The Huawei Mate X3 is a foldable smartphone that combines sleek design with powerful hardware. It features a 7.85-inch OLED main display and a 6.4-inch cover screen, both offering vibrant visuals and smooth 120Hz refresh rates. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and comes with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and demanding applications. However, it is also marred by significant software limitations, primarily stemming from the absence of Google Mobile Services, an unfortunate but recurring theme with Huawei devices.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Mate X3 immediately impresses with its sleek and elegant design, remarkably slim for a foldable phone. Its lightweight construction, at just under 240 grams, ensures comfortable handling and portability, setting it apart from competitors. The sophisticated hinge mechanism feels robust, allowing smooth opening and closing without a noticeable gap when folded, maintaining a seamless appearance.
Throughout my testing, the device maintained a premium feel, complemented by a sleek glass and aluminum build that lends both durability and aesthetic appeal. However, the phone's premium materials also make it somewhat slippery, necessitating careful handling or use of the provided protective case.
Display Quality
The Mate X3 features two impressive OLED displays: a large 7.85-inch main screen and a practical 6.4-inch cover screen. Both displays deliver vibrant colors, exceptional brightness, and a high 120Hz refresh rate, significantly enhancing the viewing and scrolling experience. I particularly enjoyed media consumption and gaming on the expansive main display, where colors popped vividly, and motion appeared fluid.
One downside, however, is the visible crease on the folding screen, common to most foldable phones. Although not overly distracting, it remains noticeable during usage, particularly in direct light or bright environments. Despite this minor distraction, the overall display quality remains excellent and highly enjoyable.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Huawei Mate X3 runs on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor coupled with 12GB of RAM. During my extensive multitasking and demanding application usage, performance remained consistently smooth and responsive. Gaming and heavy multimedia tasks were handled effortlessly, with minimal latency or lag, underscoring the device's powerful hardware capabilities.
However, despite robust performance, the device notably lacks 5G connectivity, limiting its appeal as a future-proof device compared to competitors in its class. Users seeking cutting-edge network performance might find this a significant drawback.
Camera and Image Quality
Huawei continues its tradition of outstanding camera performance with the Mate X3. The smartphone features a versatile triple-camera setup headlined by a 50MP main sensor, complemented by a periscope telephoto lens offering an impressive 5x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide lens.
In my testing, images captured with the Mate X3 displayed excellent detail, accurate colors, and strong dynamic range, even in challenging lighting conditions. Night mode performance particularly impressed me, consistently delivering clear and bright images in low-light settings.
The telephoto lens' optical zoom capability stood out, enabling clear, sharp photos even at considerable distances, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts seeking high-quality versatility in a smartphone camera.
Video Performance
Video recording capabilities on the Huawei Mate X3 also proved impressive. Supporting up to 4K resolution at 60fps, videos captured were smooth, stable, and detailed. The built-in stabilization ensured minimal camera shake, making handheld video shooting effective and professional-looking.
While video quality remained consistently excellent, the lack of 8K recording, common in some flagship devices, is somewhat disappointing, particularly given its premium price.
Software and User Experience
Software remains the primary pain point for the Mate X3. Operating on Huawei’s HarmonyOS, the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) poses significant usability challenges. While Huawei’s AppGallery and Petal Search provide some alternatives, the lack of key apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and Gmail heavily impacts day-to-day convenience.
In my usage, despite appreciating the smooth and visually appealing HarmonyOS interface, the difficulty in obtaining and using popular apps proved frustrating. Users deeply integrated into Google's ecosystem might find this a deal-breaker, necessitating third-party solutions or accepting a compromised experience.
Audio Quality
The Huawei Mate X3 includes stereo speakers offering strong audio performance. Sound output during multimedia playback and gaming was clear and balanced, delivering enjoyable audio quality. However, bass depth was somewhat lacking, a typical limitation among smartphone speakers.
Bluetooth audio performance was excellent, offering minimal latency and stable connections to wireless audio devices, compensating somewhat for the omission of a headphone jack.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life on the Huawei Mate X3, supported by a sizable battery capacity, was impressive. Under regular mixed usage, I comfortably achieved a full day of use. Fast charging capabilities further enhance practicality, allowing the device to recharge quickly when needed.
Connectivity-wise, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance remained robust, the lack of 5G connectivity stands out as a significant disadvantage, especially considering the device's premium positioning.
Pricing and Value
Positioned firmly in the premium segment, the Huawei Mate X3 commands a high price point. For its innovative folding design, excellent hardware, and outstanding camera capabilities, it certainly justifies a premium tag.
However, given significant software limitations, lack of 5G, and stiff competition from other foldables that offer complete Google integration, the Mate X3 may struggle to justify its value proposition fully. Users prepared to navigate these software compromises will find a highly capable and unique device; those seeking a seamless experience might consider alternatives.
Conclusion
The Huawei Mate X3 is a bold, innovative foldable smartphone offering exceptional design, impressive display quality, and strong camera capabilities. However, the significant software compromises and lack of 5G connectivity limit its appeal. It remains suitable for tech enthusiasts and Huawei fans willing to navigate software workarounds and who prioritize hardware excellence above software ecosystem integration.