Huawei Mate X2 vs Xiaomi Mix Fold 2: A Deep Dive into Foldable Flagships

The foldable phone market is maturing, and the Huawei Mate X2 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 represent two distinct approaches to the form factor. The Mate X2, leveraging Huawei’s established foldable expertise, prioritizes a refined design. The Mix Fold 2, powered by Qualcomm’s latest silicon, aims for raw performance and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which foldable best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly brighter display (1054 nits vs 542 nits) and more efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, coupled with faster 67W charging, provide a superior user experience. While the Mate X2 remains a capable device, it’s outpaced in key areas.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate X2 Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, February 222022, August 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, February 25Available. Released 2022, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame-
DimensionsUnfolded: 161.8 x 145.8 x 8.2 mmFolded: 161.8 x 74.6 x 14.7 mmUnfolded: 161.1 x 144.7 x 5.4 mm Folded: 161.1 x 73.9 x 11.2 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight295 g (10.41 oz)262 g (9.24 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott UTG glass
Resolution2200 x 2480 pixels (~413 ppi density)1914 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 206.0 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio)8.02 inches, 206.0 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 90HzFoldable LTPO2 OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
 Cover display: OLED, 90Hz, 6.45 inches, 1160 x 2700 pixelsCover display: AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) 6.56 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Platform
CPUOcta-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 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 9000 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G78 MP24Adreno 730
OSAndroid 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 12, MIUI Fold 13
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.XUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica optics, LED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses
Quad50 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, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.6, 45mm (telephoto), dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)20 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging55W wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 40 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Light Blue, Rose Gold, Collector’s Edition Black/White/RedBlack, Gold
ModelsTET-AN0022061218C
PriceAbout 2300 EURAbout 1300 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 74h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.8 LUFS (Good) -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 632818 (v8) GeekBench: 14393 (v4.4), 3389 (v5.1) GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 1050139 (v9) GeekBench: 4368 (v5.1) GFXBench: 52fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei Mate X2

  • Refined foldable design and build quality
  • Established Huawei foldable expertise
  • Potentially better software integration for Huawei users

  • Less powerful chipset (Kirin 9000)
  • Significantly dimmer display (542 nits)
  • Slower charging (55W)

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2

  • Superior performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Much brighter display (1054 nits)
  • Faster charging (67W with PD3.0/QC4)

  • May require adaptation to Xiaomi’s MIUI software
  • Potentially less refined foldable hinge mechanism
  • Software support may be less consistent than Huawei

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 boasts a substantial advantage in display technology, achieving a peak brightness of 1054 nits compared to the Mate X2’s 542 nits. This translates to significantly better outdoor visibility. Both feature infinite (nominal) contrast ratios, typical of OLED panels, but the higher brightness of the Mix Fold 2 makes a tangible difference in real-world usage. While both are foldable, the Mix Fold 2’s thinner hinge design contributes to a more streamlined appearance. We lack data on refresh rates, but expect both to offer smooth scrolling experiences.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market positioning suggests the Mix Fold 2 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) advancements. Both are advertised as capable of both photo and video, but the Mix Fold 2’s superior processing power could translate to faster image processing and better low-light performance. The absence of details regarding sensor size and aperture makes a precise comparison impossible.

Performance

The chipset is where the Mix Fold 2 truly shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) is a clear upgrade over the Huawei Mate X2’s Kirin 9000 (5nm). The Snapdragon’s Cortex-X2 prime core, clocked at 3.19 GHz, offers a performance edge over the Mate X2’s Cortex-A77. Furthermore, the 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 provides superior thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Mix Fold 2’s CPU configuration (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) is architecturally more modern and efficient than the Mate X2’s (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77, 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55).

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 edges out the Mate X2 in battery endurance, achieving an 82-hour rating versus the Mate X2’s 74 hours. This difference, while not massive, is compounded by the Mix Fold 2’s significantly faster 67W charging, capable of a full charge in approximately 40 minutes. The Mate X2’s 55W charging is respectable, but slower. The Mix Fold 2’s more efficient chipset also contributes to better real-world battery life, offsetting the potential impact of a similar or slightly smaller battery capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate X2 if you prioritize a proven foldable design and are deeply embedded within the Huawei ecosystem, accepting compromises in raw performance and display brightness. Buy the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 if you demand the best possible performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, even if it means navigating a different software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9000 in the Mate X2 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 9000 is a capable chipset, but the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Mix Fold 2 offers a noticeable performance advantage, particularly in sustained gaming scenarios. The Mix Fold 2 is less likely to experience throttling and will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ How does the hinge durability compare between the Mate X2 and the Mix Fold 2?
Huawei has more experience in the foldable space, and the Mate X2’s hinge is generally considered very robust. However, Xiaomi has made significant improvements with the Mix Fold 2’s hinge design, aiming for increased durability and a slimmer profile. Long-term reliability data is still emerging for both devices.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The 542 nits of the Mate X2 are adequate indoors, but the 1054 nits of the Mix Fold 2 makes a dramatic difference when using the phone outdoors in sunlight. Text and images are far more readable, and the overall viewing experience is significantly enhanced.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 support global software updates and features?
Xiaomi’s MIUI software has improved significantly, but update consistency can vary depending on the region. It’s crucial to check the specific software support for your region before purchasing. The Mate X2, while lacking Google services, benefits from Huawei’s dedicated software support within its ecosystem.