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When re-reading the title, several things may come to mind. For example, readers may wonder what innovations Huawei brought with the Mate X6 that make it relevant again in the global market. In addition, they may compare it with other smartphones on the market to find out if this phone offers unique added value? To know more about this product in a broader and deeper context, continue reading this article.
Huawei Mate X6
External Screen – 6.43-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Inside – 7.93-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 2,500 nits
Kirin 9020 processor
1 x 2.5 GHz Taishan Big chip
3 x 2.15 GHz Taishan Mid
4 x 1.53GHz Cortex-A510
Maleoon 920 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB RAM
512GB Internal Storage
Primary Camera 50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, (wide), PDAF, OIS
48 MP, f/3.0, (telephoto macro), OIS
40 MP, f/2.2, (ultra-wide), PDAF
4X optical zoom
40X digital zoom
4K 60P
10 Megapixel Front Camera
Si/C battery 5110
Wired 66W
Wireless 50W
Dual SIM Nano SIM/Telephony
NFC Yes
Infrared Yes
Waterproof IPX8
Scanning System Fingerprint Scan
Face Scan
Selling Price RM8,688 (12/512GB)
Design And Screen
The experience of using the Huawei Mate X6 can be said to be almost the same as the Honor Magic V3 in several aspects, especially in terms of design and finish. Although this device is not as thin as the Magic V3, the usage experience can be said to be almost the same. The Mate X6 feels premium in the hand, especially for the Nebula Red color which uses dark red Vegan Leather on the back.
Huawei Mate X6
This color reminds me of the Honor Magic V3 which is not only more durable but also makes the device look classier. The Mate X6 is also sturdy and sturdy in its construction, besides being comfortable to hold with a small difference in thickness compared to the Magic V3. Where the Mate X6 has a thickness of 4.9mm when opened which is not only thin but also comfortable to use for a long time.
Huawei Mate X6
The main foldable screen is a 7.9-inch LTPO panel with a resolution of 2440 X 2240 pixels and a peak brightness of 1800 nits. Meanwhile, the secondary screen is 6.45-inch which is also a type of LTPO AMOLED but brighter with a peak brightness of 2500nits, but the resolution is limited to FHD. Both sides of the screen support HDR 10+ and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
Huawei Mate X6
Huawei says the foldable screen is built using a carbon fiber glass plate that helps strengthen the display panel, and the hinge that connects it is more sturdy. While the outer screen is coated with second-generation Kunlun glass for greater durability. The frame is made of polished and curved aluminum alloy to match the rest of the design.
Huawei Mate X6
The rear camera module is similar to the Honor Magic V3 with three cameras arranged in a 2 x 2 grid along with an elongated Flash. It is worth mentioning that the Mate X6 body supports IPX8 waterproofing which is quite rare in this segment and can be said to be one of the main focuses of this device.
Like most premium phones today, the Mate X6 has a stereo speaker setup with one of them on the bottom side. This results in balanced stereo audio not being achieved. Once again, what Huawei still sacrifices this time is the 3.5mm audio jack. The SIM slot and USB-C port can also be found on the same side.
Huawei Mate X6
The power button integrated with the fingerprint scanner and audio rocker are placed on the right side. The Mate X6 does offer a great grip experience even when used without a frame. It does feel like a regular candy bar phone especially when folded because the weight and balanced ratio make the usage experience not feel awkward.
Honor Magic V3
However, I often encounter situations where it is difficult to unfold it, perhaps due to the thin and curved side design of the device. I have said the same thing when reviewing the Honor Magic V3 before, so hopefully no manufacturer will produce a thinner folding phone than these two models.
Huawei Mate X6
Another problem is that the unfolding process also feels stuck before the screen can be fully displayed. The cause of the stuckness cannot be fully determined, but it does interfere with use to some extent.
The fingerprint scanner's performance is also satisfactory with its ability to detect fingers accurately. It just feels less ergonomic, which makes it a bit difficult to use, especially when the phone is closed. As an alternative, a face scanning system is also provided through the settings area.
Software and Processor Chip
The latest EMUI 15 software is used for the global version of the device, which is different from the Chinese variant with HarmonyNEXT. Although not officially stated, EMUI is still seen to rely on a customized Android as its core. As usual, the Mate X6 also does not have GMS Services, but instead supports APK installation via AppGallery, Petal Search or APK Pure.
There are no significant changes in terms of the interface without a lack of theme options, widgets and key settings. For example, the notification and control panels are divided into two parts. In addition to having well-functioning application shortcuts, smart folders that can be resized, enhanced privacy and so on.
It is worth mentioning that the Mate X6 has a new multi-tasking feature that allows it to run three applications almost at the same time. I say almost because this method basically has three applications floating on the same screen. Each application can be quickly switched but only two applications can be placed side by side.
This means that not all three applications will be displayed like the Boundless View feature offered by Oppo on the previous Find N3 device. However, it is still useful for those who often use more than one application at a time. In fact, the video will continue to play without stopping even if I switch to another application while in this function.
As usual, Huawei does not share any information about the chip used, let alone the configuration of the CPU, GPU, NPU and the production technology used. But Huawei representatives confirmed that this device uses the new HiSilicon Kirin 9020 chip. It is an improved chip to the Kirin 9010 used in the Pura70 earlier this year.
