The Huawei Mate Xs 2 is a luxury foldable smartphone, priced at around $2,000, and it competes in a market segment dominated by brands like Samsung, especially in the absence of Google services. The device is used as a daily driver, and its functionality and performance have been evaluated over several days to determine its viability and justification for its high cost.
Design and Display:
- The Mate Xs 2 features a unique outward-folding design, differentiating it from inward-folding designs like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. When folded, it transforms into a 6.5-inch smartphone, and when unfolded, it becomes a 7.8-inch mini tablet. Despite its innovative design, it has a relatively ordinary appearance when folded. It’s slightly heavier than traditional big-screen flagship phones but remains comfortable to hold. The design hasn’t changed much from the original Mate Xs, maintaining a thicker bar on the right side to house camera lenses and physical buttons.
- The device sports a 7.8-inch OLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering a high-quality display experience. The screen’s brightness and HDR support are noteworthy, although there are limitations in terms of HDR content availability and playback. The display, however, is susceptible to scratches as it flips outwards, making the use of a protective case almost mandatory.
Performance and Hardware:
- Powered by a Snapdragon 888 CPU with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, the Mate Xs 2 delivers smooth performance for day-to-day apps and multitasking. However, it lags behind the latest flagships in terms of benchmarks and may struggle with more demanding applications. The device is limited to 4G connectivity due to the US trade block, which might be a downside for users seeking the latest technology.
Battery Life:
- The Mate Xs 2 houses a 4600mAh battery, which is respectable for its slim design but offers only moderate longevity. It can manage about nine hours of video playback when folded and eight hours when opened. The device supports 66W wired fast charging, which can recharge the battery to 90% within 30 minutes, but lacks wireless charging support.
Software:
- Running on Huawei’s EMUI based on Android 11, the Mate Xs 2 lacks access to Google services, which impacts the availability and functionality of many popular apps. While Huawei offers a range of pre-installed apps, the absence of Google services is a significant limitation for users outside China. The device features swipe gestures for floating windows and a pull-out bar for split-screen apps, enhancing the user experience on the large screen.
Camera:
- The Mate Xs 2 is equipped with a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera. The device also features a 10MP front-facing camera. The camera system delivers good results in well-lit conditions and impressive low-light performance. The ability to use the rear cameras for selfies by turning the back half of the display into a second viewfinder is an interesting feature, although it can be cumbersome to use.
Overall, the Huawei Mate Xs 2 stands out for its unique foldable design, high-quality display, and competent camera system. However, the lack of Google services, moderate battery life, and reliance on outdated hardware are significant drawbacks, especially considering its premium price point. The Mate Xs 2 is a compelling option for users who prioritize innovative design and can navigate the software limitations, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking the most up-to-date technology and a more seamless software experience.
