Huawei Mate X7 Review: A Premium Foldable with Camera Excellence
The Huawei Mate X7 is set to make a global impact with its premium price tag of around €2,000. While it may have some inherent limitations, this smartphone truly shines when it comes to delivering an exceptional user experience, particularly in the realm of camera performance. But how does it stack up against the competition?
The Competition
The first notable rival is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7, which offers a similar premium experience at a more affordable price of €1,300 for the 256GB model. It boasts impressive design, screens, and a solid camera setup. However, it falls short in terms of performance, lacking the powerful chipset and rich software package that Huawei's offering provides.
Another strong contender is Honor's Magic V5, a foldable device with a thin profile and luxurious design. It not only matches the Mate X7 in terms of camera versatility and screen quality but also surpasses it with superior battery life. And the best part? It's significantly more budget-friendly.
Our Verdict
We had a fantastic experience with the Huawei Mate X7, appreciating its sleek leather-like back, thin profile, and exceptional screens. The battery life and charging speed were also impressive. The camera performance was a standout feature, with the primary camera producing excellent photos and videos, even in low-light conditions, a notable improvement over the Mate X6.
However, there are some areas for improvement. The white balance could be more consistent, and the telephoto camera's low-light performance could be enhanced. The Kirin 9030 chipset, while extracting maximum performance, results in higher power consumption and thermal challenges, especially in a thin smartphone design.
Pricing and Value
The Mate X7's high price at launch is a significant drawback. Its value proposition becomes more appealing once prices drop, especially for those prioritizing camera quality over raw performance, 5G, or the latest AI features.
Pros
- Premium build quality, IP58/IP59-rated, and thin design.
- Bright OLED screens with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Impressive battery life and fast charging.
- Excellent camera performance, producing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Improved graphics compared to the Mate X6.
Cons
- High price at launch.
- Mid-range chipset performance with thermal throttling.
- Absence of 5G connectivity.
- Limited AI features.
- No pre-installed Google Mobile Services, and some apps may not work despite available workarounds.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Huawei Mate X7 is a powerful and impressive smartphone, offering a unique blend of premium features and exceptional camera capabilities.
