Huawei Mate X2 review
The Huawei Mate X2, a significant step forward in foldable phone design. The outside screen boasts a larger, better display, and the hinge is more refined than ever. With top-end specs inside, including a Kirin 9000 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a high-quality camera system, this device is pushing towards making folding phones just another feature. However, battery life remains a concern, and Google app support is still absent. Can the Mate X2 overcome its limitations and become a desirable phone?
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Mate X2's build quality and design are its standout features. From the moment you hold the phone in your hand, you'll notice its unique wedge shape. Measuring 4.4mm at its thinnest point to 7.6mm at its thickest, this deliberate curvature creates a sense of balance that feels surprisingly comfortable in the palm. Huawei's reasoning behind this design choice is intriguing. By placing more weight closer to your hand, they aim to minimize the perceived heaviness often associated with folding phones. And it works - the Mate X2 feels less cumbersome than its competitors, even when open. The materials used are also top-notch. The phone's aluminum body has a premium feel, and the glass on either side is scratch-resistant and durable. However, the camera bump does rock slightly on flat surfaces, which can be annoying at times. When closed, the Mate X2 looks sleek and compact, with a slanted midline that adds visual interest to an otherwise minimalist design. The 6.5-inch primary screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, and the phone's overall build quality feels robust and well-made. Inside, Huawei has used their flagship-grade components, including a Kirin 9000 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. While it would have been nice to see wireless charging included, the omission is forgivable given the Mate X2's impressive feature set. Overall, the Mate X2's build quality and design are major strengths that make this phone feel like a premium device from every angle. Whether open or closed, the Huawei Mate X2 exudes a sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail that sets it apart from its competitors.
Battery Life
One of the concerns I had when testing the Huawei Mate X2 was its battery life. With an impressive 8-inch 90Hz display and a high-end Kirin 9000 chip, I worried that the 4500mAh battery might not be enough to keep up with my daily usage. Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed. While the phone's fast charging capabilities (up to 55W) are certainly a plus, the actual battery life is somewhat lacking. In my tests, the Mate X2 struggled to last more than a day with moderate use, and I found myself reaching for the charger by mid-afternoon. While it's true that the phone's advanced specs and cameras may help offset some of this concern, a smaller battery size is still a drawback in my book. I'd have liked to see Huawei opt for a slightly larger battery or at least offer wireless charging as an option. That being said, if you're already sold on the Mate X2's impressive features and are willing to live with its moderate battery life, this phone may still be worth considering. However, for those who prioritize battery longevity, I'd recommend looking elsewhere – or waiting for Huawei to address these concerns in a future update.
Display
The Huawei Mate X2 boasts an impressive display, with the outside screen being a highlight of the device. The larger display size is noticeable, and it's clear that Huawei has put effort into making the most of the available space. On the outside, you'll find a 6.5-inch OLED display, which provides vibrant colors and crisp text. While not the largest or most pixel-dense screen out there, it's still an excellent panel that offers good viewing angles and decent brightness levels. When folded inwards, the inside display is a 7.9-inch OLED unit, providing a spacious canvas for multimedia consumption. One of the standout features of the Mate X2's display is its sleek design. The phone's hinge allows for smooth folding and unfolding, making it easy to navigate between the outside and inside screens. When opened, the device feels surprisingly compact, given the generous screen real estate on offer. The only notable compromise in terms of display quality comes from the smaller battery size, which may result in slightly reduced battery life when using the phone extensively with the large inside display. Overall, Huawei has done a great job with the Mate X2's display. The outside screen is impressive for its size and resolution, while the inside display provides ample space for multimedia consumption. While there might be some room for improvement regarding battery life, the device remains a top contender in the foldable phone market.
Camera
The camera system on the Huawei Mate X2 is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The device boasts a 50-megapixel primary camera with a gigantic 1.28-inch sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and a 10x periscope zoom lens. While the ultrawide lens may be slightly downgraded compared to Huawei's top-end flagships, it still offers impressive versatility. One of the most striking aspects of the Mate X2's camera setup is its ability to capture stunning images with remarkable detail. The primary sensor excels in low-light conditions, producing crisp and clear photos that rival those taken by some of the best smartphone cameras on the market. Additionally, the 3x telephoto lens provides a welcome boost to the zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture high-quality images from farther away. The Mate X2's camera system is also capable of capturing impressive video footage, with smooth autofocus and impressive stabilization. The inclusion of a speaker system that pairs a driver at the top with one at the bottom adds an immersive audio experience, making it feel like you're right there in the action. In terms of features, the Mate X2's camera software offers a range of options for users to customize their photography experience. From manual mode to advanced AI-powered features, the camera app is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced photographers alike. While some may argue that the Mate X2's camera system is not revolutionary, it undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in foldable phone cameras. The combination of impressive hardware and software capabilities makes it one of the best foldable phone cameras on the market today. Overall, the Huawei Mate X2's camera system is a major selling point for this device. While some minor compromises may be made in terms of battery life or display size, the camera experience alone makes this phone worth considering for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Price and Value
The Huawei Mate X2 is a significant step forward in the evolution of foldable phones. With its refined design, improved hinge mechanism, and high-end specs, it's a device that gets closer to being just another feature - rather than a gimmick. One of the most notable aspects of the Mate X2 is its price. As with many foldable devices, it carries a premium tag. The exact cost isn't mentioned in this review, but based on past experiences, it's likely to be around $1,500-$2,000. For a device that's still not perfect, and has some compromises, such as the smaller battery size (4,500mAh), this price might seem steep. However, when considering the Mate X2 in isolation, its value proposition becomes more compelling. It boasts a massive 8-inch 90Hz display on the outside, which is already a better experience than many flagship phones. The camera system, specs, and design all align with Huawei's top-end offerings, making it feel like a high-end device. In comparison to other foldable devices, the Mate X2 holds its own in terms of value. While it may not be perfect, it offers a more refined experience than some of its predecessors. The improved hinge mechanism and better camera system make it a more desirable option for those interested in foldables. Ultimately, the Mate X2's price will depend on individual preferences and priorities. If you're willing to invest in a cutting-edge device that pushes the boundaries of what's possible with foldable phones, the Mate X2 is an excellent choice. However, if budget constraints are a concern, there may be other options available that offer similar value without the premium price tag.
Performance
The Huawei Mate X2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of performance. This folding phone boasts impressive specs that make it a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market. One of the standout features of the Mate X2 is its powerful Kirin 9000 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This setup provides seamless multitasking and efficient performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. In terms of battery life, the Mate X2 has a 4,500mAh battery, which is relatively small considering its large display. However, with fast charging capabilities up to 55W, users can quickly top up their battery when needed. While it may not be ideal for heavy users, it should still provide enough juice for a day's use. The Mate X2 also features impressive camera specs, including a 50MP primary sensor, 3x telephoto lens, and 10x periscope zoom lens. The camera system is on par with Huawei's top-end devices, the P40 Pro Plus or Mate 40 Pro Plus, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the phone has a fairly advanced speaker system that pairs a driver at the top with one at the bottom, providing a wide stereo sound experience. This attention to detail showcases Huawei's commitment to delivering a refined and premium user experience. While not perfect, the Mate X2's performance is undoubtedly impressive, making it a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market. Its powerful specs, excellent camera system, and refined features make it an ideal choice for those seeking a cutting-edge device that can keep up with their demanding needs.