First look: Huawei Mate X V2 foldable phone

Back in March, we were able to grab ahold of the Mate X foldable phone. It is exciting and futuristic, but it stills feels a bit like a prototype device during that time.

The improved Mate X

While it looks better than the first-gen Galaxy fold (for us), it has few kinks in its armor and it is clear that it isn't ready for primetime yet.

So, Huawei is wise to delay its launch to make sure that it will be ready for public consumption.

Improved Mate X!

Fast forward in mid-September, we have had an opportunity to check the refined version of the Huawei Mate X during the Nova 5T PH launch. Here's what we saw...

Better hinge

Basically, the device still looks like the first iteration of the Mate X. But according to the company, it has refined the device to make it simply better.

Improved hinge design, less crease!

The company also said that it can withstand a lot of folds for years. But, who really knows. Only time will tell.

When folded into phone mode

Huawei has strengthened its build quality by improving the Falcon Wing design hinge. It now feels tighter yet still very flexible.

The company previously claimed that it can withstand a lot of folds for years. AND now, it should be able to endure even more folds.

Less crease

We noticed that it has less crease when folded (outward fold) as well. That is nice as it will improve the overall viewing experience from the device.

Now with four cameras!

Huawei also updated its camera hardware. It is now equipped with Huawei P30 Pro-like quad-camera system coming from just a triple-camera setup.

It uses the 40MP f/1.6 RYYB OIS sensor + 20MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle sensor + 8MP f/3.4 OIS 5x periscope zoom sensor + ToF PDAF sensor paired w/ 4D predictive focus, AIS, color temperature sensor, and dual-tone LED flash.

This setup can be used even for taking super high-quality selfies.

The rest of the specs are the same. Please have a look at its full specs below.

Huawei Mate X V2 Specs

Display: 8-inch-inch curved OLED screen w/ 2480 x 2200 resolution at 414 ppi, 6.6-inch 2480 x 1440 at 435 ppi folded, 6.39-inch 2480 x 892 at 412 ppi back

CPU: 2.6GHz 64-bit Kirin 980 octa-core processor w/ Dual-NPU

GPU: Mali-G76 MP10 w/ GPU Turbo 2.0

RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x

ROM: 512GB expandable via NM card slot up to 256GB

Camera: 40MP f/1.6 RYYB OIS sensor + 20MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle sensor + 8MP f/3.4 OIS 5x periscope zoom sensor + ToF PDAF sensor paired w/ 4D predictive focus, AIS, color temperature sensor, and dual-tone LED flash

Battery: 4,500mAh w/ 55W SuperCharge

OS: Android 9.0 Pie w/ EMUI 9.1

Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), 5G, Bluetooth 5 BLE, aptX HD, OTG, NFC, dual-band GPS, dual SIM (hybrid)

Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic, pressure

Others: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, 384K/32-bit HiFi DAC, USB-C, stereo speakers, Colors: interstellar blue

Dimensions: 161.3 x 146.2 x 5.4 mm (unfolded), 161.3 x 78.3 11 mm (folded)

Weight: 295 g

Price: TBC

Quick thoughts

Personally, I'm happy with the improvements that Huawei implemented with the upcoming Mate X. It feels less like a prototype device now and it could be ready for its much-awaited public launch.

The Mate X is priced at EUR 2,299 or around PHP 137K without taxes and duties yet.

What do you guys think? For me, this is just the start, the future is exciting!