the company’s portfolio, he became the second transformable smartphone with a large foldable AMOLED display. Besides top-end hardware platform with a serious amounts of memory, this device boasts advanced photo module with Leica optics, powerful battery, complemented by a high-speed wired charging, and software support for enhanced multitasking. In this review, the most expensive and futuristic smartphone Huawei – Mate Xs – find out all its pros and cons.
One of the main features of the Xs Mate, of course, was a new processor Kirin 990 5G, which made this device the first on the market foldable smartphone with a flexible display and integrated into the main chip-enabled cellular networks of the fifth generation. Last year Mate X could also work with 5G, but only on its own Balong modem 5000. It is immediately noted that the concept of a folding design Huawei Mate X/Xs is significantly different from the proposed, e.g., by Samsung. Recall that flexible “classmate” Galaxy Fold got two screens, and Bo∎LSI the size is inside and after this transformation becomes unavailable. U Mate X/Xs only one display, which, on the contrary, it a working surface outside so that one screen is converted into two – front and back.
the Huawei Mate Review Xs technical characteristically: TAH-N29mОС: 10 Android (AOSP + HMS) with shell EMUI 10.0.1 CPU: workflow 7 nm, 8-core 64-bit processor HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G, (2 cores ARM Cortex-A76, 2,86 GHz +2 cores ARM Cortex-A76, a 2.36 GHz + 4 core ARM Cortex-A55, to 1.95 GHz), 2 Big Core + Tiny Core NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit)of a Graphics subsystem: ARM Mali-G76 МР16Оперативная memory: 8 Bustana memory: 512 GB, hybrid card slot NM (Nano Memory), up to 256 Dbinterface: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), wifi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE, SBC, AAC, and LDAC), USB Type C (USB 3.1 Gen. 1, OTG) NFCЭкран: capacitive, multi-touch, AMOLED, unfolded: 8 inch, resolution 2480х2200 points, 414 ppi; folded: main screen 6.6 inch, resolution 2480х1148 points (19,5:9), an additional screen, 6.38 inches, 2400х892 technicalemail photo module: the main camera 40 MP (RYYB, optical size 1/1.7 inches), wide angle lens (f/1.8, 27mm EGF), phase detection autofocus; telephoto — 8 MP, lens (f/2.4, camera 80 mm, optical stabilization OIS); super wide-angle camera — 16 MP lens (f/2.2, EGF 17 mm) 3D ToF-camera; Leica optics, dual-led flash; video 4K UHD 2160p@30/60 fpsСеть: 2G, 3G (HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps), 4G LTE, 5G NR (primary SIM)Hybrid slot: nanoSIM (4FF) + nanoSIM (4FF)/NMРежим work of SIM-cards: Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)Navigation: GPS (L1+L5)/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo (E1+E5a)/QZSS (L1+L5), A-GPSСенсоры: accelerometer, gyroscope, sensor of the color temperature, compass, barometer, light sensors and proximity, fingerprint scanner, Hall sensor, an infrared getcheckstate: non-removable, lithium-polymer 4 500 mAh (250 mA 2*h x2), support for 40-watt (max. 55W) fast wired charging Iresco: “starry sky”dimensions: 161,3х146,2х11 mm (unfolded), 161,3х78,5h11 mm (folded)Weight: 300 g
the Huawei Mate Xs Review: design, ergonomics
Mate Xs, not really sinning against the truth, can be termed as folding the phone and folding tablet. And in both forms this camera is really good. It is easy to guess that the letter “s” in the name of modernization of the first embodiment is similar to the transformer – Mate X.
At the presentation of Huawei, where the stones predictably flew into the garden Samsung Galaxy Fold, noted that Mate Xs continues to hold the lead as the thinnest 5G device, not only in the decomposition (5.4 mm), but in the folded state (11 mm). With a weight of 300 g maximum overall dimensions of a novelty in the plan is 161,3х146,2 mm.
a Single 8-inch folding screen, divided by 6.6-inch main (front) and 6,38-inch optional (rear). As noted above, there is not a working surface inward, but rather outward. This attitude to a sensitive screen which usually trying in every way to protect, even from General considerations, is somewhat surprising.
