Imagine a foldable smartphone that promises cutting-edge camera capabilities and a luxurious feel, but at a price that might make even tech enthusiasts pause and question its value. That's the Huawei Mate X7 in a nutshell—exciting yet divisive. But here's where it gets controversial: is its premium price justified, or is it just another overhyped gadget? Let's unpack this review and explore what makes this device tick, while shedding light on its strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against the competition.
The Competition
The Huawei Mate X7 is gearing up for a global launch with an estimated price of around €2,000, positioning it as a high-end foldable that's designed for those who crave top-tier features without compromising on elegance. Despite its inherent drawbacks—like we'll discuss shortly—this phone excels in delivering a delightful user experience, particularly when it comes to photography. For beginners diving into foldables, think of it as a phone that unfolds into a tablet-like screen, ideal for multitasking or immersive media, but it comes with compromises that we can't ignore.
Of course, the obvious rival that springs to mind is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7. Priced at about €1,300 for the 256GB variant, it boasts comparable sleek designs and vibrant displays, along with a robust camera setup. But what really sets it apart is its more advanced chipset, which powers a rich software ecosystem. This includes features like Samsung DeX, a mode that transforms your phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, and integrated AI functions that enhance everyday tasks, such as smarter photo editing or predictive text. For those new to this, a chipset is essentially the brain of the phone, handling everything from apps to performance—Samsung's here offers smoother multitasking and faster speeds.
Then there's Honor's Magic V5, a standout foldable with an ultra-slim build and a premium aesthetic that feels downright luxurious in your hand. It's not just visually appealing; this device packs more power under the hood, rivaling Huawei's cameras in versatility for different shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits. Plus, it delivers exceptional screen quality and battery endurance that keeps you going all day without constant plugs. And get this—the Magic V5 is significantly more affordable, making it a tempting alternative for budget-conscious shoppers who still want flagship-level foldable features.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 • Honor Magic V5
Our Verdict
Spending time with the Huawei Mate X7 was genuinely enjoyable—we adored its leather-like texture on the back, which adds a tactile sophistication, and its slender form factor that slips easily into pockets. The dual screens are a highlight too, offering clarity and responsiveness that make scrolling through apps or watching videos a pleasure. Battery performance held up well during our tests, providing solid longevity, and charging was impressively speedy, getting you back to full power in no time.
Photography stood out as one of the Mate X7's shining strengths. The main camera captures breathtaking photos and videos, with a notable edge in low-light situations over its predecessor, the Mate X6—think clearer shots in dimly lit rooms or evening outings without the grainy mess. However, we noticed some inconsistencies in white balance, where colors might skew warmer or cooler than reality, and the telephoto lens (that's the zoom feature for distant subjects) could use better optimization in dark environments to reduce noise and improve sharpness.
Under the hood, the Kirin 9030 chipset is pushing its limits to squeeze out every bit of performance from its manufacturing process. For beginners, this means the phone's processor is efficient but constrained by its design, so while it handles daily tasks like browsing or light gaming smoothly, demanding apps might cause it to slow down. And this is the part most people miss: any boosts in speed come at the cost of increased power consumption, which can heat up the device—called thermal throttling—in its thin body. It's a trade-off that's common in compact designs but can lead to unexpected slowdowns during intense use.
Pricing at launch feels like a hurdle for the Mate X7. Right now, its appeal is strongest for photography enthusiasts who value exceptional camera quality in a foldable form over blistering performance, seamless 5G connectivity (which it lacks), or the latest AI enhancements. But here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that Huawei's isolation from certain global tech ecosystems justifies the premium, while others see it as overpriced for what you get. As prices inevitably drop over time, it could become a steal for the right buyer—yet, is the initial cost barrier worth crossing for features that competitors offer at a fraction less? We'd love to hear your take in the comments: do you prioritize camera prowess over all else in a foldable, or is raw power king?
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with an IP58/IP59 rating for dust and water resistance (IP58 means it can handle dust ingress and survive short water immersions up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while IP59 is even more robust against powerful sprays), plus its slim design.
- Vibrant OLED screens supporting HDR for dynamic visuals and 120Hz refresh rates that make scrolling buttery smooth.
- Reliable battery life and rapid charging capabilities to keep you powered up.
- Standout cameras producing high-quality photos and videos in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
- Excellent video stabilization to reduce shakiness, perfect for vloggers or casual filmmakers.
- Improved graphics performance compared to the Mate X6, offering sharper visuals in games and apps.
Cons
- Steep launch pricing that might deter many.
- Mid-tier chipset performance limited by thermal throttling, which can hinder sustained heavy use.
- Absence of 5G support, potentially slowing down data speeds in modern networks.
- Limited AI features, with little to no advanced smart assistance built-in.
- No native Google Mobile Services integration, meaning some popular apps may not run without workarounds, which can be frustrating for Android fans.
What do you think—does the Huawei Mate X7's focus on cameras and design outweigh its drawbacks, or should foldable buyers look elsewhere? Share your opinions below; we're eager to discuss!
