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

The foldable phone market is maturing, with devices like the Huawei Mate Xs and Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 pushing the boundaries of mobile innovation. While both aim to deliver a premium foldable experience, they take distinctly different approaches to hardware and software. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the most compelling package for discerning users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 emerges as the superior choice. Its significantly brighter display (1054 nits vs 413 nits) and more efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, coupled with faster charging, provide a smoother and more enjoyable daily experience. While the Mate Xs boasts a respectable endurance rating, it's outmatched in key areas.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate Xs 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, 28, 32, 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, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat21 1400/200 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, February 24. Released 2020, March 052022, August 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, August 26
Body
BuildPlastic front, aluminum back, aluminum frame-
DimensionsUnfolded: 161.3 x 146.2 x 5.4 mmFolded: 161.3 x 78.5 x 11 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
Weight300 g (10.58 oz)262 g (9.24 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassSchott UTG glass
Resolution2200 x 2480 pixels (~414 ppi density)1914 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 205.0 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio)8.02 inches, 206.0 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable OLEDFoldable LTPO2 OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
 Folded cover display: AMOLED, 6.6 inches, 1148 x 2480 pixels, 19.5:9 ratioCover 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 (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 990 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MP16Adreno 730
OSAndroid 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 12, MIUI Fold 13
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal512GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLeica optics, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses
Single5 MP, AF 5 MP, AF-
Triple40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 81mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF TOF 3D, (depth)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@30fps, 1080p@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
SingleYes20 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
 No - uses main camera-
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging55W wired, 85% in 30 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 40 min
Stand-byUp to 312 h-
Talk timeUp to 6 h-
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsInterstellar BlueBlack, Gold
ModelsTAH-N29m22061218C
PriceAbout 1950 EURAbout 1300 EUR
SAR0.29 W/kg (head)     0.54 W/kg (body)     -
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 69h Endurance rating 82h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.0 LUFS (Good) -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 459274 (v8), 461406 (unfolded) GeekBench: 12213 (v4.4), 2980 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen unfolded) AnTuTu: 1050139 (v9) GeekBench: 4368 (v5.1) GFXBench: 52fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei Mate Xs

  • Potentially longer software support within Huawei ecosystem
  • Respectable battery endurance rating of 69 hours
  • 55W fast charging capability

  • Significantly dimmer display (413 nits)
  • Older Kirin 990 chipset with less efficient 7nm+ process
  • Likely inferior image processing compared to newer ISPs

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2

  • Much brighter display (1054 nits) for superior visibility
  • Powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) chipset
  • Faster 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support

  • Potential concerns regarding software updates and ecosystem
  • Foldable design may be more prone to durability issues (general foldable concern)
  • May be more expensive than the Mate Xs

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2’s display is a clear standout, achieving a measured peak brightness of 1054 nits compared to the Mate Xs’ 413 nits. This translates to significantly better outdoor visibility and a more immersive viewing experience in bright conditions. Both devices feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a common marketing term for OLED panels, but the difference in peak brightness is substantial. While both are foldable, the Mix Fold 2’s design appears to prioritize a more seamless crease, though detailed crease analysis requires physical testing beyond the provided data.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, given the market positioning, we can infer both feature multi-camera systems. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison impossible. It’s likely the Mix Fold 2 benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) advancements, potentially offering superior image processing and low-light performance. The Mate Xs, while capable, is likely limited by the older Kirin 990’s ISP.

Performance

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) chipset, a significant leap forward in efficiency and performance compared to the Huawei Mate Xs’ Kirin 990 5G (7nm+). The Snapdragon’s Cortex-X2 prime core, clocked at 3.19 GHz, offers a substantial performance boost over the Mate Xs’ Cortex-A76 cores. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits gamers and users running demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 boasts an endurance rating of 82 hours, exceeding the Huawei Mate Xs’ 69 hours. While the Mate Xs offers 55W wired charging, reaching 85% in 30 minutes, the Mix Fold 2’s 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support achieves a full charge in 40 minutes. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s improved efficiency also contributes to the Mix Fold 2’s longer battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences not specified in the data.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate Xs if you prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle within the Huawei ecosystem and are comfortable with the older Kirin 990 chipset. Buy the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 if you demand a brighter, more vibrant display, superior processing power for demanding tasks, and faster charging speeds – making it ideal for power users and multimedia enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 990 in the Mate Xs struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 990, while a capable chipset, is significantly less powerful than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Expect lower frame rates and potential throttling during extended gaming sessions in demanding titles like Genshin Impact on the Mate Xs. The Mix Fold 2 will provide a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How does the foldable design of the Mix Fold 2 impact its durability compared to a traditional smartphone?
Foldable phones, in general, are inherently more complex and potentially less durable than traditional smartphones due to the moving parts and flexible display. While Xiaomi has made strides in improving the durability of the Mix Fold 2, it's still crucial to handle it with care and consider a protective case to mitigate potential risks.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The 1054 nits peak brightness of the Mix Fold 2 makes a substantial difference, especially outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The Mate Xs’ 413 nits display will appear washed out in comparison, requiring users to seek shade or increase brightness, impacting battery life.
❓ What software support can Huawei Mate Xs users expect, given the geopolitical situation?
Huawei's software support has been impacted by geopolitical factors. While the Mate Xs initially launched with EMUI based on Android, future updates and access to Google services are limited. Users should be aware of this potential limitation before purchasing.