However, meaningful improvements in the Xs Mate among this AMOLED-display with a two-layer optical film of polyamide – wear-resistant varieties of plastic, which turned out to be 80% stronger than a single layer, and, according to Huawei, is estimated to be three times more expensive than gold. By the way, to protect the screen and back protective film with oleophobic coating.
Folds and unfolds Mate Xs manually, after pressing the special mechanical button for fixing the latch. In the process operations required to make a small effort, but the main thing is not to overdo it.
“Ridge” transformable design – the mechanical joint of the Wing of the Falcon (the”Falcon wing”) contains more than hundreds of interconnected parts. Say he, turning 180 degrees, was working now not only smoother, but also more confident. To create useful “liquid metal” on the basis of zirconium, which proved to be 30% stronger than titanium alloy. In practice, the design of the device under test during transformations still creaked slightly, but the crease in place of the hinge that on the working screen almost could not see, was well defined to the touch. Unknown, via skolKo owner passed our test sample, but he was already far not the new. By the way, Mate if Xs is not used for a long time, store it is recommended with expanded screen. Perhaps the previous user forget about it.
cooling System, here called Flying Fish Fin (“fin flying fish”), was specially designed for the form factor of a folding device. This design enables flexible graphene fins for efficient heat dissipation.
a Small ornamental bars “conversational” dynamics put the butt between the front panel of the main screen and its upper end. Although the place is at the bottom of the display remain reserved for the icons of the control, the default preference is given to gestures. Your choice can be done in settings.
On the bottom of the main screen there are holes for the microphone and USB connector Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen. 1, 5 GB/s), and additional screen – only grid “multimedia” speaker.
In turn, at the top of the main screen placed the hole for the second MIC (noise cancellation), and an additional screen – the eye of the IR port and a closed slot with the tray modules subscriber identity (nanoSIM). Whereas the second one can take the memory card format Huawei NM (Nano Memory).
On the left edge (additional screen) there is a technological hole for the latch.
on the right side of the main screen made a small bulge on the right side which was a place for a rocker to adjust volume and fairly wide button power/lock, combined with a capacitive fingerprint scanner.
From the rear panel thickening, decorated with logo Huawei are covered with glass. Here vertically placed four photo lens module, a dual led flash and the release button with a red accent. From the explanatory labels, you can see the ranges of apertures and EGF-branded lenses Leica asphericity lenses: Vario-Summilux-H, 1:1.8-2.4/17-80 ASPH.
note that the aluminum alloy has complied with the housing frame and the rear panel, which opens to the user only in the unfolded state of the device. Although the brushed metal color called “starry sky” (ie, dark blue), fingerprints are still visible. About the front panel and say nothing-after a few minutes of operation she has a very untidy appearance.
Given the complexity of the design, until IPxx certification is not reached. Mechanical protection device is reduced to the plastic bumper, which in our case was already put on test device. How this accessory could save an expensive (in all senses) Xs Mate from possible trouble is the big question.
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: screen
As already mentioned, the device is equipped with AMOLED-display with a maximum diagonal of 8 inches and a resolution of 2480х2200 points. The density of the pixelher an inch in this case, up to 414 ppi, a refresh rate above 60 Hz. When folded the size of the main screen is 6.6 inches (2480х1148 points, 414 ppi), and 6.38 inches (2400х892 point, 401 ppi). Note that an additional screen is only used to “mirror” imagery (see below). The screen in the unfolded state gets additional features supported by software, including a new multi window mode.
But “dark mode” includes not only the blind fast switches, but in the settings “display and brightness”. The brightness level suggest to adjust manually or use the option “Auto”. Protection mode of view that is activated, including schedule, is designed to remove eye strain by reducing the number of harmful blue. The filter level (“cold””heat”) is adjusted manually. To reduce screen flickering on low brightness, you can use the option “Reduce flicker”. In the display settings it is also proposed to change the scale images and the size of the font.