It uses a 2+6+4 core configuration with two main cores at a speed of 2.5GHz, six middle cores at a speed of 2.1Ghz and four small cores at a speed of 1. 6GHz. This is matched with the Maleoon 920 GPU with a speed of 840MHz. This is an improvement over the Maleoon 910 GPU with a speed of 750MHz.
The question that has not yet been answered is the technology used but it is most likely still 7nm like the previous generation chip. The Huawei Mate X6 is also equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Several benchmark tests such as Geekbench 6 and Antutu 3D were also conducted. There is no test for WildLife 3D as it is not accessible.
Geekbench 6
Huawei Mate X6 – 1458/4517
Huawei Pura70 Pro – 1315/3895
OnePlus 12R – 1081/4204
Vivo X90 – 1668/4000
Nothing Phone (2) – 1734/4576
OnePlus Nord 3 5G – 1092/3337
Antutu 3D
Huawei Mate X6 – 870, 705
Huawei Pura70 Pro – 862,688
OnePlus 12R – 1,431,444
Vivo X90 – 1,147,029
Nothing Phone (2) – 1,142,277
OnePlus Nord 3 5G – 914,552
The usage performance is just fine. The experience of using regular daily applications such as browsing the web, taking pictures, playing games and others works smoothly as expected. The performance of the phone is also at a good level, except for the noticeable heating issue when used for a long period of time. But this did not happen during the three benchmark tests.
One thing to note is that the barcode or QR code scanning feature that will automatically open the Touch ‘n Go eWallet application for faster payments cannot be used at all on this review unit. It is not certain why the issue occurs, but it is believed that the unit received is not the final stable software. The probability of bugs or errors can occur.
Camera and Image Quality
The Mate X6 has four different cameras used. The back houses a 50MP main camera, a 48MP macro telephoto and a 40MP ultra-wide. Followed by two 10MP selfie cameras. There is also a new sensor to detect color as a complement. The 50MP main camera has variable aperture capabilities between f/1.4 and f/4.0 and OIS. Then the macro telephoto camera supports 3X optical zoom, or 40X digital zoom and the ability to take pictures as close as 5cm.
Huawei Mate X6
Photos can also be taken with a ratio of 1:1, 3:4, and full without the 16:9 ratio capability offered until today. There is also an AI Live Photo feature that can not only take still photos but also a little animation to make it more interesting. For example, it can be used to create repetitive moving pictures like GIP through the Loop function.
In addition, the Multi Expose feature can also merge several photos into one for an artistic effect. Selfie photos can also be taken through the main camera and displayed on the secondary screen. Video recording capabilities are also maximum 4K/60fps 16:9 with built-in stabilization and autofocus.
The quality of images taken using the main camera shows good results with preserved details and natural color reproduction. The same goes for ultra-wide images that look good with sufficient detail and color as the main camera. There is only a little softness in the corners along with distortion that can be expected with this type of camera function.
The telephoto macro camera also works well with results as expected. By default, the camera can capture up to 10X zoom while the rest needs to be changed through a special space provided. The zoom quality looks good up to 5X, and the rest becomes soft with unsatisfactory details and colors. The Super Macro mode that works on the telephoto camera can also capture close-up subjects well.
Portrait Mode gives satisfactory results with clear details, especially in situations that are not complex. The camera is also smart enough to distinguish the background and subject and add a blur effect as an element that further beautifies the picture. This bokeh effect can also be changed as appropriate. However, it is not perfect because in some situations object detection can be said to be imperfect by blurring the wrong background.
Battery and Charging
Mate X6 is equipped with a 5,110mAh silicon carbon battery. This is matched with a 66W charging system which is still considered fast but quite competitive in the current smart device segment. In addition, it still uses a USB-A to USB-C port with a charging head provided in the purchase box.
Battery life as expected with the phone can last a full day with normal use. As usual, usage may vary depending on the length of time used, especially in open screen mode. Recharging the device takes less than an hour which is typical for Huawei devices that support the 66W charging system.
What's in the Box
1 X Huawei Mate X6.
1 X Charging head.
1 X USBA-C cable.
1 X User manual.
1 X Protective frame.
Conclusion
The high selling price of the Mate X6 and the lack of GMS mean that it is not a phone for the majority of users. This is a phone for loyal fans only but it has the functions that this segment may need. Among the concerns when owning a foldable phone is that it is too thick, heavy and not user-friendly.
However, the Mate X6 solves all three of these concerns, and the user experience feels almost the same as a regular standard device, especially when folded. Performance is also as expected without any issues with system and application failures. Gaming also feels fun, but there is a noticeable heating for long sessions. Battery life is also good with a fast charging system supported.
The lack of GMS really drowns out the device's offerings, limiting usage, especially for those who rely heavily on Google apps and services. Similarly, the high selling price, even though it's RM200 less than the Mate X3, still makes it not a device for the majority of users. A recommendation can be given is the Honor Magic V3 if you want a device with an EMUI-like experience with GMS built in as a bonus.
Pros
120Hz OLED screen inside and out.
The Kirin 9020 chip works smoothly.
Thin design.
IPX8 waterproof.
Adequate camera system.
Stereo speakers.
Cons
No Virtual RAM.
No stylus support.
Same fast charging.
No GMS.
High selling price.