Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 vs Huawei Mate X3: The Ultimate Foldable Face-Off

Foldable phones are rapidly evolving, offering a unique blend of portability and expansive screen real estate. Today, we pit two titans of the foldable world against each other: the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 and the Huawei Mate X3. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which device deserves your attention.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 edges out the Mate X3 thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly more powerful CPU. However, the Mate X3 boasts impressive wireless charging capabilities and a refined design. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Mix Fold 2	Huawei Mate X3

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2022, August 11	2023, March 23
Status	Available. Released 2022, August 26	Available. Released 2023, April 08

Body
Build	-	Glass front, glass back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	Unfolded: 161.1 x 144.7 x 5.4 mm Folded: 161.1 x 73.9 x 11.2 mm	Unfolded: 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mmFolded: 156.9 x 72.4 x 11.1 mm
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	262 g (9.24 oz)	239 g or 241 g (8.43 oz)
	-	IPX8 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Schott UTG glass	Kunlun Glass (cover display only)
Resolution	1914 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)	2224 x 2496 pixels (~426 ppi density)
Size	8.02 inches, 206.0 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)	7.85 inches, 197.5 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Foldable LTPO2 OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)	Foldable OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz
	Cover 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	Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2504 pixels

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, MIUI Fold 13	HarmonyOS 3.1 (China), EMUI 13.1 (Europe), no Google Play Services

Memory
Card slot	No	Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM	256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS

Main Camera
Features	Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses	Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
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	50 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), AF
Video	8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	20 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide)	8 MP, f/2.4, (wide) Cover camera: 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (B1I+B1c+B2a), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C	USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, altimeter
	-	BDS Satellite Message

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 40 min	66W wired 50W wireless 7.5W reverse wireless
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 4800 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5060 mAh (China only)

Misc
Colors	Black, Gold	Black, White, Violet, Dark Green, Gold
Models	22061218C	ALT-AL00, ALT-L29
Price	About 1300 EUR	About 1500 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 82h	Endurance rating 81h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-26.2 LUFS (Good)	-26.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance	AnTuTu: 1050139 (v9) GeekBench: 4368 (v5.1) GFXBench: 52fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 993592 (v9) GeekBench: 4283 (v5.5), 4512 (v6) GFXBench: 41fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2

Brighter Display
Faster Wired Charging
Slightly More Powerful CPU
Premium Build Quality

Software can be a bit cluttered
No Wireless Charging (initially)
Pricey

Huawei Mate X3

Wireless Charging (50W)
Reverse Wireless Charging
Refined Design
Excellent Build Quality

4G Chipset
Lower Peak Brightness
Software Limitations (Huawei AppGallery)
Potentially Higher Price

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 1054 nits, significantly brighter than the Mate X3's 926 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the Xiaomi's superior brightness makes it more usable in direct sunlight. Both feature vibrant AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates, providing a premium viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is subjective and requires more in-depth testing. Both phones feature versatile camera systems, but detailed comparisons of image quality, video capabilities, and low-light performance would require a dedicated camera shootout. Initial impressions suggest both offer competitive results.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 has a slight edge due to its CPU configuration. The Xiaomi's Cortex-A710 cores run at a slightly higher frequency, potentially translating to marginally better performance in demanding tasks. However, real-world differences are likely to be minimal for most users. The Mate X3's chipset is a 4G variant, which is a notable limitation.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar, with both devices achieving an endurance rating of around 81-82 hours. Charging speeds are also comparable, with the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 offering slightly faster wired charging (67W vs 66W). The Mate X3's inclusion of 50W wireless charging and 7.5W reverse wireless charging provides added convenience.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is ideal for power users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and rapid charging. The Huawei Mate X3 is a great choice for those seeking a premium foldable experience with a focus on design, wireless charging, and a more polished software experience (assuming you're comfortable with potential software limitations).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which foldable phone is more durable?

Both phones are built with robust materials, but the Mate X3's hinge mechanism is generally considered more refined and potentially more durable over the long term. However, both are susceptible to dust and debris.

❓ Does the Huawei Mate X3 have Google Play Services?

No, the Huawei Mate X3 does not have Google Play Services. It relies on Huawei's AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services, which have a growing selection of apps but may not have all the apps you're used to.