Usually when a device with a foldable screen arrives at the our Lab, it's sure to be tested by our editor-in-chief Effi. Just look at the reviews of Tecno Pahntom V Fold, Oppo Find N2, Vivo X Fold2 or even Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. I've tried a few with my best experience so far being only with Samsung devices. For Oppo, although I say the design of the Find N makes the most sense, I don't like the software used.
Recently the Huawei Mate X3 has gone on sale in Malaysia at a price of RM8888 and I'm trying to work up the courage to make this device my daily device. Not only that, I also rely entirely on HMS and don't use any Google apps.
Is this device that costs almost RM9000 worth owning? Who is this device suitable for? What are the advantages and disadvantages? This review article will answer all questions based on the experience of using it after a few weeks.
SPECIFICATIONS
Huawei Mate X3
External Screen – 6.4″ OLED, LTPO 120Hz
Inside – 7.85″ OLED, 120Hz LTPO
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor (4nm)
1x 3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 chip
3x 2.75 GHz Cortex-A710
4x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510
Adreno 730 Graphics Chip
RAM 12 Gigabyte LPDDR5
Internal Storage 512GB UFS 3.1
(NM 256GB SD card)
Primary Camera 50MP Ultra Vision, f/1.8
13MP Ultra-Wide Angle, f/2.2
12MP Periscope Telephoto 5x, f/3.4, OIS
4K video, Master AI, 4D Predictive Focus
Front Camera 8MP, f/2.4 (Front)
8MP, f/2.4 (Inside)
4K video, Intelligent Field Of View
4800 mAh battery
66W wired charging
50W wireless charging
Dual SIM Nano / 4G SIM/Telephony
NFC Yes
Infrared Yes
IPX8 Waterproof
Side built-in Fingerprint Scan System
Selling Price RM8888 (12/512 GB)
SCREEN
The external screen of the Huawei Mate X3 is from a 6.4″ LTPO OLED panel that supports an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz depending on the activity performed. This screen provides the best user experience as if it were a normal smartphone. There is no issue opening the application, the video that plays is also beautiful, comfortable when typing and every scrolling is smooth. On the screen there is a hole in the middle for the selfie camera.
The screen inside is 7.85″ OLED 120Hz. A little disappointing that it's not an LTPO panel, but Huawei uses software for adaptive refresh rates. Like the outer screen, the inside also has a hole for the selfie camera just located at the top end. It is clear here that most devices with foldable screens made in China are still not ready to use the camera under the screen like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
A common issue heard on devices like this is the crease line effect. For the Mate X3 it is difficult for me to give an assessment because the device received is a demo unit. What I can say is that the first week was not very clear and after three weeks of using this device the crease effect with three lines is clearly visible. Even so, the hinge on the device is still solid and doesn't feel as loose as some competing devices.
BIOMETRIC
For the biometric system, Huawei still uses a fingerprint scanner on the side built into the power button. Usually this is the method I like because it's fast. Sorry to inform you, my finger is rarely detected and during 90% of usage I unlock the device with pin only. I'm still excited to see the Vivo X Fold2 that managed to put the biometric system under the screen.
DESIGN
Among the many foldable screen devices, the Mate X3's design is my second favorite after the Oppo Find N/N2. It is not so thin, comfortable in the hand, when folded as thin as a normal device and does not have an empty cavity when folded. When kept in my pocket there is no problem putting two devices at once.
The power button and fingerprint scanner are on the right "door" along with the volume control button. Although this is a good button position but the thin design makes me often press on the left side. This causes me to spend more time with the device open.
The SIM tray is on the bottom side of the left door. Underneath it there is a microphone hole and a speaker grille just like above. On the right side, in addition to the buttons, there is a USB-C port below and an infrared sensor above.
The hinge does not have any writing and the finish is also smooth. The panel on the back uses a matte finish that makes the device easy to handle and has a good grip in the hand. This device is very comfortable to use regardless of whether it is folded or open.
On the back panel there is also a large camera bump that looks like Oreo Double Stuff. There are four cameras from the 50MP Ultra Vision sensor, f/1.8 +13MP ultra-wide angle, f/2.2 + 12MP periscope telephoto, f/3.4, OIS + special focus sensor. The LED flash is also visible along with the XMAGE label. For selfies the camera both indoors and outdoors uses an 8MP, f/2.4 sensor that supports a variety of interesting modes including 4K video recording.
Another thing that makes me fall in love with the Huawei Mate X3 is that it uses Kunlun glass on the outside which is durable. The device has been dropped several times and there are still no scratches or cracks. Then the feature that I must include is the IPX8 waterproof rating which adds to my confidence in using this device anywhere at any time.
