Huawei Mate Xs 2 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Features & More

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 stands out prominently in the market with its innovative design and exceptional build quality. Following the unique outward-folding mechanism, which distinguishes it from other foldable smartphones, this device is designed to captivate both visually and functionally. When unfolded, it measures 156.5 x 139.3 x 5.4 mm, providing a large 7.8-inch display that enhances usability and content consumption. When folded, it reduces to 156.5 x 75.5 x 11.1 mm, making it convenient to handle and carry.

The device weighs between 255 and 257 grams, depending on the variant, striking a balance between sturdiness and portability. Available in eye-catching colors such as Black, White, and Purple, the Mate Xs 2 appeals to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Display Features

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 features a remarkable Foldable OLED screen that supports 1 billion colors and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This ensures fluid motion and vibrant visuals, whether viewing images, watching videos, or simply navigating through apps. The expansive 7.8-inch display with a resolution of 2200 x 2480 pixels offers a high pixel density of approximately 424 ppi, resulting in sharp and detailed displays.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Huawei Mate Xs 2 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, manufactured on a 5 nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration includes one Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.84 GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.42 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.80 GHz. This robust setup is coupled with the Adreno 660 GPU, ensuring smooth and efficient performance across demanding tasks and graphics-intensive applications.

Running on EMUI 12 (internationally) or HarmonyOS 2.0 (in China), users should be aware that it does not include Google Play Services, which might pose some limitations for Western users. However, Huawei has developed the AppGallery, offering a wide variety of applications to supplement user needs.

Camera Capabilities

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 is equipped with an impressive triple-camera system on the rear: a 50 MP wide camera, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultrawide camera. This configuration allows users to capture high-quality images across different scenarios and settings, supported by features like PDAF, Laser AF, and OIS. The camera system also supports video recording in up to 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second, encapsulating every event in stunning detail.

For selfies and video calls, there's a single front camera with a 10.7 MP sensor that supports HDR, and also records videos in 4K and 1080p resolutions.

Battery Life and Charging

The Mate Xs 2 includes a battery capacity of up to 4880 mAh in the 512GB/12GB RAM version, offering substantial usage before needing a recharge. The device supports 66W fast wired charging, facilitating rapid replenishment of power, considerably reducing downtime. It also features a 5W reverse wired charging capability, useful for powering other devices when needed on the go.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone comes in two variations: 256GB storage with 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage with an option of 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Additionally, with a Nano Memory card slot, users have the potential to expand storage up to 256GB, proving beneficial for those requiring extra space for apps, media, and large files.

Network and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Mate Xs 2 supports a broad range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, catering to various users' bandwidth preferences across global markets. The dual Nano-SIM configuration facilitates dual standby, offering flexibility for business professionals and frequent travelers.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, an infrared port for remote control functions, and a USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support.

Additional Features

Huawei has packed the Mate Xs 2 with a comprehensive range of sensors, such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a color spectrum sensor. Stereo speakers enhance audio, delivering immersive sound quality during multimedia playback.

Pricing and Availability

Released on May 7, 2022, the Huawei Mate Xs 2 carries a premium price tag, approximately 2000 EUR, reflecting its cutting-edge technology and advanced features. Despite its exclusion from Western markets, partly due to the absence of Google Play Services, it remains a compelling choice for those valuing innovation and open to Huawei's ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate Xs 2 represents a remarkable achievement in the evolution of smartphones, pushing the boundaries with its foldable design and high-performance capabilities. While the absence of Google Play Services may deter some users, Huawei's AppGallery and the EMUI/HarmonyOS interface provide sufficient alternatives for many. Its blend of design, powerful hardware, and versatile functionality makes it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts and early adopters of innovative devices.