There are four major issues with the foldable screen device that has been marketed since 2019. The most major issue that makes it not widely used is its much more expensive selling price. The second issue is that it is too thick to keep comfortably in a pocket. The third issue is that it is also heavy compared to devices with candybar design. The last issue is the screen that has a folding groove that is too noticeable.
All four of these issues we see as stumbling blocks to the use of foldable screen devices on a larger scale. With the Huawei Mate Xs 2 launched globally just now, Huawei is trying to resolve these issues.
Specifications And Designs
Huawei Mate Xs 2
7.8 ″ OLED screen opens
6.5 ″ OLED foldable
2200 x 2480 pixels, 120Hz
Snapdragon 888 4G (5nm) processor
Chip 1 X 2.84 GHz Kryo 680 Prime
3 X 2.42 GHz Kryo 680 Gold
4 X 1.8 GHz Kryo 680 Silver
Adreno 660 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Load up to 512 UFS 3.1
Main Camera 50+13+8 Megapixel f/1.8+f/2.2+f/2.4, 3X Optical Zoom, Ultra wide angle, OIS
10.7 f/2.2 Megapixel Selfie Camera
4600 mAh battery
66W wired charging
SIM / Dual SIM nano / 4G Phone
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Missing
Waterproof None
Side Finger Scanner Scanning System
Selling Price RM XXXX
The Mate Xs 2 is the fifth foldable screen device released by Huawei since 2019. It appears after the Mate X, Mate Xs, Mate X2 and P50 Pocket. Huawei took a bold step to return to using the Mate X and Xs designs where the screen is folded back when not in use. In the open position, the screen is 7.8 ″ larger than the 7.6 ″ used on the Z Fold3. Its external screen is also 6.5 ″ larger than the 6.2 ″ on the Z Fold3.
The Mate Xs 2 has the advantage that its external screen has the same screen ratio as a candbybar device. Very comfortable to use for typing and reading websites without the screen being fully opened. In the hands it also feels balanced and not too heavy.
On this device we only open the screen when wanting to play the first and read the website in desktop mode only. Arguably 85% of Mate Xs 2 usage is in the folded screen position. This is in stark contrast to the experience of using other foldable screen devices that require the screen to be opened because the outer screen is too small or too tapered making the typing process less comfortable.
With the same design there is a thick side section that can be used as a handle when the Xs 2 is in the open position. It works like a camera grip on the camera ensuring the device doesn’t fall easily. In terms of stability of use, there’s no denying the Xs 2 is the most balanced large-screen foldable-screen phone we’ve ever used to date.
But not everything is positive. This backward folding screen design makes it vulnerable to damage if placed directly on the table surface. We understand Huawei does not use any UTG foldable glass panels as used by Samsung. Another thing is that the device does not have any waterproof capability compared to the two Galaxy Z phones on the market right now. For us exposed screens are more of a concern.
Huawei gave us a special frame for the Xs 2 that manages to protect this back -folded screen but its design does not offer optimal protection. The top and bottom are still exposed to impact. The process of opening the framework for decryption is as complex as changing the Transformers game. In the video above you can see for yourself how complex the design of this framework is.
Without a frame though the process of opening the phone is different from the others. There is an unlock button on the back that needs to be pressed first. The screen will pop out a bit like a spring before being opened manually by the user. This locking mechanism ensures that the screen will not be easily opened accidentally but slows down the process. This issue we do not face on Z Fold, Z Flip and Find N.
The trio of main cameras are arranged vertically in a large side hump that cums where the handles we mentioned above. The original Mate Xs design is once again retained. The wide -angle, ultra -wide -angle and telephoto lens systems are used on the main camera while the selfie camera is the only one placed on a camera hole.
No gimmicks on the main camera system. There is adequate optical zoom support up to 3X and no under -screen camera system which so far we feel is not very satisfactory in its implementation. A unique feature included is the Twin View mode that allows subjects to view their picture in a secondary viewfinder that appears on the screen folded backwards.
In terms of specifications the Mate Xs 2 is very similar to the P50 Pocket. Powered by a Snapdragon 888 4G chip, memory up to 12GB, storage up to 512GB and a 4600 mAh battery with 66W charging support.
We feel the Mate Xs 2 is marketed for users who want a larger foldable screen device from Huawei. The larger screen allows it to be used like a tablet and the battery is also larger for a longer use life.
So far on paper the advantage of the Mate Xs 2 over the Z Fold3 lies in its larger screen, more practical external screen, not so heavy and not so thick compared to Samsung -made devices.
Usage And Software
On devices tested the Android operating system with EMUI 12 launcher was used. According to a Huawei representative this is because the global HarmonyOS operating system for the Mate Xs 2 has not yet been optimized on test devices. The interface is minimalist and not much different from other Huawei devices on the market. The only difference is that the interface can widen and shrink according to the screen size used.
The Huawei Mobile Services system is fully utilized with Petal Search support to find applications not offered in the Huawei App Gallery. For those who have delved into Huawei's ecosystem over the past three years, the absence of GMS is not so felt because Huawei offers their own alternative applications and services.
In fully open screen mode, Huawei supports the display of two applications simultaneously with them placed on the left and right sides of the screen split in two. Users can also choose to float the app in a separate window if necessary. Side -by -side quick shortcuts for favorite apps to launch Split View faster are also included once.
The use of the device is similar to the Mate X and Mate Xs with no abrupt changes in terms of features introduced. We just feel from the multi -tasking capabilities, Samsung’s software is more user -friendly. The process of changing applications is also faster because the use of the taskbar is like a desktop.
Camera
Here is a sample photo that we managed to take using the Mate Xs 2 in a relatively short period of time. All pictures are taken using automatic mode in the camera application.
Conclusion
Huawei went back to the original design of the Mate X to resolve the issue of a heavy, thick foldable screen device and a screen that had to be opened all the time so the core was less practical for everyday use. All of the above issues we feel have been successfully resolved but at the same time raise some other issues like no waterproofing and screens that are prone to damage more easily.
The selling price in China is quite high starting around RM8600 for the premium model, making it less competitive with the Z Fold3 which currently dominates the segment with such designs. The absence of 5G may not be a big issue in Malaysia as the launch of this network at major telcos is also limited. For those looking for a more practical and lightweight foldable device, the Huawei Mate Xs 2 is among the attractive options.
Pro
The 7.8 ″ foldable screen is larger than competitors.
120Hz screen.
The 6.5 ″ external screen is large and has the same screen ratio as a regular phone.
Fast charging up to 66W is supported.
Thinner and lighter than other foldable devices.
Cons
No waterproof capability.
The folding back screen is not well protected.
The old Snapdragon 888 4G.
No 5G support.
