Huawei is back with a successor to the Mate X foldable, the Mate XS. Although, externally, the device looks very similar to the original, Huawei says it’s got a more durable display and features a redesigned hinge. It also features a faster processor, the Kirin 990. Unfortunately, due to Huawei’s continued presence on the US’s entity list, the device won’t release with any Google apps or services, meaning it won’t come with access to the Google Play Store. It will be releasing in “global markets” outside China next month for €2,499.
The new Mate Xs introduces a new hinge design that greatly improves the robustness of the flexible display, allowing for a much “flatter” and crease-less device experience, all whilst improving the screen’s durability thanks to a new polymide top protection layer.
This time around, Huawei says it’s using a “quad-layer” construction for the screen on the Mate XS, which it says should make it more robust. Up top are two layers of polyamide film, which were stuck together using a clear adhesive. Below that is the flexible OLED display. Then there’s a softer polymer layer that acts as a cushion and a final layer to connect it to the main body of the device. However, this is still an all-plastic construction; there’s no glass involved here like what we’ve seen with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip.
It’s to be noted that not only does this bring more CPU and GPU power compared to its predecessor Kirin 980 chipset, but this means that the new Mate Xs ditches the discrete 5G modem chip in favour of the integrated unit found in the new 5G SoC, a feature that only Huawei is able to claim possible in 2020 flagship models.
The camera configuration also remains the same, and we see a 40MP RYYB f/1.8 sensor as the main unit, accompanied by a 8MP 3x telephoto module with f/2.4 optics and OIS, as well as a 16MP ultra-wide-angle f/2.2 camera module.
Externally, this is visible through a new cover piece at the sides of the hinge which now better cover the internals and should help with avoiding getting particulates inside of the hinge mechanism.
Unlike the original Mate X, which only released in China, Huawei says the new Mate XS will be releasing in “global markets.” The €2,499 model comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage.