High resolution (2480×2200 points) can be manually changed on a regular (1860×1650 points) or low (1240х1100 points), but selecting “Smart resolution” has a positive effect on energy saving. Suitable color temperature is selected in the tab “Color mode and temperature” by using the color wheel and the three presets (“default”, “Heat” and “Cold”). In turn, for the color scheme, there are two options”Bright” and “Normal”. In the tab “Calibration application” you can find out which apps are not optimized for full screen mode (in a state of “unfolded/folded”, respectively).
In section “screen & Wallpaper” tab of the “Continuous display” is set to the Always On Display when on / off screen displays the time, date, day of week, battery, and notifications about calls and messages. It also offers to choose the style and color of the hours and the colors change depending on the time of day.
But to enjoy blockbusters better, perhaps, at the folded screen. The fact that the aspect ratio of the display Mate Xs in the unfolded state closer to unity (or rather 1,13), whereas for film formats this value varies in the region of two. So when watching movies the edges will remain unused large black stripes.
the Huawei Mate Xs Review: camera
due to the convertible design photo module Mate at Xs only one, however, he successfully manages not only the rear but also the front. Note that all the optics in photo-module carries the Leica brand.
so, to do a selfie, the user necessarily need to put down your smartphone.
Photo module includes four cameras: the main with a 40-megapixel RYYB-sensor (optical size 1/1.7 inch) won wide-angle lens (f/1.8, EGF 27 mm, phase detection autofocus) with optical stabilization. This camera is called SuperSensing Wide, as it makes a key contribution to the maximum ISO sensitivity that reaches 204 800 units. At telephoto, the camera was an 8 megapixel sensor (optical size 1/4 inch) and the lens (f/2.4, camera 80 mm, phase detection autofocus) with optical stabilization, and a 3x opiceskin zoom (with the support of other chambers is provided by a 5-fold hybrid and 30x digital zoom). For supersonicpayday camera picked up a 16-megapixel sensor and a lens aperture of f/2.2 and auto focus. They say that the EGF of 17 mm, allows you to capture 140% more space. Apart from recording the landscapes, panoramas and General views of this chamber was vested with the functions of macro photography with a minimum focusing distance of 2.5 cm from Crowning photos Quartet 3D ToF camera consisting of an IR receiver and an IR transmitter. Note that in addition to the OIS also provided for AIS stabilization.
the Interface of the Camera application familiar to modern smartphones under the brands Huawei/Honor. So, at the bottom of the viewfinder are icons basic modes – “Aperture”, “Night”, “Portrait”, “Photo”, “Video”, “Profi” and “More”(switch to secondary), among which HDR, “Monochrome”, “Panorama”, “super macro”, etc. Icons at the top of the viewfinder help determine the options AI Lens (some analogue of Google Lens), turn the AI function to choose the flash mode, activate the filter (“Color Leica”), and go to the shortcut settings. File format RAW (DNG) only available in “Pro”.
by the Way, thanks to the folding screen, one of the “chips” Xs Mate was the mode “mirror” shooting when lenses photos module appearing on the two screens of the device (from opposite sides). This, in particular, allows the subject to control your image in the frame.
a Pro is available not only for shooting photos, but also videos. Here offers to customize a SPladies metering, ISO value, shutter speed (only for pictures), stage of compensation, method, focus and white balance. When shooting portraits are recommended not only a means of decoration, but also different effects of the background blur. While shooting in the mode “Night” you can change ISO and shutter speed. But the aperture in the same mode it is easy to choose in the range of f/0.95-f/16 (of course, virtual).