SOFTWARE AND USER EXPERIENCE
The last time I used a Huawei device was the P40 Pro+ where I first used the HMS system completely without relying on GMS. Same on Mate X3 I don't install suspicious Lighthouse, I don't use any Google services except search engine. On the Mate X3 the device runs EMUI 13.1 which is built on Android 12.
No more HarmonyOS because many features and functions are limited to China only. The problem with this device is that even though Huawei uses Android, it's a bit disappointing that they don't use Android 12L or Android 13 AOSP code which is suitable for foldable devices.
In tablet mode there is a taskbar that is split into two parts. This is a unique Huawei system that I was surprised at how easy it was to use. The first section is the user's favorite application and the second is the application that has been opened. A total of ten applications can appear on it.
The problem with this taskbar for me is that it doesn't support gesture control like Samsung. It's only a Huawei application if the icon has a line only. Other gesture controls such as drag & drop from the taskbar to the screen or to open two applications directly are not supported. Instead I have to open one application first, then I have to scroll right to left to access the special application tray and then select the application for multi-tasking.
But the second app is still in floating window mode. I have to drag & drop again for two apps to be displayed in two windows.
It must be admitted that using HMS completely is not a bad choice. I just miss YouTube and Google Photos. Most other applications such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter and many more have no problem using when data is transferred from the old device.
I like what Huawei has done on EMUI 13.1 especially on the home screen. Interesting widget support, resizable folders, smart Huawei app icons because they can be scrolled for quick access, a pretty good file manager and most importantly an ecosystem that feels like using Apple products.
Every day the work I do is with the Huawei Matebook 14s and the audio product is the Huawei Freebuds 5. When used together with the Mate X3 my productivity level is more efficient, work is easier to do and everything is more manageable. I don't need Google Photos because files from the phone can be directly sent to the laptop quickly. Can display phone screen to laptop, can use one TWS to two devices simultaneously and many more.
There are three serious issues when I use this device. First is the "Flex Mode" feature. Not many interesting functions can be used on a device like on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. Even the Z Flip4 I reviewed has better software. Using this device is like using Oppo Find N which supports many services and applications in China only. But I'm sure Huawei can make this mode better in the future if they really want to compete with Samsung.
The second is a random storage problem. During the three weeks of using this device, once a week there will definitely happen where the device cannot detect the internal storage. I can't use Huawei Share, I can't download files and I can't transfer any data from computer to device or vice versa. This is the first time I am facing this kind of issue that I am appealing to Huawei please release an update to fix this problem.
Last but not least is the application store. Huawei AppGallery doesn't have many apps that I use regularly. This forces me to use Petal Search which is full of ads. Not only that, when I want to install an application it has to be done manually. Press install, then the device will download the APK file and I have to press once to install it. This thing not only happens when I want to install the application for the first time but also happens every time I want to update the application.
BENCH MARK
There is no doubt that the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is one of the best on the market right now. It is stable, no heating problems, efficient power consumption and satisfactory performance. Mate X3 despite having software problems, it has no performance problems. I have played PUBG Mobile, Marvel SNAP and Asphalt 9 all running smoothly and no problem playing on high graphics settings. Even more interesting, even after 2 hours of non-stop playing, the device still doesn't heat up.
How does this device perform compared to competing devices? I did the AnTuTu 3D and Geekbench 6 tests only to be fair because the Mate X3 doesn't support 3DMark. Here is a comparison of scores;
Geekbench 6
Huawei Mate X3 – 1746/4379
Vivo X Fold2 – 1854/5318
Tecno Phantom V Fold – 1238/3776
Honor Magic Vs – 1276/3822
Oppo Find N2 Flip – 1028/3088
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – 1422/3764
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 2524/6317
Antutu 3D
Huawei Mate X3 – 1,131,954
Vivo X Fold2 – 1,559,200
Tecno Phantom V Fold – 994,304
Honor Magic Vs – 804,494
Oppo Find N2 Flip – 756,646
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – 980,346
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 974,941
Although the Huawei Mate X3 does not have the best score but this device is still in the top three positions. The Geekbench 6 test placed the device in third place while the AnTuTu 3D test placed it in second place. This is a pretty good score and there is no problem for the device to operate at good performance for at least another 2-3 years.
TELEPHONY And GPS
Although the device uses a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, the Mate X3 uses a special chip which is the 4G edition. I have no problem with this because I am using Maxis plan which still does not support 5G in Malaysia. The 4G connection however is quite fast and stable. For phone calls this device is able to provide the best audio quality.
