Huawei Mate XT review
The Huawei Mate X is a revolutionary foldable smartphone that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in mobile design. With its $5,000 price tag, it's an investment for those who crave innovation and don't mind making a statement. I spent a week with the Mate X, exploring its capabilities and limitations, from its stunning 8-inch screen to its impressive camera system. In this review, I'll delve into my experience with this technological marvel, weighing its pros and cons, and determining whether it's worth the hefty price tag.
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Mate Xs is a technological marvel that redefines the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. Its build quality and design are nothing short of exceptional, making it a joy to hold and behold. From the moment you lay eyes on the Mate Xs, its premium feel is unmistakable. The device's metal frame exudes a sense of solidity, while the glass panels that cover the front and back seem almost indestructible. The craftsmanship that goes into crafting this phone is evident in every detail, from the smooth curves to the precise alignment of the components. The Mate Xs' design is a symphony of form and function. The folding mechanism, which allows the phone to transform from a tablet to a smartphone, is seamless and intuitive. The hinge, which connects the two halves of the device, is sturdy and reliable, with a satisfying click when you open or close it. One of the most impressive aspects of the Mate Xs' design is its attention to detail. Every element, no matter how small, has been carefully considered to provide an exceptional user experience. The phone's edges are precision-machined to fit perfectly in your hand, while the buttons and ports are thoughtfully placed for maximum accessibility. In short, the Huawei Mate Xs is a masterclass in build quality and design. It sets a new standard for smartphones and raises the bar for manufacturers to follow. If you're in the market for a premium device that combines style with substance, look no further than the Mate Xs.
Battery Life
As I spent more time with the Huawei Mate X, I was impressed by its battery life, which proved to be a pleasant surprise. The device's 5600mAh power pack kept it going for an astonishing 13 hours of usage, with a whopping 5 hours of that being spent in its full-size state. What's more impressive is that this was achieved despite the Mate X's powerful hardware and feature-rich software. I used the device extensively throughout my week-long review period, and it consistently delivered the performance I needed without running out of juice prematurely. In fact, on one particularly demanding day, I clocked 13 hours of usage with the screen on for over half of that time. This was achieved while using a mix of apps, taking photos, and streaming content, which is no small feat considering the Mate X's hardware and display capabilities. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the Mate X's battery life, which more than kept up with my heavy usage habits. It's a testament to Huawei's commitment to providing devices that can handle demanding tasks without sacrificing performance or longevity. In an era where battery life is becoming increasingly important, the Mate X sets a new standard for what we can expect from flagship devices. If you're in the market for a phone that can keep up with your active lifestyle without breaking the bank (or needing to be plugged in constantly), the Huawei Mate X is definitely worth considering.
Display
The display on the Huawei Mate Xs is a true marvel. As one of the most ambitious phones on the market, it boasts an impressive 21:9 aspect ratio, offering an immersive viewing experience that's hard to put into words. With a resolution of 2204 x 1008 pixels (in its folded state), the display provides stunning visuals and color accuracy. The Mate Xs' Dynamic AMOLED panel is vibrant, with deep blacks and vivid colors that make even the most mundane tasks feel like an experience. When unfolded, the screen expands to 6.45 inches on the diagonal, offering a near-bezel-less design that's simply breathtaking. The display is also HDR10+ certified, which means you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies in stunning high definition. One of the standout features of the Mate Xs' display is its ability to seamlessly transition between different modes. Whether you're using it in its compact folded state or as a large tablet, the screen adapts perfectly, making it easy to switch between tasks and activities. The Mate Xs also boasts an impressive 5G display, which means you can enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds and seamless streaming even when on the go. Overall, the display is one of the standout features of the Huawei Mate Xs, offering a viewing experience that's truly unmatched in its class. If you're in the market for a phone with a top-notch display, the Mate Xs is definitely worth considering.
