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| Huawei Mate X3 |
Huawei Mate X3
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to Huawei Mate
X3
2. The Evolution of Foldable Phones
3. Design and Display Features
· Foldable Design Innovations
· Display Technology Advancements
4. Performance and Hardware
Specifications
· Processor and RAM
· Camera Capabilities
5. Software and User Experience
· EMUI Features
· Multitasking and Interface
6. Battery and Charging
· Battery Capacity
· Fast Charging Technology
7. Connectivity and Network
Support
· 5G Integration
· Connectivity Features
8. Comparison with Previous
Models
· Improvements Over Mate X2
· Notable Changes
9. Price and Availability
· Expected Pricing
· Launch Dates and Markets
10. Reviews and Initial Impressions
· Early User Feedback
· Expert Reviews
11. Pros and Cons
· Strengths of Huawei Mate X3
· Areas Needing Improvement
12. Future Prospects and Market Impact
Impact on the Foldable Phone Market
Predictions for the Future
Introduction to Huawei Mate X3
In the Western markets, foldable phones are steadily
gaining attention, but their popularity is soaring in Asia. Numerous
manufacturers are vigorously competing to offer top-notch smartphones,
surpassing the limited selection available in Western regions. Among these
manufacturers, Huawei stands out as a major player, introducing multiple
generations of both clamshell and book-style foldable devices. Their latest
release, the Mate X3, showcases remarkable features.
In terms of design, the Mate X3 outshines many book-style foldables in the market with its notably thinner and lighter build. Surpassing the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, it even surpasses some traditional smartphones in terms of sleekness and weight. Despite its slender profile, the Mate X3 packs high-end components and a substantial battery, alongside an impressive array of cameras located on the rear of the device.
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| Huawei Mate X3 |
However, two significant absences may prove critical for
Western audiences: the lack of a 5G modem and the absence of Google services.
These omissions, akin to the size of continents in terms of their impact, could
pose challenges to its reception in Western markets. The question arises: can
the exceptional hardware compensate for these notable software shortcomings?
Huawei's Mate X3 showcases superior hardware prowess but
faces a potential hurdle due to the absence of key functionalities like 5G
connectivity and Google services, which are highly valued by Western consumers.
Design and Display Features
The Mate X3 presents a book-style foldable phone
that remarkably resembles a conventional phone when closed. Although its 11.1mm
thickness might seem hefty for a standard smartphone, holding the Huawei device
reveals a remarkably slender and sleek feel. Even with the rear camera bump,
the device maintains a relatively minimal increase in thickness. Notably, the
hinge folds entirely shut, seamlessly without any visible gap, contributing to
its phone-like appearance.
Upon opening the device, its design impresses even
further. Each half measures a mere 5.3mm in thickness, allowing minimal space
for elements like the USB-C charging port, stereo speaker grilles positioned at
the top and bottom, and the power button/fingerprint sensor combo, as well as the
volume controls located on the sides. The hinge offers a full 180-degree
opening, surpassing the capabilities of the Google Pixel Fold, and also permits
partial opening for split-view functionality, albeit within a narrower range of
angles compared to Google or Samsung's foldable phones.
The meticulously crafted polished aluminum frame not only delivers a premium appearance but also offers a tactile feel with its rounded edges that sit comfortably in hand. While the review unit features a distinctive green vegan leather rear, users in certain regions can opt for frosted glass. Notably, the Mate X3 boasts an impressive IPX8 rating, signifying top-tier water resistance for a foldable device, placing it on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in this aspect.
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| Huawei Mate X3 |
The fingerprint sensor's placement posed no issues in
detecting fingerprints and remains conveniently accessible for both left- and
right-handed users, thanks to its relatively high placement. The phone's tall
and narrow shape contributes to this ease of access without venturing
excessively into the ultra-slim territory observed in the Z Fold 5.
Screens and
Sound
The Mate X3 boasts impressive OLED displays on both its
exterior and interior, offering abundant pixels, excellent brightness, and
vivid color reproduction. Despite a slight reduction in size compared to the
previous Mate X2 model, both screens surpass the Galaxy Z Fold 5, measuring 6.4
inches externally and 7.58 inches internally.
The outer display, at 2504×1080 resolution, provides
sharp visuals suitable for Full HD content, complemented by a dynamic 120Hz
refresh rate ensuring smooth scrolling. While not reaching the Pixel Fold's
brightness level, it still offers exceptional outdoor visibility, minimal
reflections, and excellent viewing angles. Although theoretically supporting
HDR10+ content, the phone lacks official certification for HDR formats.
