Huawei remains at the forefront of technological innovation with the Huawei Mate Xs, one of the most advanced foldable phones on the market. Following the cancellation of Mobile World Congress, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled this device at a special event, showcasing a significant evolution from its first foldable phone, the Mate X. The Mate Xs arrives with improvements in construction, power, battery life, photography capabilities, and, above all, in the user experience it offers those who want cutting-edge technology in the palm of their hand.
Design, materials and durability: a folding at another level
The Huawei Mate Xs features a Falcon Wing folding design , which translates into a robust central hinge and a chassis made of liquid zirconium-based metal . This advancement provides significantly improved strength and durability compared to previous models, exceeding the resistance of titanium alloys by 30%, according to Huawei. The Falcon Wing system ensures smooth and secure opening and closing, minimizing wear and tear from continuous use.
The standout feature is the inclusion of a flexible, dual-layer optical polyimide display technology , an advanced solution that, in addition to being up to 80% more resistant than a single layer, costs three times more than gold. This technology protects the Mate Xs's screen from scratches and impacts, offering users peace of mind and durability. Since the foldable screen is on the outside, this protection is even more crucial compared to other designs with an internal screen.
The foldable format allows you to take advantage of the entire front and back when the device is closed, and turn the phone into a true 8-inch tablet when it is open, without any notch or cutout that diminishes the visual experience.
The Mate Xs offers extra protection against dust, and its folding mechanism has undergone rigorous durability testing to ensure it functions optimally over time. Its compact folded (161,3 x 78,3 x 11 mm) and unfolded (161,3 x 146,2 x 5,4-11 mm) design, along with a weight of 295 grams, keep it surprisingly manageable for a device in its class.
The flexible OLED display: a unique visual experience
One of the biggest draws of the Huawei Mate Xs is its 8-inch flexible OLED display with a 2480x2200 pixel resolution when unfolded, providing a perfect format for productivity, multimedia, and gaming . When folded, the device offers two additional screens: a main 6,6-inch display (2480x1148 pixels) and a rear 6,38-inch display (2480x892 pixels).
The pixel density and image quality ensure vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional sharpness from all angles. The flexible panel features advanced mechanical properties and a double polyimide layer that provides thermal and chemical resistance, ideal for intensive use. Furthermore, the anti-reflective optical coating guarantees good visibility even in direct sunlight.
The multitasking experience is enhanced by multi-window support , which allows you to split the screen and drag and drop files or content between different applications, providing a tablet-like productivity experience. Furthermore, when folded, the rear screen can be used as a secondary viewfinder for photography, making it easier to capture high-quality selfies or allowing you to see the subject of the photo before taking it.
The screen supports highly responsive multitouch and gestures for smooth navigation. Its dual-layer polyimide protection makes it one of the most durable screens among foldable phones.
The unfolded screen's 8:7.1 aspect ratio makes it an ideal choice for both content consumption and tasks requiring a large screen, such as editing documents, graphics, or presentations.
Power and technical specifications: Kirin 990 5G and beyond
Inside, the Huawei Mate Xs boasts a custom-designed Kirin 990 5G processor , integrating advanced CPU, GPU, and NPU, along with a next-generation 5G modem. This combination delivers excellent power and superior energy efficiency . According to Huawei, it offers a 23% improvement in CPU performance, a 39% improvement in GPU performance, and up to a 460% improvement in NPU performance compared to previous generations. Similarly, energy efficiency also takes a significant leap forward, with a 23% increase in CPU performance, a 32% increase in GPU performance, and a 260% increase in NPU performance.
The Kirin 990 5G offers ultra-fast downloads thanks to its eight 5G bands, surpassing the coverage of the previous generation and enabling download speeds of up to 2,3 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 1,25 Gbps. This 5G band versatility makes it compatible with networks across different continents and lays the foundation for a global connectivity experience.
In terms of memory, the Mate Xs features 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage , expandable by up to an additional 256 GB via Nano Memory Card. This configuration ensures ample capacity for apps, games, large files, and multitasking.
Another key element is its advanced cooling system with flexible bionic graphite , which coats the hinge and the interior of the device. Thanks to this thermal design, the phone maintains optimal temperatures even under intensive use, whether gaming, streaming high-resolution video, or using demanding applications.
The EMUI 10 operating system, based on Android 10, offers a refreshed, fluid visual experience with new multitasking options. However, it's important to note that the device does not include native Google services or apps , although Huawei's app store (AppGallery) and proprietary services cover most common needs.
