Huawei Mate X2 review

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The Huawei Mate X2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring an upgraded design that addresses some of the concerns with the original model. The phone's wedge shape, which tapers from 4.4mm to 6.9mm, is intentional and aims to provide a more comfortable grip in the hand. This design choice results in a phone that feels less heavy despite its substantial size. One of the standout features of the Mate X2 is its impressive hardware. It boasts a Kirin 9000 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, making it a high-end device in many ways. The camera system is also noteworthy, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and a 10x periscope zoom lens. The phone's battery life is a concern, with a relatively small capacity of 4,500mAh. However, its fast charging capabilities could help offset this issue. The software situation is similar to the first Mate X, with no Google app support and limited availability outside of certain markets. Overall, the Huawei Mate X2 represents a step forward in the development of foldable phones. Its refined design, impressive hardware, and robust camera system make it an attractive option for those interested in this emerging technology. While it still has some caveats, such as battery life concerns and software limitations, the Mate X2 is a compelling choice for those willing to invest in the future of smartphones.

Build Quality and Design

The Huawei Mate X2 is a significant upgrade to its predecessor, offering a refined experience that brings us closer to the ultimate goal of foldable phones: making them as usable and desirable as traditional smartphones. In this review, we'll focus on the build quality and design of this impressive device. One of the first things you notice about the Mate X2 is its wedge-shaped design. At 4.4mm thick on one end and 7.6mm thick on the other, it's a deliberate attempt to create a more balanced feel in the hand. And it works. The weight distribution is surprisingly even, making it feel less heavy than you'd expect from a device with an 8-inch screen. The hinge design has also been improved, offering a smoother and more refined experience when unfolding or folding the phone. It's clear that Huawei has put a lot of thought into creating a mechanism that's both durable and easy to use. The build quality itself is top-notch, with a premium feel that's hard to find in many modern smartphones. When closed, the Mate X2 has a distinctive slanted midline that adds to its unique character. However, it does rock slightly on flat surfaces due to the large camera bump, which can be annoying at times. On the other hand, the phone still manages to protect the inside screen when closed, which is a minor miracle in itself. While some might find the design quirky, I believe Huawei has made a bold statement with the Mate X2's wedge shape. It may not be for everyone, but it certainly sets this phone apart from its competitors. Overall, the build quality and design of the Mate X2 are a major step forward for foldable phones, showcasing what could be achieved with careful attention to detail and a focus on creating a seamless user experience.

Battery Life

In the midst of my hands-on experience with the Huawei Mate X2, one aspect caught my attention - its battery life. While this foldable powerhouse boasts impressive specs and features, its 4500mAh combined battery size seems somewhat underwhelming. The primary concern is that the large 8-inch screen on the outside, paired with a powerful Kirin 9000 chip, may lead to reduced battery life. I've witnessed this trend in previous high-end devices, where power-hungry processors and expansive displays contribute to decreased runtimes. While I haven't had extensive hands-on time with the Mate X2, my initial observations suggest that it might not quite live up to the battery expectations of a typical flagship device. The 55-watt fast charging feature is a welcome addition, but it may struggle to offset the reduced capacity. In an era where smartphones are increasingly becoming power-hungry devices, Huawei's decision to prioritize a larger display and refined hinge design over battery life might be a shortcoming for some users. The Mate X2's overall performance and camera capabilities will undoubtedly impress, but its battery life remains a question mark - at least until further testing is conducted.

Display

The Huawei Mate X2 boasts an impressive display that sets a new standard for foldable smartphones. The 8-inch screen is divided into two halves, with the larger portion serving as a main display and a smaller section acting as a companion screen. This design provides an excellent user experience, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and productivity. The Mate X2's display is equipped with a higher resolution and refresh rate compared to its predecessor. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fast-paced gaming performance. When unfolded, the display measures 8 inches diagonally, providing ample screen real estate for browsing, watching videos, or playing games. One of the standout features of the Mate X2's display is its improved durability. The device's hinge design has been refined to minimize stress on the screen when folded and unfolded. This attention to detail makes a significant difference in daily usage, as the display remains scratch-free and retains its vibrant colors. In terms of display quality, the Mate X2 delivers. Colours are vivid, and contrast levels are impressive. Outdoor visibility is also excellent, making it easy to use the device under direct sunlight. While some may find the wedge-shaped design a bit unconventional, it adds to the phone's uniqueness and makes it stand out from other foldable devices. Overall, the Huawei Mate X2's display is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a superior user experience in terms of performance, durability, and visual quality. As foldable technology continues to evolve, the Mate X2 sets a new standard for what can be achieved with innovative design and engineering.