The flexible 7.58-inch OLED internal screen boasts a
resolution of 2496×2224 and also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
However, it tends to hover around 90Hz for most applications instead of the
full 120Hz when detecting motion, a subtle difference typically unnoticed by
the naked eye. The screen's brightness, though not class-leading, remains
decent. Impressively, the screen protector effectively minimizes unwanted light
reflections, outperforming the Pixel Fold. Huawei claims it's made of
shock-resistant, non-Newtonian fluid material, feeling less plasticky compared
to competitors' foldable screen protectors. The outer panel is safeguarded by
Huawei's Kunlun reinforced glass, promising durability even when stored with
keys or loose change.
Both screens exhibit vibrant colors, predominantly
leaning towards greens and blues in the default color profile. However, users
can adjust color temperatures through a tweak-friendly setting in the system if
they prefer warmer hues. The consistency between the panels is commendable,
ensuring uniform color accuracy and overall screen brightness.
Despite its slim design, the Mate X3 surprises with its
stereo speakers, delivering unexpectedly loud sound without distortion at
maximum volume. While lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack, users can rely on
Bluetooth or USB-C headphones for personal listening needs, ensuring
satisfactory performance for various media consumption like YouTube or podcasts.
Cameras
The Pixel Fold recently set a high standard for foldable
phone photography, and Huawei admirably keeps pace with the Mate X3 in this
regard. Equipped with a 50MP main camera sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a
12MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom, the Mate X3 also features a
pair of 8MP punch-hole webcams positioned strategically—one on the top-right
side of the inner display and the other at the top-center of the outer screen.
The 50MP main sensor impresses with its ability to capture detailed and vibrant daylight photos. Utilizing both phase-detect and laser autofocus, it swiftly locks onto subjects, complemented by efficient optical image stabilization that minimizes camera shake. While some images exhibit slight over-sharpening and the dynamic range remains average, Huawei's image processing consistently delivers visually appealing pictures.
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| Huawei Mate X3 |
The 13MP ultrawide lens performs commendably in terms of
color accuracy, exposure, and clarity. Lens correction helps mitigate softness
in the corners of captured shots, and its autofocus capability doubles as a
proficient macro shooter. The Super Macro mode within the camera app offers
various zoom levels, with the best results typically achieved at 1x
magnification.
However, it's the 5x zoom telephoto lens that steals the
show. Utilizing a periscope arrangement, it surpasses the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in
its ability to get closer to subjects, while OIS ensures sharp, shake-free
shots that approach the quality of the main lens. This telephoto lens handles
panning action shots adeptly despite its f/3.4 aperture, which performs
reasonably well in low-light conditions. Impressively, it manages 10x zoom with
a slight drop in sharpness and clarity. While the device allows zooming up to
50x, adding digital magnification significantly increases image noise.
The Mate X3 demonstrates good performance in low-light
conditions, capturing natural colors and adequate detail. Its dedicated night
mode requires steady hand support for several seconds per frame and might
over-process scenes around direct light sources, while the auto mode may
struggle with shadow details. Although the dynamic range could be improved, the
device exhibits minimal noise in low-light captures.
Comparatively, the Mate X3 slightly trails the Pixel Fold
in specific scenarios while excelling in others. While not reaching the
pinnacle of the best traditional smartphones, it stands out as an impressive
performer among foldable devices.
Its zoom makes it unique.
The Huawei Mate X3 is equipped with a robust camera
setup comprising five lenses. Within the main camera module resides a 50MP
primary camera featuring an f/1.9 aperture, accompanied by a 13MP ultrawide
lens and a 12MP periscope lens. Additionally, the device boasts two 8MP selfie
cameras, each housed within a hole-punch on the screens. The primary camera
likely incorporates a Sony IMX766 sensor, boasting a 1/1.56-inch image sensor
size, and is fortified with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). While not
groundbreaking for a conventional flagship, these sensors represent some of the
better offerings available in the foldable phone realm. Notably, the main camera
utilizes Huawei's RYYB filter array and benefits from the "XMAGE
engine," an advanced image processing algorithm developed by Huawei.