Professional cameras: Versatility and quality on par with the best
The Huawei Mate Xs features a quad Leica camera system with a 40MP SuperSensing RYYB main sensor and f/1.8 aperture , allowing it to capture images with extraordinary detail even in low light. The camera setup is completed by:
- 8 MP telephoto sensor (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom, hybrid zoom and digital zoom up to 30x, OIS and AIS stabilization for sharp photos and videos even from a distance.
- 16MP ultra wide-angle camera (f/2.2), to capture landscapes, groups and architecture with a wide perspective.
- 3D TOF sensor for depth capture and advanced portrait effects, as well as augmented reality enhancements.
In night photography, the ISO reaches up to 204.800 , allowing for sharp and bright images without needing to manually activate night mode. The AI integrated into the Kirin 990 detects scenes and adjusts parameters in real time to optimize each shot.
Thanks to their foldable design, the same cameras can be used as front-facing cameras for selfies , allowing you to take full advantage of the optical system's maximum quality for self-portraits and video calls. Furthermore, Mirror Shooting mode displays the subject's image on the rear screen, simplifying composition and ensuring the best results.
The Mate Xs is also capable of capturing macro photography from as close as 2,5 cm , and features 4K video recording, advanced slow motion, and multiple creative modes. Its photography modes include: mirror mode, AI Cinemagraph, high resolution, time-lapse, ultra-wide-angle, aperture, dual view, night mode, macro, portrait, professional video, panorama, filter, stickers, document, Master AI, motion pictures, burst, timer, audio control, and much more, ensuring a complete and varied photographic experience.
The maximum photo resolution is up to 7296 x 5472 pixels and videos can be recorded in up to 4K, with ultra-slow motion options (1080p up to 960 fps) based on artificial intelligence.
Latest generation autonomy and fast charging
The Mate Xs integrates a 4500 mAh battery which, while it has to power a large screen and a high-performance processor, benefits from the efficiency of the Kirin 990 and EMUI optimizations. In practice, the device provides adequate battery life for a full day of work, entertainment, and photography.
The standout feature is the 55W fast charging system , capable of restoring 85% of the battery in just 30 minutes via the USB Type-C port . This puts the Mate Xs among the fastest-charging devices on the market, minimizing waiting times and allowing for an uninterrupted experience.
In terms of connectivity, it features Dual SIM support (Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM/NMSD), dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for mobile payments and fast transfers, a side fingerprint reader, and advanced sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and compass. It also integrates GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo localization, ensuring precise navigation.
Complete specifications and highlights of the Huawei Mate Xs
- Display: Flexible P-OLED, 8″ (2480 x 2200p) unfolded, 6,6″ (2480 x 1148p) folded, 6,38″ rear.
- Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G, 8 cores, Mali-G76 MP16 GPU.
- Memory: 8 GB RAM, 512 GB internal storage, expandable via Nano Memory Card.
- Chambers: Leica Quad: 40MP main, 8MP telephoto, 16MP ultra wide, TOF 3D sensor.
- Battery: 4500 mAh, 55W fast charging.
- Operating system: EMUI 10 based on Android 10 (no pre-installed Google services).
- Connectivity: 5G (eight bands), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB 3.1 Type-C.
- Dimensions 161,3 x 78,3 x 11 mm (folded), 161,3 x 146,2 x 5,4-11 mm (unfolded); Weight: 295g.
- Available colors: Blackish blue.
- Introductory price: 2499 euros (8GB + 512GB).
Price, availability and final considerations
The Huawei Mate Xs launched at a price of €2499 in its variant with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Available in a dark blue color, the device stands out both for its innovation and for being a benchmark in the high-end range of foldable 5G phones.
With such an exclusive offering in terms of price and features, the Mate Xs positions itself as an option for those seeking the most advanced mobile technology, regardless of the investment. Although Huawei hasn't officially announced its global availability for all regions, it's poised to be one of the trendsetting models in the foldable market. The presence of AppGallery and its own solutions cover most common needs, but to learn more about pre-launch expectations ...
The Huawei Mate Xs symbolizes Huawei's push to overcome the technical barriers of foldable phones, pioneering innovations in materials, flexible architecture, 5G connectivity, and mobile photography. Its price puts it out of reach for most, but it represents the transition to a new era of hybrid devices that combine the mobility of a smartphone and the capabilities of a tablet, with a spectacular design and the best features on the market.
