Huawei continues to redefine the foldable smartphone landscape with its Huawei Mate X3, a sleek, feature-packed device designed to compete with the best in the industry. Its combination of cutting-edge design, robust performance, and versatile camera capabilities positions it as a top contender in the foldable segment. Huawei has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone innovation with the release of the Huawei Mate XT, the world’s first mass-produced tri-fold smartphone. Combining advanced engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a futuristic design, the Mate XT redefines what a smartphone can be.
Design and Display Huawei Mate X3
The Huawei Mate X3 boasts a refined, lightweight build, making it one of the slimmest foldable devices on the market. With a multi-layered, impact-resistant interior screen, it sets a benchmark for durability. The exterior features Huawei’s proprietary Kunlun Glass, known for its 10x improved drop resistance, ensuring the device withstands everyday mishaps.
Unfolded, the Mate X3 reveals a stunning 7.85-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2224 x 2496 pixels, perfect for immersive viewing experiences. Folded, it transitions to a more traditional 6.4-inch cover screen, also OLED, maintaining high brightness and vivid colors. Both screens support a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for gaming and video playback.
The Mate XT’s tri-fold design sets it apart in the world of foldable devices. When fully unfolded, it features a 10.2-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2232 × 3184 pixels, making it comparable to a full-sized tablet. This expansive display is perfect for immersive content consumption and productivity tasks. The unique design allows the device to fold into three configurations: a compact 6.4-inch smartphone mode, a 7.9-inch dual-screen mode for multitasking, and the full 10.2-inch tablet mode. The device employs an innovative hinge system developed by Huawei to ensure durability and flexibility while maintaining a sleek profile of just 3.6mm when unfolded
Performance Huawei Mate X3
Under the hood, the Mate X3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, albeit limited to 4G due to trade restrictions. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the phone ensures smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, media, and documents. The Mate XT is powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9010 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. These specifications ensure seamless performance, whether you’re running multiple apps, gaming, or streaming high-definition content. HarmonyOS 4.2 powers the device, offering a user-friendly interface optimized for foldable screens and enhanced multitasking capabilities
Camera Excellence with XMAGE
The Mate X3 excels in photography, integrating Huawei’s XMAGE imaging system. Its triple-camera setup includes:
- A 50MP main sensor with an RYYB filter for enhanced low-light performance.
- A 13MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus that doubles as a macro shooter.
- A 12MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom for distant shots.
Selfie enthusiasts are catered to with two 8MP cameras—one on each screen. Unique to foldables, the Mate X3 supports Flex-Stop Mode, allowing hands-free shooting at various angles, ideal for time-lapses, low-angle shots, and group photos.
Battery Life and Charging Huawei Mate X3
Equipped with a 4800mAh battery (5100mAh in some variants), the Mate X3 ensures all-day usage. It supports 66W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless charging. Emergency power modes further enhance its utility, offering extended use when the battery is critically low.
Software Challenges Huawei Mate X3
Despite its stellar hardware, the Mate X3 faces challenges with software. Due to U.S. sanctions, it lacks native Google services, relying instead on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 3.1. While HarmonyOS offers a smooth user experience and an extensive app gallery, international users may encounter limitations with app availability and compatibility.
Price and Availability
Priced at a premium, the Mate X3 starts around $2,000, reflecting its flagship status and innovative features. It is available in select markets, primarily targeting users seeking cutting-edge technology and willing to invest in a foldable.
Verdict
The Huawei Mate X3 stands as a testament to Huawei’s engineering prowess. Its superior design, robust performance, and versatile camera make it a worthy rival to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. However, potential buyers should weigh its software ecosystem against their needs before committing to this groundbreaking device.
For anyone ready to explore the next evolution in mobile technology, the Mate X3 is an outstanding choice, albeit with a few caveats.