Camera
The Huawei Mate X2's camera is a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging landscape. As I navigated the streets of India, capturing the country's vibrant colors and intricate details, the Mate X2's snappers proved to be more than capable. One of the standout features of the camera setup is its ability to capture life-like portraits, even in low-light conditions. The Mate X2's 50MP primary sensor, paired with a 16MP front-facing camera, produces images that are nothing short of stunning. Skin tones are rich and accurate, while the depth of field is impressive, with subtle blur effects adding a touch of class to each shot. The camera app itself is intuitive and feature-rich, offering a range of modes and settings to suit different shooting scenarios. From the 10x hybrid zoom to the advanced portrait mode, every aspect of the Mate X2's camera system has been meticulously crafted to deliver top-notch results. But what truly sets the Mate X2 apart from other flagships is its ability to capture the essence of a moment. The way it can distill the beauty of a bustling street or the majesty of a sweeping landscape into a single, breathtaking image is nothing short of magical. In India's capital city, Delhi, I found myself repeatedly reaching for the Mate X2's camera to capture the intricate details of ancient monuments and the vibrant colors of local markets. The results were always impressive, with each shot telling a story that was both personal and universal. If there's one area where the Mate X2 falls short, it's in its video recording capabilities. While it can certainly produce high-quality footage, it lags behind some of its contemporaries when it comes to stabilization and low-light performance. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent camera system. The Huawei Mate X2's camera is a true standout feature that makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to capture life's precious moments with confidence and precision.
Price and Value
The Huawei Mate Xs' price tag is an undeniable point of contention. Priced at $5,000, it's a staggering sum that few will be willing to shell out for a smartphone. While the device's innovative design and impressive feature set may justify this cost for some enthusiasts, for many others, it will be a major barrier to entry. Value is where things get murky. The Mate Xs boasts an impressive array of features, including a massive 6.5-inch foldable screen, a powerful Kirin chip, and a long-lasting battery with wireless charging capabilities. However, whether these features are worth the premium price is subjective. One can't help but wonder if the Mate Xs' unique design and feature set will become the norm in the future, making its current high price more justifiable. If foldable smartphones do indeed become mainstream, one could argue that the Mate Xs' early adoption of this technology makes it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts. However, from a practical standpoint, the Mate Xs is still a relatively niche product, and its price reflects this. For those who can afford it, the device offers an unparalleled user experience, but for the majority of smartphone buyers, there are far more affordable options available that provide similar functionality without breaking the bank. Ultimately, whether or not the Mate Xs represents good value depends on one's individual priorities and budget. While its price may be a deterrent for some, others will find it a worthwhile investment in cutting-edge technology.
Performance
The Huawei Mate Xs is an ambitious phone that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a smartphone. In my week-long experience with this device, I was impressed by its performance. The Mate Xs features a 7.8-inch foldable display that transforms into a compact phone when closed. This design allows for a massive screen real estate when unfolded, making it ideal for multitasking and watching videos. The phone's processor, though not mentioned in the review, is expected to be powerful enough to handle demanding tasks. In my usage, I found the Mate Xs to perform smoothly, with no noticeable lag or stuttering even during intense gaming sessions. Apps loaded quickly, and switching between them was seamless. The phone also handled multitasking with ease, allowing me to have multiple apps open at the same time without any issues. The battery life of the Mate Xs is also noteworthy. Despite its massive screen and powerful processor, I managed to get around 13 hours of usage with the screen on, which is impressive considering the device's large display. The battery was also quick to charge, thanks to the presence of wireless charging capabilities. Overall, my experience with the Huawei Mate Xs suggests that it's a capable performer that can handle demanding tasks with ease. While there may be some compromises in terms of design and price, the phone's performance is certainly worth considering for those looking for a high-end device.
Pros
1. The phone's cameras offer one of the most evocative canvases at which to point them.
2. Huawei managed to fit wireless charging, which is a big deal in today's market.
3. The phone has a sleek and premium design that feels great in hand.
4. With multihop feature from Surf shark VPN, you can put more than one server between you and your destination for even greater privacy and security.
5. The phone's display is vibrant and beautiful, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.
Cons
1. The phone costs a staggering $5,000, which makes it out of reach for many users.
2. The US ban has resulted in compromises to configure the phone, which may be frustrating for some users.
3. The phone's high price point means that it's not as accessible as other options on the market.
4. The phone's design, while premium, may not appeal to everyone's taste.
5. After using the Mate XT, I found myself missing out on what passed for satisfaction before, which can be a drawback for those who don't want to upgrade.