Huawei Mate X3 vs Google Pixel Fold: The Ultimate Foldable Face-Off

Foldable phones are no longer a futuristic fantasy; they're a reality. The Huawei Mate X3 and Google Pixel Fold represent two distinct approaches to this innovative form factor. But which one offers the better experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Mate X3 boasts impressive battery life and a brighter display, while the Pixel Fold leverages Google's software expertise and Tensor G2 chip. The Mate X3 is a hardware powerhouse, while the Pixel Fold excels in software integration and camera capabilities. It depends on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate X3 Google Pixel Fold
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, March 232023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 08Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mmFolded: 156.9 x 72.4 x 11.1 mmUnfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight239 g or 241 g (8.43 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 IPX8 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IPX8 water resistant
Display
ProtectionKunlun Glass (cover display only)-
Resolution2224 x 2496 pixels (~426 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size7.85 inches, 197.5 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 1B colors, 120HzFoldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak)
 Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2504 pixelsCover display: OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 5.8 inches, 1080 x 2092 pixels, 17.4:9 ratio, 408 ppi 1200 nits (HBM), 1550 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G710 MP7
OSHarmonyOS 3.1 (China), EMUI 13.1 (Europe), no Google Play ServicesAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 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), AF48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 121˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.25µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.4, (wide) Cover camera: 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Cover camera: 9.5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (B1I+B1c+B2a), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, altimeterFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 BDS Satellite MessageUltra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging66W wired 50W wireless 7.5W reverse wirelessWired, PD3.0 Wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 4800 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5060 mAh (China only)Li-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Violet, Dark Green, GoldPorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsALT-AL00, ALT-L29G9FPL
PriceAbout 1500 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99
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 X3

  • Exceptional battery life (81h endurance)
  • Bright and vibrant display (926 nits)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Limited software support (due to Huawei's situation)
  • Availability may be restricted
  • Potential lack of Google services

Google Pixel Fold

  • Seamless Google integration
  • Excellent camera with Google's computational photography
  • Smooth and responsive Tensor G2 chip
  • Refined software experience

  • Battery life potentially less impressive than Mate X3
  • Tensor G2 may not match Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in raw power
  • Price point likely to be premium

Display Comparison

The Mate X3's display shines with a measured 926 nits of peak brightness, offering excellent outdoor visibility. While the Pixel Fold's display details are less readily available, it's expected to be a high-quality OLED panel. Contrast ratio on the Mate X3 is reported as 'Infinite' (nominal), suggesting exceptional blacks. The Pixel Fold likely offers a more color-accurate experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature advanced camera systems. The Mate X3 is expected to have a versatile setup, likely including a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. The Pixel Fold leverages Google's renowned computational photography, promising exceptional image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Pixel's software processing is a key advantage.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Mate X3 is a formidable performer, known for its speed and efficiency. The Pixel Fold's Tensor G2 prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks, offering a smooth experience for everyday use and Google-specific features. Gaming performance is likely to be slightly better on the Mate X3.

Battery Life

The Mate X3 takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 81 hours. The Pixel Fold's battery performance is expected to be good, but likely not as exceptional as the Mate X3. Both support wireless charging, with the Mate X3 also offering reverse wireless charging.

Buying Guide

The Huawei Mate X3 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life, a vibrant display, and raw processing power. The Google Pixel Fold is best suited for those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, valuing software optimization, and seeking a refined camera experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Google Pixel Fold has significantly better software support due to Google's direct involvement and timely updates.
❓ Is the Huawei Mate X3 available in all regions?
Due to trade restrictions, the Huawei Mate X3's availability is limited in certain regions, particularly those where Google services are prevalent.
❓ Which phone is better for photography?
The Google Pixel Fold likely offers a more consistent and user-friendly photography experience thanks to Google's computational photography expertise.
❓ Does the Pixel Fold support 5G?
Yes, the Google Pixel Fold supports 5G connectivity.