Photo module is able to record video at a maximum resolution of 4K UHD 2160p (3840×2160 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 fps or 60 fps. A choice of standard (H. 264/AVC) and more advanced, economical (H. 265/HEVC) codec. Some of the additional modes included time lapse (“Cut time”) with automatic and manual setting of shooting parameters (at 4K resolution), as well as the speed and duration of the recording. In slow motion mode (Slow) in 1080p the frame rate can be set at 120 fps (4 times), 240 fps (8 times) and even 960 fps (32 times).
Examples of images with photo Mate Xs module can be viewed here.
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: sound
Special musical Mate Xs can not boast: high quality and volume “multimedia” speaker turned out to be mono. About any stereo with a “conversational” speech too.
Signature algorithms Huawei Histen quite the duty to recommend the automatic setting of the sound effects used on the basis of content. At the same time, along with the simulated deep 3D surround (“close”, “front”, “surround”, “maximum”), also suggest a natural and normal modes. In the latter case, you receive not only access to 10-pronomo equalizer with bass boost, five presets and customization, but also to note the type Linluchemos audio enhancement.
Since 3.5 mm audio connector on the smartphone in the box with the phone offers headset with USB Type-C connector. For connecting a private wired accessories, you’ll need the usual adapter “mini-Jack” on the USB Type-C.
For wireless Bluetooth headphones available codecs SBC, AAC, and LDAC HWA (LHDC). Note that all versions of the American aptX absent. With signature of the Music are reproduced tracks of high quality, for example, from FLAC or WAV files. The voice Recorder saves records that can be marked in the course label, the file format is M4A (AAC LC).
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: filling, performance
Smartphone Mate Xs got a new flagship processor HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G (with integrated 5G modem Balong 5000) made on 7-nm technology. Two powerful ARM Cortex-A76 work here at a frequency of 2.86 GHz, two more acting as secondary cores are clocked at a frequency of 2.36 GHz, and the frequency of the four energy-efficient ARM Cortex-A55 is 1.95 GHz.
At the same time the graphics accelerator ARM Mali-G76 uses 16 cores, and for the functions of the artificial intelligence meets the neuroprocessor NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit). Unlike “normal” Kirin 990, the NPU module, in addition to economical Tiny Core includes not one, but two productive core Big Core architecture (Da Vinci).
Test Huawei Mate Xs. The results in the benchmark AnTuTu
Test Huawei Mate Xs. The results in the benchmark GeekBench
Test Huawei Mate Xs. The results in 3DMark
Benchmarks advanced processor, for obvious reasons, get to the top of the leaderboards.
although the device has no records of performance, it makes it easy to cope with virtually any games on the big screen.
note that on Board Mate Xs carries 8 GB of RAM type LPDDR4X. Built-in storage and 512 GB on the basis of the fast memory UFS 2.1 can be expanded with memory card format Nano proprietary Memory by another 256 GB. Note that in this case it takes the place of the second subscriber identity module with a nanoSIM card. In turn, the USB-OTG allows you to connect your smartphone to a USB stick (including those with SMI controllers). Also supported portable external SSD drives with NTFS formatting.
One radio channel allows to work alternately in the mode of DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby), only one of the SIM cards can support 5G network of the fifth generation. Set of wireless communication also includes a 2-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE), IR-port and NFC.
the Application “Virtual console” allows using the IR port to control home appliances from different manufacturers, for example, “smart” Samsung TV.
the NFC Interface, in addition to communication between devices, in tandem with a corresponding app helps to learn, for example, the balance of the transport card “Troika”. In addition corporate purse Huawei (Huawei Wallet), it is recommended to use the app “Wallet” from the St. Petersburg company CardsMobile, which supports the payment system MasterCard.
To determine precise location and navigation it is proposed to use multiple satellite systems — GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo and QZSS. Thus 2-band GPS receiver operates at two carrier frequencies – L1 (1575,42 MHz) and L5 (1176,45 MHz), which helps in the determination of the coordinates in dense urban areas. To coordinate cellular and Wi-Fi networks is the a-GPS.
