The Chinese company isn’t fazed by the coronavirus risk as it launches its second-gen foldable phone which is the Huawei Mate Xs. Compared to the predecessor, not a lot has changed including the cameras and the way the device is used. The single-configuration 8GB/512GB costs €2,499 (~P138K), a tad pricier than the €2,299(~127K) of Mate X when it launched. However, it seems like inflation played as the culprit instead of innovation. According to Richard Yu, Huawei’s CEO, Mate Xs will start selling globally next month with Huawei Mobile Services.
As expected from a new phone, Mate Xs brings Kirin 990 chipset with 5G capability. That’s about the upgrade that you can expect on paper. Outside the spec sheet, the folding phone now has an upgraded hinge that’s a lot more durable and robust. But according to some early hands-on, the hinge produces cringy noise during the act of folding/unfolding. Inside the phablet is also an improved cooling system. One area Huawei has put some consideration is the display. It’s still the same FHD+ OLED but it now features a 2-layer structure to protect the plastic screen. Covering the main screen are two polyamide films, each for the front and back portion. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides of the hinge have covering caps to prevent dust and lint from penetrating the innards of Mate Xs. This design has proven to be effective as it has saved the Galaxy Fold from being a disaster.
For the rest of the specs, Mate Xs still has the same 40MP f1.8 + 8MP f2.4 telephoto + 16MP f2.2 ultrawide main cameras but with the addition of 3D depth sensor. All with Leica branding, of course. There’s no selfie camera because all you need to do is to fold the device and use the cover display as a viewfinder.
READ: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – Glass-Folding Flagship Phone for P79,990
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