Okay, here is the Mate X7, the flagship foldable from Huawei in 2025 or we can say 2026. I still remember the time when I was reviewing the Mate X6 at exactly the same time last year, actually.
Now, you may know that almost all Chinese phones come to the global market a while after the Chinese launch, but not for this Mate X7. It’s almost the same time as the China launch. To me, it says that a foldable from Huawei is widely popular worldwide.
So, what exactly does this phone have to still attract people to buy it? Let’s find out.
Design
Different from other brands which are leaning towards a more boxy design, the Mate X7 still keeps the classic mellow curve on the frame. It still feels thin and comfortable in the hand.
We received this Brocade White variant, which is the new best-looking one in the lineup. I would say it has the aesthetics of a brocade, and it also has the texture of a brocade. Really, it feels like a masterpiece. And I’m guessing there should be some coating on the surface to make sure the texture won’t fade easily.
The camera module they call it a “Time Gate,” if that’s the correct way to say it does look like a window to the scenery. It looks a bit more prominent than it does on the Mate X6, but it does not sabotage the aesthetics.
So overall, the phone itself feels like a fine work of art.
In terms of size and weight, it is just a teeny tiny bit thinner and lighter. Nobody could spot the difference.
And lastly, the crease. It is still there, but when I run my finger through it, it feels more ironed out than the last generation. So the crease isn’t something you should worry about anymore.
The hinge beneath it also feels better. I feel like the last bit of the clamping force is just the right amount, and the buffer at the end is more refined, so the two parts of the phone won’t hit each other that hard. Basically, it is the best hinge you would experience in the entire industry.
I don’t know about you, but I think for premium phones, everything should be unique and rare to justify the price tag for people who would buy it. And in this part, Huawei is doing the best in the industry.
User Experience
Let’s talk about multitasking and software support. Of course, when you have a foldable, the best experience is on the large inner screen.
Multitasking is very enjoyable. You can swipe up and then decide if you want to split the screen in half to use two apps, or even three apps at the same time. While shopping and browsing the internet, you can just drag and drop an image into a note and then write something next to it.
The same experience applies if you’re in a meeting and trying to write down some notes. If you’re using three apps, the toggle in between can help with changing the positions of each app. If you want to start a new multitasking session, the old ones will stay in the background. And if you just want one app showing up, you can let it float in any size.
The multitasking feature works with all apps, so you can really take advantage of it.
Recently, I’ve been reading the book The Intelligent Investor. Great book, by the way. And the experience of reading it on the Mate X7 is just so good, better than the iPhone, better than the iPad mini, and better than the Kindle.
The same goes for watching videos. Although you can’t have them on the entire screen due to the aspect ratio, the experience is still very good.
Then how about app support? I won’t show you how to install Google services on this device, but there is a workaround, and there are plenty of tutorials out there. The bottom line is that all the apps are working fine. Message push is okay. Basically, you can use them however you want.
So keep your heart in your pocket. Don’t worry about it.
Camera System
The main camera, telephoto camera, and ultra chroma camera have all received major upgrades.
The aperture of the main camera is larger, and so is the telephoto. The sensor size and aperture of the telephoto are also bigger. All three cameras still use the RYYB filter, and with the help of a second-generation ultra chroma camera, the color accuracy of each photo is once again improved.
For all the photos I’ve taken, there is no oversharpening, and the color accuracy is excellent. The focal lengths are easy to use and feel very similar to the regular ones we often shoot with.
In some extreme conditions, the camera can also maintain good exposure between indoor and outdoor lighting.
However, there might be a software bug. The stabilization doesn’t seem to work very well when shooting at 3.5x and 10x. The preview is always shaky. Most of the time, the final result isn’t affected, but it does make framing very hard, and sometimes the focus will be lost. I hope this is just a software issue and can be fixed in the final retail product.
Video recording at 4K 30fps is smooth and very stable. Since the sensor is bigger, the night scene quality is also very good.
Lastly, the front cameras are unchanged. Same sensor size, same aperture, and selfies still look good.
Overall, the camera system on the Mate X7 is the best you can get from a foldable.
Other Features
The screen is also a bit bigger than the last generation, but the basic specs have not changed.
The battery is actually larger, and in my daily use, it can easily support a full day. Plus, there’s a 66W fast charger inside the box to top it up quickly.
It also supports IP58 and IP59 water resistance. Whether the water is cold or hot, it won’t easily damage the phone.
Summary
This is the Huawei Mate X7, the flagship foldable that always comes around Christmas every year. The major upgrades this year are the camera system, the hinge, and the battery size.
You can definitely daily-drive this phone, as you’re not missing out on any software support.
Okay, comment down below and share your thoughts on this phone.
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