Mojo
Huawei Trifold Mate X5 Hands-On Review
Huawei has continually set new standards in the world of foldable smartphones, and with the recent release of the Huawei Mate X5, the company has further showcased its innovative prowess. The Huawei Mate X5 is not just another foldable smartphone; it is a meticulously crafted device that redefines what a foldable phone can be. As the competition among smartphone manufacturers in the foldable market heats up, Huawei’s latest offering brings forth a series of impressive advancements in design, technology, and functionality. This hands-on review explores the Mate X5’s design, performance, camera capabilities, and more, highlighting why it just might be the future of foldables.
The Design: Sleek, Lightweight, and Refined
One of the standout features of the Huawei Mate X5 is its stunning design. Huawei has taken the foundation of the Mate X2 and evolved it, making the Mate X5 even more refined. It features a sleek and slim form factor, making it feel surprisingly lightweight for a foldable device. The build quality is impeccable, with an aluminium frame and high-grade materials that offer durability without compromising the device’s aesthetics. When closed, the Mate X5 feels like a regular smartphone, fitting comfortably in the hand and pocket, but with a simple flip, it transforms into a tablet-sized device that offers a completely new level of functionality.
The hinge mechanism on the Mate X5 is among the best in the industry. Huawei’s advanced multi-dimensional hinge design ensures smooth folding and unfolding, with minimal wear and tear over time. The hinge is crafted to provide stability in both the folded and unfolded states, and unlike some other foldable devices, it doesn’t have a visible crease along the fold line, enhancing the immersive experience of the display.
Display Quality: Large, Vibrant, and Uninterrupted
Huawei has equipped the Mate X5 with an 8-inch OLED display when unfolded, with a resolution of 2200 x 2480 pixels, making it an incredibly vibrant and sharp screen. The colours are bright and saturated, while the blacks are deep and contrast-rich, thanks to OLED technology. With an impressive refresh rate of 120Hz, the display offers smooth scrolling, whether you’re browsing the web or gaming. This is particularly beneficial for multitasking, where the high refresh rate enables a fluid user experience when navigating between apps.
When folded, the Mate X5 provides a 6.4-inch OLED front display that offers a more traditional smartphone experience. This front display is similarly high-quality, making it ideal for one-handed use, texting, or quick tasks without having to open the full screen. Huawei has designed the Mate X5 with minimal bezels, maximising the screen real estate while keeping the device’s dimensions compact. This attention to display quality makes the Mate X5 a pleasure to use, whether in folded or unfolded mode.
Software and Multitasking: A Foldable for Productivity
The Huawei Mate X5 runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which is optimised for foldable devices. HarmonyOS brings a host of features specifically tailored for multitasking and productivity. For example, split-screen mode and app continuity make transitioning from the front display to the larger internal display seamless. This enables users to move effortlessly between different tasks, such as browsing the web on one side of the screen while watching a video or responding to emails on the other.
One of the highlights of the Mate X5’s software is its ability to run multiple applications simultaneously in various layouts. The multi-window function is incredibly fluid, allowing users to open and interact with two apps side-by-side or stack them in a floating window. This is ideal for business users who want to view documents or emails on one part of the screen while taking notes or making edits on the other. The split-screen mode is well-optimised, ensuring that the apps remain responsive and don’t suffer from performance issues even when running simultaneously.
Performance: Powering the Foldable Experience
Under the hood, the Huawei Mate X5 is powered by the Kirin 9000s processor. Although the chip doesn’t compete directly with the latest Snapdragon processors, it still offers a respectable level of performance that is sufficient for most tasks. In day-to-day usage, the Mate X5 is smooth and responsive, handling everything from social media scrolling to resource-intensive apps like video editing and gaming with ease.
The 12GB of RAM further enhances the multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run several applications without experiencing lag or slowdowns. This is especially valuable in a foldable device like the Mate X5, where users are likely to leverage the multi-window capabilities that demand more RAM. Additionally, Huawei has included a robust cooling system, ensuring the device remains cool even during extended usage.
Camera System: A Versatile Setup for Content Creators
Huawei is known for its prowess in smartphone photography, and the Mate X5 lives up to this reputation with an impressive camera setup. The primary camera system includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with optical image stabilisation. This setup provides users with a range of options, allowing them to capture stunning images in various conditions and from multiple perspectives.
The main camera delivers vibrant, detailed shots even in low-light settings, thanks to Huawei’s advanced image processing technology. The ultra-wide lens is ideal for capturing landscapes or group photos, while the telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom, perfect for getting close to subjects without sacrificing image quality. On the front, a 10.7-megapixel camera handles selfies and video calls effectively.
For video enthusiasts, the Mate X5 is capable of 4K video recording, providing smooth, high-resolution footage. Huawei has integrated several AI-powered camera features that improve the overall photography and videography experience, such as automatic scene recognition and HDR, making the Mate X5 an attractive option for content creators and photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging: Reliable Power for Extended Usage
The Huawei Mate X5 is equipped with a 5060mAh battery, which is more than sufficient for a full day’s use, even with the demands of a foldable device. Huawei has optimised the software to ensure efficient power management, and in hands-on tests, the battery life held up well with moderate to heavy usage. Whether in folded or unfolded mode, the Mate X5 maintains a stable battery performance.
The device supports 66W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back to their tasks. Additionally, Huawei has included support for 50W wireless charging, making the Mate X5 convenient to charge without needing a cable. Reverse wireless charging is another thoughtful addition, enabling users to charge other devices, like earbuds or a smartwatch, directly from the Mate X5.
Final Thoughts: Is the Huawei Mate X5 the Future of Foldables?
The Huawei Mate X5 is a testament to how far foldable technology has come. From its exquisite design and impressive display to its versatile camera system and powerful multitasking capabilities, this device redefines the standards for foldable smartphones. It is clear that Huawei has not merely followed the foldable trend but has actively pushed the boundaries of what a foldable device can achieve.
In an increasingly competitive foldable market, the Mate X5 holds its own against rivals, demonstrating that Huawei’s commitment to innovation remains strong. For those seeking a powerful, versatile, and future-proof foldable device, the Huawei Mate X5 presents a compelling option. Its design and functionality cater not only to tech enthusiasts but also to professionals and creative users who value productivity and quality.
In conclusion, the Huawei Mate X5 proves that foldable smartphones are not just a gimmick but a functional and exciting new category in mobile technology. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Mate X5 offers a premium experience that is hard to beat. With its unique blend of innovation, performance, and usability, the Huawei Mate X5 stands as a true representation of the future of foldables.