This camera setup enables the main camera to capture impressive images with a slightly shallow depth-of-field and remarkable light absorption at a hardware level, minimizing the need for excessive reliance on night mode. Examining the image gallery comprising photos taken by the main camera, one can observe impeccable dynamic range, excellent sharpness, and contrast. The color accuracy is commendable, albeit with a warm tint in Huawei's night shots due to the RYYB array's sensitivity to yellow light. The ultrawide camera performs decently in well-lit environments but exhibits typical soft noise and graininess in low-light scenarios, a common issue among most ultrawide cameras. Notably, the Oppo Find X6 Pro's ultrawide camera, featuring an extensive sensor, performs better in low-light conditions compared to most competitors.
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| Huawei Mate X3 |
The standout performer is undeniably the periscope zoom
lens. Historically, foldable devices have struggled with subpar or non-existent
zoom cameras. However, the Mate X3's periscope zoom lens, despite its slower
f/3.4 aperture, utilizes periscope technology, positioning the sensor sideways
in the phone to accommodate more image data. This innovative approach allows
the Mate X3 to deliver 5X optical zoom and a commendable 10X zoom, producing
impressive results even in the night shots displayed in the image gallery.
Comparatively, the Mate X3's periscope zoom lens
outperforms Samsung's Fold 4's telephoto lens, particularly evident in the
sharper, less processed images at 10X zoom. The front-facing cameras deliver
satisfactory performance, notably being capable of recording at 4K resolution.
While the Mate X3's camera setup might not match the heights achieved by the
heavier Mate X2 or premium Chinese slab Android phones, it currently stands out
as my choice for the best foldable camera. However, an important caveat exists:
I haven't conducted extensive testing of the Pixel Fold yet. Despite similar
camera hardware specifications, Google's software might influence the overall
performance. I intend to update this assessment after thoroughly testing the
Pixel Fold in the near future.
Software experience
The international version of the Mate X3 operates on
Huawei's EMUI interface, built on top of Android but devoid of Google services.
The latest iteration, EMUI version 13, has undergone adjustments to optimize
its usability on the expansive internal display. It introduces features like an
app switcher for both horizontal and vertical split-screen modes, along with
pop-up multitasking. However, the interface presents two toolbars, in contrast
to recent foldables, limiting the launching of apps into split-screen mode to
just one toolbar. Compared to Samsung's comprehensive software for folding
phones, Huawei's offerings could benefit from further development and catch-up
in this aspect.
Enhancements in customization are apparent, allowing
options to stack widgets or combine them into multi-purpose ones. However,
users who prefer a clutter-free home screen might miss the absence of an app
drawer. Similar to Google Discover, the Today news feed is positioned to the
left of the home screen, while the Celia voice assistant can be activated by
holding down the power button, akin to Google Assistant.
Huawei's proprietary app ecosystem boasts a range of
in-house applications, encompassing Petal Maps for navigation, music, and video
players, an ebook reader, a web browser, and an email client. Microsoft Outlook
serves as a substitute for Gmail, while SwiftKey serves as the default onscreen
keyboard. For those not reliant on Google services, these offerings cover
essential functionalities and more.
However, where Huawei faces challenges is in third-party
support. While Huawei AppGallery includes some prominent names like TikTok and
Snapchat, Petal Search helps locate missing applications through download
links. Yet, installing APKs directly raises security concerns. Moreover, numerous
apps depend on Google services for login credentials or two-factor
authentication, causing compatibility issues. Unfortunately, these software
limitations may discourage potential customers from opting for Huawei devices.
Performance and Battery life
While the Huawei Mate X3 boasts a Qualcomm-powered core, it relies on a 4G-only version of the previous-generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Competitors are transitioning to more advanced and efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips, offering slight performance advantages in apps and notably improved performance in gaming.
Despite this, the Mate X3 remains a powerful device with
12GB of RAM, excelling in multitasking. It swiftly opens apps, runs 3D games
smoothly at high detail settings, and exhibits no signs of slowdown or
stuttering when swiftly switching between software. It competes admirably
against outgoing models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Motorola Razr
40 Ultra, both utilizing the 8+ Gen 1 CPU. However, the newer Galaxy Z Fold 5 is
expected to surpass it once tested.
The device offers substantial storage options, ranging
from 256GB to 1TB depending on the region. Additionally, it supports Huawei's
NanoMemory (NM) cards for expanding storage, providing flexibility despite the
proprietary format.
Huawei manages to edge ahead in certain hardware aspects
compared to rival foldables, particularly in battery capacity and rapid
charging. The 4800mAh battery exceeds those found in Samsung's Z Fold phones
while maintaining a comparable capacity to the Pixel Fold. In real-world usage,
the Mate X3 sustains a full day of typical usage, allocating approximately
70/30 battery usage between the outer and inner displays. While it slightly
trails the Galaxy Z Fold 4 in testing, actual battery performance may vary
based on individual usage of the internal screen.