What surprised me was the Mate X3's GPS performance when used with Petal Maps. The device does not support Google Maps or Waze, but luckily this Huawei map application has the ability to lock the location quickly and is able to provide good turn-by-turn directions with a beautiful and pleasing interface design.
CAMERA
I was a bit skeptical when Huawei started announcing XMAGE as its own camera technology and no longer working with Leica. But after seeing the results on the excellent Huawei P60 Pro again at night I continue to be convinced that the Mate X3 should have a great camera. Again, the selling price is close to RM9000.
The device's camera is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Vision sensor, f/1.8 + 13MP ultra-wide angle, f/2.2 + 12MP 5x telephoto periscope, f/3.4, OIS and two 8MP selfie cameras on the front and inside. The device also comes with a special focus sensor to ensure better images.
Among the interesting functions of this camera are motion recording, panorama, monochrome, AR lens, light painting, Super Macro, Snapshot, Hi-Res, Story Creator, portrait, night mode, aperture mode, choice of Vivid, Original or Bright color profiles and much more.
Monochrome mode
Night mode
The main camera of this device is capable of producing beautiful and bright images. The quality is really high and pleasing to the eye. Details are also well preserved with vivid colors that try to give the best high dynamic image. Vivid, Orignal and Bright color profiles do help depending on the situation.
Portrait image results are also satisfying with a neat bokeh effect, subjects clearly visible thanks to the new generation focus system. Various interesting modes in this camera that will definitely remind you of the glory days of the Huawei P30 device.
Auto mode
Rear camera selfie
Super Macro Mode
Auto mode
Of course I'll try the ultra-wide angle and zoom capabilities. Below is an image at the same location and same angle using four different modes namely 0.5x, 1x, 5x and 10x. If you see the image below the output is quite amazing. In terms of details on the zoom image, even though the Mate X3 can take pictures of the moon, it is still not as good as Samsung's Space Zoom technology.
BATTERY
Believe it or not I am very satisfied with the battery life of this device. It is capable of operating up to 10 hours SOT for very light use. This can be achieved if the majority of use is in a closed state and does not play first. When using regularly in the open state 8 hours SOT is no problem to achieve. But after just playing for 30 minutes, the battery life continues to drop to around 4-5 hours SOT.
Huawei Mate X3 supports 66W wired charging which takes 45 minutes to fully charge. Not the fastest on the market but fast enough not to worry about the battery draining quickly after 10 minutes of charging. The Mate X3 can also be charged wirelessly at a rate of 50W and the device itself can be a power supply for TWS or other phones through 7.5W reverse wireless charging.
AUDIO
Huawei still uses Huawei Histen audio technology with the Sound Booster feature to provide the best audio quality on a premium device. The audio output on this device is quite good, loud and pleasant when listening to music on Spotify. Even watching movies is also quite interesting again the action genre because of the satisfying bass thump.
It's just that with the position of the speaker on the left door, the audio output is unbalanced when the device is opened. It's like listening to audio on mono speakers. This means that for the best audio quality the Mate X3 should be used in a closed state for audio balance.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Huawei Mate X3.
1x Plastic frame.
1x 66W Charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
Huawei Mate X3 is the most expensive foldable screen device in Malaysia right now. After three weeks of using it I can say this is probably the best I have ever used for a device of this category. That's right, EMUI 13.1 isn't attractive enough for productivity because it's harassing.
But what makes me comfortable and love this device is that I'm free from Google which is no doubt a lot of GMS services make me neglect such as YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Play Games, Google TV, various firsts in the Play Store all make me lose focus. But the Mate X3 seems to make me more dedicated to work. Again, I use the Matebook 14s which completes the Huawei ecosystem.
With a great camera, amazing performance, satisfactory battery life this is an enjoyable experience using Huawei devices. But due to the limited app offering and heavy reliance on APKs it's hard for me to recommend this device to the public. Even if you're rich, for the best and most satisfying experience I highly recommend buying the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Z Fold4 with the same storage as Mate X3 which is 12/512 GB is priced at RM6699 and you have another RM2189 left to buy Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro to complete the ecosystem and experience of using the best foldable screen device.
Pro
Beautiful, bright and fast external and internal screens.
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 which is still powerful and has no heating problems.
Ultra-thin design with closeable device.
Great and amazing camera.
The device is comfortable to use and easy to operate.
IPX8 waterproof.
Cons
The inner screen does not support 120Hz LTPO.
The interesting Flex Mode feature cannot be used.
Software that doesn't match the premium price.
The speaker is unbalanced because it is only one side.
Selling prices that are less competitive.