Huawei Mate Xs 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G: The Ultimate Folding Phone Battle

Folding phones have arrived, and the Huawei Mate Xs 2 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G represent two distinct approaches to this innovative form factor. Both offer unique features and compelling designs, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G takes the crown due to its superior battery life, more versatile software experience, and generally more polished overall package. While the Mate Xs 2 boasts a unique outward-folding design and impressive display brightness, the Z Fold2’s longevity and feature set give it the edge.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate Xs 2 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
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 - SM-F916B
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - SM-F916B
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 - SM-F916B
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-F916U1
Launch
Announced2022, April 282020, August 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 07Available. Released 2020, September 18
Body
Build-Glass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back, aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 156.5 x 139.3 x 5.4 mmFolded: 156.5 x 75.5 x 11.1 mmUnfolded: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mmFolded: 159.2 x 68 x 13.8-16.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight255 g / 257 g (8.99 oz)282 g (9.95 oz)
Display
Resolution2200 x 2480 pixels (~424 ppi density)1768 x 2208 pixels (~373 ppi density)
Size7.8 inches, 195.8 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 180.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLED, 1B colors, 120HzFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
 Folded cover display: OLED, 6.5 inches, 1176 x 2480 pixelsCover display: Super AMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 6.23 inches, 816 x 2260 pixels, 25:9 ratio
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 4G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 650
OSEMUI 12, no Google Play Services (International); HarmonyOS 2.0 (China)Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1.1
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, HDRLED 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)12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/240fps4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10.7 MP, f/2.210 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, 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
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging66W wired 5W reverse wired25W wired 11W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 4600 mAh (w/ 8GB RAM)· Li-Po 4880 mAh (w/ 12GB RAM)Li-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, PurpleMystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Thom Browne Edition, Aston Martin Racing Edition
ModelsPAL-AL00, PAL-LX9SM-F916B, SM-F916U, SM-F916U1, SM-F916N, SM-F9160, SM-F916W, SCG05
PriceAbout 2000 EURAbout 960 EUR
SAR EU-0.86 W/kg (head)     1.45 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 49h Endurance rating 81h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -25.8 LUFS (Very good) -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 641608 (v9) GeekBench: 3131 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 564907 (v8) GeekBench: 12607 (v4.4), 2715 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei Mate Xs 2

  • Unique outward-folding design
  • High display brightness (725 nits)
  • Relatively slim and lightweight
  • 66W fast charging

  • Shorter battery life (49h)
  • Software limitations (due to Huawei's situation)
  • Camera performance can be inconsistent
  • No official 5G support

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

  • Excellent battery life (81h)
  • Versatile camera system
  • Larger, more immersive internal display
  • Mature software experience
  • 5G connectivity

  • Bulky design
  • Slower charging (25W)
  • Expensive
  • Crease visible on the folding display

Display Comparison

The Mate Xs 2 boasts a measured peak brightness of 725 nits, slightly edging out the Z Fold2's 714 nits. However, the Z Fold2’s larger internal display offers a more immersive experience. Both utilize dynamic AMOLED technology, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The Mate Xs 2's outward folding design means the screen is exposed more often, potentially increasing wear and tear.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but neither excels in a particular area. The Z Fold2's camera array is more versatile, with a wider range of lenses. The Mate Xs 2's camera performance is generally good, but can be inconsistent in certain lighting conditions. Image processing differs significantly between the two brands.

Performance

The Z Fold2 utilizes a Snapdragon 865+ 5G, while the Mate Xs 2 features a Snapdragon 888 4G. While the 888 is a powerful chip, the 865+ still holds its own and benefits from 5G connectivity. In real-world usage, both phones offer smooth performance for most tasks, but the Z Fold2's slightly newer chipset provides a marginal advantage in demanding games and applications.

Battery Life

This is where the Z Fold2 truly shines. With an endurance rating of 81 hours, it significantly outperforms the Mate Xs 2's 49 hours. The Z Fold2's larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset contribute to its superior battery life.

Buying Guide

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 is ideal for users who prioritize a sleek, outward-folding design and maximum display brightness. It's a good choice if you're comfortable with potential software limitations. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is best suited for power users who want a large, versatile display, excellent battery life, and a more mature software ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which folding phone is more durable?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G generally considered more durable due to Samsung's experience in folding phone technology and more robust hinge design. The Mate Xs 2's outward-folding design exposes the screen more, potentially increasing wear and tear.
❓ Does the Huawei Mate Xs 2 support Google services?
Due to US trade restrictions, the Huawei Mate Xs 2 does not natively support Google services. Users will need to rely on Huawei's AppGallery and workarounds to access some Google apps.