Huawei Mate X3
The Mate X3 supports rapid 66W wired charging, inclusive
of a proprietary power brick and cable within the package. This charging
capability enables reaching nearly 75% charge within thirty minutes and a
complete charge in under fifty minutes. Its 50W wireless charging capability
ranks among the fastest available, provided a compatible charging pad is used.
The device also offers reverse wireless charging, enabling the convenient
topping up of smaller tech devices like true wireless headphones.
Huawei Mate X3: Pricing and availability
The
Mate X3 was initially released in China
earlier this year and is currently available in the
United Kingdom, with plans
to expand its availability to other European markets such
as Germany. In China,
the phone comes with a price tag of 17,730 yuan,
approximately equivalent to
$2,400. In the United Kingdom, it is priced at £1,999,
which translates to
around $2,540, while in other European markets, the Mate
X3 is priced at
€2,199, equivalent to $2,400.
Huawei Mate X3 verdict
The Huawei Mate X3 stands out with its sleek design, slim
profile, and impressive trio of camera lenses, making it among the top choices
for foldable hardware currently available. However, despite Samsung's
incremental upgrades and Google's initial struggles with battery life in their
debut foldable, it's challenging to position the Mate X3 as a viable
alternative due to the usual software limitations.
Due to ongoing US trade restrictions, accessing Google
services remains unfeasible, necessitating workarounds for third-party apps.
Yet, these workarounds raise significant security concerns, particularly
regarding sensitive operations like mobile banking. Additionally, Huawei's
pricing for the Mate X3 surpasses both Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google's
Pixel Fold, further complicating its position in the market.
Should you buy
the Huawei Mate X3?
You should buy the Huawei Mate X3 if:
• You have a penchant for foldables and can
afford the pricey item.
• The greatest folding
hardware is what you desire.
.You don't mind the restrictions of GMS
You should not buy the Huawei Mate X3 if:
• You use a lot of Google products and services.
• You're interested in a 5G connection.
• You are concerned about locating foldables at a lower cost.
The Huawei Mate X3's considerably high price,
especially in comparison to other foldable devices, coupled with the absence of
Google Mobile Services (GMS), positions it as a phone that caters to a niche
group rather than the majority of consumers. It primarily targets enthusiasts,
showcasing the possibilities inherent in foldable phone technology.
- Reflecting back on the initial concerns raised
when foldable phones emerged in 2019, critics highlighted three main
issues: their high cost, bulkiness/heaviness, and fragility. The Mate X3
effectively addresses two out of these three concerns. When folded, it
resembles a conventional smartphone, offering a more seamless and familiar
experience compared to the clunky and awkward feel of Samsung's Fold 4 in
its folded state. However, with the imminent release of the Galaxy Fold 5
and rumors hinting at competitive hardware from the upcoming OnePlus V
Fold, the landscape might change. Nevertheless, having brands push the
boundaries of hardware limitations is beneficial, encouraging other brands
to elevate the quality and innovation of their products.
Pros
- Robust camera setup
- Not as heavy as the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Robust hinge and IPX8 waterproof rating
- Two excellent and functional displays
Cons
- Does not have Google Mobile Services.·
- 5G mobile data rates are absent.
- Really costly.·
- On occasion, drastic image processing
Unique FAQs about Huawei Mate X3:
1. Q: What sets the
Huawei Mate X3 apart from other foldable phones?
2. A: The Mate X3
distinguishes itself with its advanced display technology and robust
performance, offering a seamless foldable experience.
3. Q: Is the Mate X3
suitable for everyday use, considering its foldable design?
4. A: Yes, the device is
engineered for durability, ensuring reliability in daily usage scenarios.
5. Q: How does the
camera performance of the Mate X3 compare to traditional smartphones?
6. A: The Mate X3's
camera capabilities rival those of traditional smartphones, delivering
exceptional photography and videography experiences.
7. Q: Will the Mate X3
be compatible with future software updates and advancements?
8. A: Huawei is
committed to providing consistent software support, ensuring compatibility with
future updates and advancements.
9. Q: What are the
primary markets expected to witness the initial launch of the Huawei Mate X3?
10. A: The initial launch
is anticipated to cover several key global markets, catering to tech
enthusiasts and early adopters.
