HUAWEI, one of the leading Chinese technology companies, has recently announced its latest offering in the foldable phone space – the Mate X3. The new device builds upon the design of its predecessors, the Mate X2 and the Galaxy Z Fold series, with a book-style form factor that includes a 7.85-inch internal folding screen and a 6.4-inch FHD+ curved smartphone display.
Design:
One of the standout features of the Mate X3 is its slim and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 239 grams and measuring only 5.3mm thin when unfolded, the device is lighter than Samsung’s Z Fold 4 and only slightly heavier than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The device’s features sand glass back is designed to resist fingerprint grease, making it easy to keep clean.
Additionally, the Mate X3 boasts an IPX8 rating, a rarity in the foldable space, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. The device also features a free-stop hinge that allows for Flex Mode-style features, such as using the partially opened device as a stand for the camera app, media player, video calling client, and more.
Features:
The Mate X3 packs a punch in terms of features and performance. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 4G chipset and offers 256GB to 1TB of storage, expandable via Huawei’s proprietary NM card format. The device is equipped with a 4,800mAh battery that supports 66W wired charging via HUAWEI’s proprietary standard, as well as 50W wireless charging. The device’s camera setup is also noteworthy, with a 50MP main camera with OIS (RYYB color filter), a 13MP ultrawide camera with macro support, and a 12MP 5X periscope camera.
Pricing and Availability:
The HUAWEI Mate X3 is available in China for a starting price of 12,999 yuan (~$1,904). There is currently no word on global availability, but it is expected to be more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 if it does leave the Chinese market. However, it is important to note that the device does not come with Google integration, which may be a drawback for some users.
