Huawei Mate Xs 2 vs Google Pixel Fold: The Ultimate Foldable Face-Off

Foldable phones are no longer a futuristic fantasy; they're a reality. The Huawei Mate Xs 2 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 Google Pixel Fold offers a more refined software experience, excellent camera capabilities, and broader app compatibility. The Mate Xs 2 boasts a unique outward-folding design and impressive battery life, but its software and availability are limitations. Ultimately, the Pixel Fold is the more versatile choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate Xs 2 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
Announced2022, April 282023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 07Available. Released 2023, June 27
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 156.5 x 139.3 x 5.4 mmFolded: 156.5 x 75.5 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
Weight255 g / 257 g (8.99 oz)283 g (9.98 oz)
 -IPX8 water resistant
Display
Resolution2200 x 2480 pixels (~424 ppi density)1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density)
Size7.8 inches, 195.8 cm2 (~89.8% 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)
 Folded cover display: OLED, 6.5 inches, 1176 x 2480 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 (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 4G (5 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G710 MP7
OSEMUI 12, no Google Play Services (International); HarmonyOS 2.0 (China)Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.2-
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 81mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)48 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@30/240fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single10.7 MP, f/2.28 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@30/240fps4K@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 (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, 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, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging66W wired 5W reverse wiredWired, PD3.0 Wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 4600 mAh (w/ 8GB RAM)· Li-Po 4880 mAh (w/ 12GB RAM)Li-Po 4821 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, PurplePorcelain, Obsidian
ModelsPAL-AL00, PAL-LX9G9FPL
PriceAbout 2000 EUR€ 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 49h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -25.8 LUFS (Very good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 641608 (v9) GeekBench: 3131 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Huawei Mate Xs 2

  • Unique outward-folding design
  • Exceptional battery life (49h)
  • Fast 66W wired charging
  • Bright display (725 nits)

  • Software limitations (HarmonyOS)
  • Limited app compatibility
  • Camera not as strong as Pixel Fold
  • Fragile unfolded screen

Google Pixel Fold

  • Excellent camera system
  • Polished Android experience
  • Useful cover screen
  • Seamless Google integration

  • Shorter battery life than Mate Xs 2
  • Slower charging (PD3.0)
  • Higher price point
  • Outward folding design can be bulky

Display Comparison

The Pixel Fold features a more conventional book-style folding design with a cover screen that's genuinely usable. The Mate Xs 2's outward-folding design is striking but makes the unfolded screen more vulnerable. Both offer vibrant displays, but the Pixel Fold's cover screen provides added convenience. The Mate Xs 2 boasts a measured 725 nits max brightness, while the Pixel Fold's brightness is estimated to be slightly lower, though still very good.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel Fold's camera system is a clear advantage, leveraging Google's computational photography expertise. Expect excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Mate Xs 2's camera is capable, but doesn't match the Pixel Fold's consistency and overall quality. Video recording is also generally better on the Pixel Fold.

Performance

Both phones utilize powerful chipsets. The Mate Xs 2's Snapdragon 888 4G is a proven performer, while the Pixel Fold's Tensor G2 focuses on AI and machine learning tasks. While the Snapdragon 888 4G might offer a slight edge in raw processing power, the Tensor G2 excels in areas like image processing and voice assistance. Real-world performance is generally smooth on both devices.

Battery Life

The Mate Xs 2 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 49 hours. The Pixel Fold's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Mate Xs 2's longevity. The Mate Xs 2's 66W wired charging is also faster than the Pixel Fold's PD3.0 charging.

Buying Guide

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 is ideal for users prioritizing a unique, outward-folding design and long battery life, and who are comfortable with Huawei's ecosystem and potential software limitations. The Google Pixel Fold is best suited for those seeking a polished Android experience, top-tier camera performance, and seamless integration with Google services.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Huawei Mate Xs 2 available globally?
Availability of the Mate Xs 2 is limited due to trade restrictions. It's primarily available in select markets.
❓ Which foldable phone is more durable?
The Pixel Fold's book-style design is generally considered more durable as the inner screen is better protected when folded.
❓ Does the Pixel Fold support reverse wireless charging?
Yes, the Pixel Fold supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
❓ What is the difference between HarmonyOS and Android?
HarmonyOS is Huawei's operating system, while Android is Google's. HarmonyOS has limited app compatibility compared to Android.