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: autonomy
the Total amount of energy Mate Xs is the sum of the charges of the two batteries (on each side of the device 2 250 mA*h), total capacity of which 4 500 mA*h. otherwise, to withstand the resulting thickness of the body would be impossible. The maximum power of the adapter wired charging SuperCharge from the test set was 65 watts (20 V/3,25 A). Judging by the presentation Mate Xs, more 55 W it is not required (one major retail chain in sale at the stated 40-watt charger). On the test only half an hour the battery was filled about 85% for 50 to 55 minutes at 100%.
For this reason the presentation Mate Xs did not fail in vain to remember the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G, which charging was 2.3 times less efficient.
Play set Videoraof ICA to MP4 format (hardware decoding) at full brightness every hour reduced the battery by about 11% (for 6 hours). With such autonomy to the records, of course, far, but for the whole working day you can not worry.
In the section “Battery” suggest to configure any power saving mode, including “Ultra”, to manage the running apps in the background, and make use of the tips on power optimization, etc.
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: the features of the software
Xs Mate Smartphone running the Android operating system 10 (Q), which interface is hidden behind the version of proprietary shell EMUI 10, which looks pretty cool on the big screen.
and for many “smartphone” programs this option really makes you look at them in new ways.
On full screen, for example, you can see the settings that appear in the left side of the screen, and enabled them in the options and tabs available at this time in his right side.
smartphone you can use the virtual panel or gestures, supplementing them with the navigation button. Virtual panel includes four combinations of the icons “Back”, “Home”, “Recent apps” and “Call notification panel and quick settings”. There is an option to hide the navigation icons.
In the section “accessibility” it is recommended to activate the control mode with one hand. But on the tab “Quick access and gestures” offers several options, including instant capture, record screen, call answer, mute, decrease volume, etc.
“Chip” the expanded screen has become the new multi-window mode Multi-Window. Now text, images and documents you can drag and drop from window to window. If the application opens on two screens, the access to its content appears in different parts of the program simultaneously.
Display multiple Windows is activated using the panels, which collect the app icons for quick access to them in the appropriate mode. When deployed simultaneously two applications, you can start the third, but in a floating window.
Recall that the Mate Xs capacitive fingerprint scanner combined with the power button/lock, which is very convenient. The registration process (up to five fingerprints) is quite simple and not tedious. And the recognition is almost instantaneous and unmistakable. By the way, saved the papillary pattern can be used not only to unlock the device, but also to protect content in the “Personal” as well as for access to selected applications. Note that in addition to other offers and smart unlock smartphone through a Bluetooth device, for example, an appropriate bracelet. But due to the lack of front camera as such, unlocking the face is not provided.
a Review of Huawei Mate Xs: buying conclusions
the Main “chip” Xs Mate was, of course, its unique convertible design with a large foldable AMOLED display, which, in fact, the combined smartphone and tablet in one device. In addition to the cool design, the novelty was also quite a premium filling. So, the device can boast top-end hardware platform with integrated support 5G networks, the abundant amounts of memory, advanced photo module with Leica optics, powerful battery, complemented by a strong wired charging, and software support for enhanced multitasking on the big screen.
about the weaknesses it is worth noting that the case of the device, or rather, his screen in the folded state, is pretty easily soiled, but the system software still without Google services (GMS). Besides, Mate Xs, as, indeed, his predecessor, was very expensive. At the time of testing in the corporate online store its valued at 199 999 rubles.
However, it is not necessary to consider Mate Xs as a conventional device of mass consumption. Rather, it is a concept that has become just another step in the future of mobile devices with physically variable screen size.
the outcome of the review of Huawei Mate Xs
Pros:
Transformable design with a large folding diplomaticly AMOLED achromasia hardware platform with abundant amatically, including 3D ToF, optics LeicaЕмкая battery, complemented by a strong wire sharedkeyverify enhanced multitasking
Cons:
Very high zanamari corpusculous Google services (GMS) Lyrics: to Lead.Hi-tech
