9 aspect ratio.

8-inch OLED display (tablet mode)
8-inch OLED display (tablet mode)

When folded, the Mate X really flaunts a conventional touchscreen display unlike the Galaxy Fold, which comes with just a small 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED cover screen. Like let’s admit it, can it satisfy your viewing experience?

Still thin at only 11nm when folded
Still thin at only 11nm when folded

In addition, when folded, the Mate X is still thin at only 11mm, noting that it’s so slim at only 5.4mm when on tablet mode. But of course, it isn’t flawless. Compared to the Galaxy Fold, we felt like Huawei made its handset more delicate and scratch-magnet since its screen is always uncovered, and folded outwards.

Triple Leica Cameras
Triple Leica Cameras

Still banking on its photography capabilities, Huawei equipped it with triple Leica cameras composed of a 40-megapixel main sensor, 16-megapixel ultra wide-angle shooter, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. As a trick, these work as the device’s rear and selfie snappers.

Under the hood, the Mate X is powered by Kirin 980 octa-core processor, complemented with Balong 5000 5G chipset. It is packed with 8GB RAM, 512GB expandable storage, and 4,500mAh battery that supports 55W SuperCharge, too.

Fingerprint Sensor
Fingerprint Sensor

Meanwhile, it doesn’t have an in-display fingerprint scanner. Instead, its home button also disguises as a fingerprint sensor.

The Huawei Mate X is priced at EUR 2,299 or roughly at Php136K. We can expect that it will arrive in the Philippines, but for sure, Huawei will improve it first before the handset becomes available in the market.

So, is it a yay or nay?

See Also: Huawei P30 Pro, P30 Specs Leaked

Huawei Mate X Specs:

  • Dual Nano SIM, dual stand-by, supports 5G connectivity
  • 8-inch OLED (2480 x 2200) capacitive touchscreen display, 8:7.1 aspect ratio (unfolded)
  • 6.6-inch 2480 x 1148 primary display, 19.5:9 aspect ratio (folded)
  • 6.38-inch 2480 x 892 secondary display, 25:9 aspect ratio (folded)
  • Dimensions: 146.2mm x 161.3mm x 5.4mm (unfolded)
  • Dimensions: 78.3mm x 161.3mm x 11mm (folded)
  • Weight: 295 grams
  • Android 9.0 Pie with EMUI 9.1.1
  • 64-bit octa core (2x2.6GHz Cortex-A76 + 2x1.92GHz Cortex-A76 + 4x1.8GHz Cortex-A55) CPU, Mali-G76MP10 GPU, HiSilicon Kirin 980 chipset
  • Balong 5000 7nm multi-mode 5G chipset
  • 8GB RAM
  • 512GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via NanoSD card, uses SIM 2 slot
  • 40MP wide-angle + 16MP ultra wide-angle + 8MP telephoto triple Leica cameras
  • Multimedia Player
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • NFC
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
  • GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS
  • USB Type-C
  • Sensors: fingerprint scanner, infrared, ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, barometer, compass
  • Battery: 4500mAh Li-Po, non-removable, supports 55W Huawei SuperCharge
  • Color: Interstellar Blue
  • Price: EUR2,299 or Php136K

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