Huawei's Foldable Evolution: The Mate X2

The initial iteration of Huawei’s foldable phone now seems like a product of the past. Unveiled in 2019, the company revisited its design plans before launch, mirroring the challenges Samsung encountered with this novel device type.

Early Impressions and Limited Release

The Mate X garnered positive feedback from the press – I personally evaluated it at Huawei’s headquarters in China and was favorably impressed by its construction. However, due to a variety of factors, it remained exclusively available in the Chinese market. There are indications that the recently announced X2 may face a comparable situation.

Design Similarities to Samsung

The new handset has inevitably drawn comparisons to Samsung’s earlier foldable models – and this is a justified observation. The X2’s design appears to align more closely with the Galaxy Fold than with its own predecessor, the original Mate X.

Samsung, despite initial setbacks, was the first to refine the foldable experience through public testing and iterative improvements. Huawei seems to be following a similar path.

Hinge Mechanism: A Key Improvement

Like Samsung, Huawei is emphasizing enhancements to the hinge mechanism as a primary selling point. This foundational element, often overlooked in conventional devices, has proven to be a significant challenge for foldable phones.

While extensive internal testing is crucial, it cannot fully replicate the insights gained from real-world user experiences.

Display and Specifications

The main, foldable display measures eight inches, complemented by a 6.45-inch external screen – slightly larger than the Galaxy Fold 2’s 7.6-inch and 6.2-inch displays, respectively.

Renderings show the front screen maximizing the device’s surface area, with minimal bezels and a camera cutout. The phone also supports 5G connectivity, powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9000 chip and a 4,400mAh battery.

Software Challenges and HarmonyOS

The device notably lacks access to certain features due to ongoing trade restrictions. Huawei is promoting its Android 10-based EMUI 11.0 operating system.

Furthermore, the device is expected to feature Huawei’s own HarmonyOS as an alternative to Android. The company has been developing this operating system anticipating potential geopolitical complications.

While a complete version of the software is still pending review, it’s unlikely to match the maturity or comprehensiveness of Google’s 12-year-old mobile OS – or the breadth of Google’s application ecosystem.

Availability and Pricing

The Mate X2 will launch in China on February 25, with a starting price of approximately $2,800.