Huawei Mate X2 vs Mate X3: The Ultimate Foldable Face-Off
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Mate X3 emerges as the clear winner, boasting a faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, improved charging speeds (including wireless), and a brighter display. While the X2 remains a capable device, the X3’s upgrades make it the superior choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei Mate X2 4G | Huawei Mate X3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 15 | Available. Released 2023, April 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 161.8 x 145.8 x 8.2 mmFolded: 161.8 x 74.6 x 14.7 mm | Unfolded: 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mmFolded: 156.9 x 72.4 x 11.1 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 295 g (10.41 oz) | 239 g or 241 g (8.43 oz) |
| - | IPX8 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Kunlun Glass (cover display only) |
| Resolution | 2200 x 2480 pixels (~414 ppi density) | 2224 x 2496 pixels (~426 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 205.0 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.85 inches, 197.5 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable OLED, 90Hz | Foldable OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz |
| - | Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2504 pixels | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | HarmonyOS 3.1 (China), EMUI 13.1 (Europe), no Google Play Services |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| - | UFS | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/4.4, 240mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide) Cover camera: 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (B1I+B1c+B2a), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, altimeter |
| - | BDS Satellite Message | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 66W wired 50W wireless 7.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 4800 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5060 mAh (China only) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Light Blue | Black, White, Violet, Dark Green, Gold |
| Models | TET-AL00 | ALT-AL00, ALT-L29 |
| Price | About 2290 EUR | About 1500 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 81h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.3 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 993592 (v9) GeekBench: 4283 (v5.5), 4512 (v6) GFXBench: 41fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei Mate X2 4G
- More affordable
- Proven Kirin chipset
- Solid build quality
- Good camera performance (assumed)
- Slower performance compared to X3
- Slower charging speeds
- Lower display brightness
Huawei Mate X3
- Faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
- Brighter display
- Faster wired and wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
- Higher price
- Camera specs not detailed
Display Comparison
The Mate X3 takes a significant lead in the display department. Its measured 926 nits peak brightness is noticeably higher than the X2, offering better visibility in sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim on the X3 suggests exceptional image quality, though this is a nominal value. Both phones feature excellent foldable displays, but the X3’s improvements are tangible.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, detailed camera specifications are missing. However, given Huawei's reputation for camera quality, both devices should produce excellent results. The X3 likely benefits from the more powerful image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
Performance
The Mate X3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Kirin 9000 in the X2. The Cortex-X2 core and improved architecture of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The X2 is still capable, but the X3 offers a noticeably snappier experience.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an impressive endurance rating of 81h, suggesting comparable battery life despite the X3's more powerful chipset. The X3’s faster 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging provide a significant advantage in charging speed and convenience.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Mate X2 4G is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more affordable foldable with a proven Kirin chipset. The Huawei Mate X3 is ideal for those seeking top-tier performance, faster charging, and a brighter, more vibrant display, willing to pay a premium.