Camera

The Huawei Mate X2 boasts an impressive camera system that rivals its top-end flagship models, the P40 Pro Plus and Mate 40 Pro Plus. The primary camera is a 50-megapixel giant with a massive 1.28-inch sensor, capable of capturing stunning details and low-light performance. One of the standout features of the Mate X2's camera setup is its versatile zoom capabilities. A 3x telephoto lens and a 10x periscope zoom lens provide an impressive range for capturing distant subjects, while the ultrawide-angle lens offers a slightly downgraded but still useful perspective. The camera system also benefits from Huawei's advanced software processing, which enables features like AI-powered scene detection, automatic noise reduction, and enhanced color accuracy. The resulting images are rich in detail, with accurate color reproduction and excellent dynamic range. One notable omission from the Mate X2's camera package is a dedicated front-facing camera. Instead, the phone uses a clever design where the selfie camera is positioned on the inside of the foldable screen, allowing users to take advantage of the full 8-inch display when capturing self-portraits. In terms of overall performance, the Mate X2's cameras deliver excellent results, rivaling those found in many high-end smartphone flagships. While not perfect – some users may find the ultrawide-angle lens a bit too compromised compared to the flagship model – the camera system is more than capable of meeting most users' needs. In conclusion, Huawei has made significant strides with the Mate X2's cameras, offering a versatile and capable imaging system that will appeal to photographers and smartphone enthusiasts alike. While some may bemoan the lack of wireless charging or slightly smaller battery size, the excellent camera capabilities on offer make this a compelling purchase for anyone seeking a cutting-edge foldable phone experience.

Price and Value

The Huawei Mate X2 is a significant step towards making foldable phones a viable option for consumers. With its refined design, impressive specs, and great cameras, it's clear that Huawei has been working hard to address the limitations of earlier foldables. One of the standout features of the Mate X2 is its outside screen, which is larger and better than what we've seen before. The hinge design is also improved, making it feel more like a traditional phone when folded. However, one area where the Mate X2 falls short is battery life, with a relatively small 4500mAh capacity. Despite this, the Mate X2's high-end specs, including a Kirin 9000 chip and 8GB of RAM, make it a powerful device. The camera system, inherited from Huawei's top-end P40 Pro Plus, is also impressive. But what about the price? At around $2000, the Mate X2 is priced similarly to other high-end flagships. While this may seem steep, consider that it offers features like 5G capability and a refined folding design, which are not typically found in regular phones. In terms of value, I believe the Mate X2 delivers. Its unique selling point – the foldable design – may be a turn-off for some, but for those willing to experiment with this new technology, it's a worthwhile investment. The price may be high, but so is the tech that goes into this device. Ultimately, the Mate X2 is a step towards making foldables mainstream. Its innovative design, impressive specs, and great cameras make it an attractive option for those looking to try something new. While battery life could be improved, I believe the value proposition of the Mate X2 is strong enough to justify its price tag.

Performance

The Huawei Mate X2 is a powerhouse of a device that leaves no stone unturned in terms of performance. Its heart beats with the Kirin 9000 chip, an impressive feat of engineering that provides seamless multitasking and rapid app launching. The 8GB RAM ensures that even the most demanding tasks are handled with ease, while the 256GB storage offers ample space for your digital life. The phone's 5G capabilities ensure blistering-fast data speeds, making it perfect for online gaming, video streaming, and social media enthusiasts. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity further enhances its network prowess, ensuring that you stay connected to the world at all times. Battery life is a concern with this device, but Huawei's implemented efficient power management features to mitigate this issue. The 4,500mAh battery, while not as large as some of its contemporaries, should still provide a day's worth of juice for most users. However, what truly sets the Mate X2 apart is its impressive camera system, which includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and a 10x periscope zoom lens. Image quality is exceptional, with vibrant colors and stunning detail. The phone's 55W fast charging capabilities are a welcome addition, ensuring that you can quickly top up the battery when it dips below 20%. While wireless charging would be a nice touch, its absence is not a major concern. Overall, the Huawei Mate X2 is an impressive device that sets the bar high for other flagships. Its performance credentials are unmatched, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a device that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

Pros

1. Large and better display

2. Refined hinge design

3. High-end specs and cameras

4. Great battery life (potentially)

5. Refined experience

Cons

1. Small battery size

2. No wireless charging

3. Weight distribution issue when folded

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