The Huawei Mate X2 represents a bold step forward in the evolution of foldable smartphones, blending cutting-edge technology with refined design. As Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, it aims to address the shortcomings of its predecessors while pushing the boundaries of what a foldable device can achieve. From its sleek outward-folding design to its powerhouse internals, the Mate X2 is a statement piece that demands attention.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Mate X2 exudes premium craftsmanship. Unlike the original Mate X, which featured an outward-folding display, the Mate X2 adopts an inward-folding mechanism similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. This design choice offers better protection for the delicate flexible screen when closed. The hinge mechanism feels robust, with a satisfying snap when opening and closing the device. Huawei claims it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure longevity, and in daily use, it certainly feels durable.

The exterior boasts a sleek glass and metal construction, with a 6.45-inch OLED cover display that’s perfectly usable for quick tasks without unfolding the device. When opened, the 8-inch foldable OLED panel provides an immersive tablet-like experience. The crease is still noticeable but far less intrusive than on previous foldables. Weighing in at 295 grams, it’s not the lightest phone, but the weight distribution is well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold in either mode.

Display Technology

The Mate X2’s foldable display is its centerpiece, and Huawei has gone to great lengths to perfect it. The 8-inch main screen offers a resolution of 2480 x 2200 pixels with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The outer 6.45-inch display, with its 2700 x 1160 resolution, is no slouch either, making one-handed use feasible. Both screens support HDR10+ and DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering excellent contrast and accurate hues.

One of the standout features is the almost seamless transition between the two displays. Apps resize dynamically when unfolding the device, and Huawei’s software optimizations ensure minimal lag during the switch. The lack of a high refresh rate on the inner display (compared to some competitors’ 120Hz panels) is a minor drawback, but in practice, the 90Hz refresh rate feels more than adequate for most tasks.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Mate X2 is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9000 chipset, a 5nm powerhouse that competes with the best from Qualcomm and Apple. Paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, the device handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Gaming performance is stellar, with titles like Genshin Impact running smoothly at high settings. The absence of Google Mobile Services remains a limitation, but Huawei’s AppGallery has grown significantly, and many popular apps are now available through alternative means.

The battery life is another strong suit, thanks to the 4500mAh cell and Huawei’s power-efficient optimizations. Even with heavy use, the Mate X2 easily lasts a full day. When it’s time to recharge, the 55W wired charging refuels the battery rapidly, though wireless charging is notably absent—a curious omission for a device in this price range.

Camera Capabilities

Huawei has always excelled in mobile photography, and the Mate X2 is no exception. The quad-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP RYYB main sensor, delivers stunning images with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. The 12MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, while the 8MP periscope lens extends that to 10x hybrid zoom—perfect for capturing distant subjects without sacrificing detail. The 16MP ultra-wide lens rounds out the package, providing versatility for landscapes and group shots.

Video recording is equally impressive, with support for 4K at 60fps and advanced stabilization. The foldable design introduces unique shooting possibilities, such as using the main display as a viewfinder while controlling the phone with the cover screen—a boon for vloggers and content creators.

Software and User Experience

Running on HarmonyOS 2.0, the Mate X2 offers a smooth and intuitive interface tailored for foldable devices. Multi-window support is excellent, allowing up to three apps to run simultaneously on the main display. The learning curve is minimal for those familiar with Android, though the lack of Google services may still be a dealbreaker for some users.

Huawei has also introduced several foldable-specific features, such as app continuity, which seamlessly transitions apps between the folded and unfolded states. The split-keyboard mode in landscape orientation makes typing on the large screen a breeze. These thoughtful touches elevate the user experience, making the Mate X2 more than just a novelty.

Key Specifications

Display: 8-inch foldable OLED (2480 x 2200, 90Hz) / 6.45-inch cover OLED (2700 x 1160, 90Hz)

Chipset: Kirin 9000 (5nm)

RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage

Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.9), 12MP telephoto (3x zoom), 8MP periscope (10x zoom), 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)

Battery: 4500mAh, 55W wired charging

OS: HarmonyOS 2.0

Dimensions (Folded): 161.8 x 74.6 x 13.6-14.7mm

Weight: 295 grams

Final Verdict

The Huawei Mate X2 is a triumph of engineering, offering a refined foldable experience that surpasses many of its competitors. From its premium build to its stellar cameras and powerful performance, it’s a device that justifies its premium price tag for early adopters. The lack of Google services and wireless charging may deter some, but for those willing to embrace Huawei’s ecosystem, the Mate X2 stands as one of the most compelling foldables on the market today.