Huawei Mate X3 Review: The Best Foldable Hardware

The Huawei Mate X3's hardware is very, very, very impressive. Impossibly thin, yet with a real Periscope zoom lens and a hinge with IPX8 water resistance rating.
But of course, there's the elephant in the room regarding software. At this point, you should have your mind made whether or not you can accept it. For me, I think the software limitation is still acceptable.

[@RaceYT323]

The GMS shenanigans is indeed such a shame, but going back 3-4 yrs, Huawei would have trumped every phone manufacturer out there - I mean, when the P30 and P40 series came out, Huawei really started to shine, their cameras and hardware overall were outstanding for their time...the US was feeling the pressure and, came up with some BS excuse for this Huawei ban...the Mate X3 is a dope device!

[@mrinternational5]

The reason was to stop Huawei from taking out their buddies in Apple and Samsung leaving no real competition in the device market. So as not to infringe on Thier burgeoning shares in both. Not like consumers care about quality and innovation 🤷

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

Also they wanted to be the only ones who spy on people with apps and hardware. Funny that they said Huawei wasn't safe due to Spyware yet they also spy. What a Big baby America is.

[@Thiccolo]

Huawei telecommunications would literally copy Cisco designs remake their IP and then have backdoors in them. The UK right now have come to realize that a lot of their telecom infrastructure has backdoors in them from Huawei. It has nothing to do with apple.

[@user-99a]

​@@Thiccolo有确实的证据吗？英国拿出过证据吗？ ？苹果有泄露门，美国软件受政府监控，这都是有确实的证据。。少看点假新闻吧，有点脑子和判断力。

[@mrinternational5]

@@Thiccolo anyone with an independent brain that thinks for themselves, knows your wrong about it not just been about their stocks and shares. It was and is. Cisco already have back doors built into there systems it's a prerequisite from the US intelligence to allow them to have the technology in first place. I know it's ok to be listen on by America or Britain but it's wrong if China are doing it. All at same time telling Chinese they are bad to Thier ppl by watching them. It's ok In west where it's done secretly. You have no idea the lengths these politicians will go to to secure wealth for themselves. Also banning infrastructure tech is one thing. Not allowing a company to use a operating system that actually keeps you some sort of part and control in it is stupidity and makes no sense where there is no evidence the mobiles where tapped any more than any other phone on same networks using basically the same internals.

[@andyH_England]

I am a Huawei fan and have no issues not having GMS. Although the most expensive foldable, that is because it is the best; £2000 in the UK but £150 off ATM so not far off Pixel and Galaxy Folds. I use 4G on all my phones as 5G eats battery; I get 1-2 hours extra turning it off on my Pixel 7P for instance. So that would not be a downer especially as 4G is >100Mb in my locale. Thanks for the review; sadly Huawei does not get enough coverage these days.

[@rafidd]

you love 5g if you want a self driving car or, you're a gold digger

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Yeah I live in the United States tonight could give an f about 5G. It makes no noticeable benefit or difference for me when I'm using it or not.

[@casualtechreviewer1196]

Held it in the hand at a store and it felt like a normal phone when folded.

[@jjeter7828]

Over here In the U.S government act like they got a major problem with China but majority of everything I see is made by China. Its weird.. Huawei is was is still my favorite phone company even though I can't get.. 😓

[@CISO_007]

Hello Ben, thanks to bring us this video. I was waiting for it since your last video on this device. Huawei really nailed it. Samsung says their phone doesn't close flat because of water resistance. But Huawei shut up their mouth.

[@harishramaiah2503]

Its a pity that politics has stopped this company getting 5G and Google, seriously this not how modern world should move, please be more open to get most of a tech :)

[@HuntaKiller91]

They really should drop off their Kirin if Huawei is serious with Google Battery life is fine because of Harmony OS

[@rafidd]

5g needed for what.... controlling aeroplane? idk good tech tho pardon my mistack

[@mutopz]

The US forgot China has a population of 1.4 billion which is more than the whole OECD combined, as long as many billions of people in the rest of the world, who would be happy to support Huawei. They bans will only make Huawei stronger and ultimately compromise the current US monopoly in mobile operating systems.

[@drm3394]

​@@HuntaKiller91this phone uses snapdragon chip

[@harishramaiah2503]

@@rafidd I dont know other places but atleast here I can definitely see difference using 5G as have been on 5G from past two months

[@localblackman427]

Thanks for this vid!! And thanks for including that night video section. I'm loving the competition

[@enochdarling3334]

I wish I can afford this incredible phone wow Huawei.

[@nosidezone6256]

Just adding it up, I'm using the Mate X3 international version so I installed Light house, Every Google apps including android auto works on Light house right now on the Mate X3. Also the Push notifications works flawlessly if power saving disable on apps. The only thing not supports is banking apps and Assistant as of my testing. Incredible phone, amazing cameras. Hope this helps for future Huawei buyers..)

[@lpka]

I'm trying to install it on MATEPAD 2022 that says it is compatible. But does not work. Lighthouse says X2 is compatible. So before I pull the trigger. Can you see that TIMELINE in google maps is working?

[@mariogrifus8020]

sorry i know only in malysia??

[@cobraism_tate]

where did you get that app from?

[@lpka]

@@cobraism_tate you have to change location in APP gallery to Malaysia and than you can see the app

[@succesthobela7084]

​@@lpkadownload gbox it's reliable

[@mohammadzein504]

The Mate X3 has its short comings, specifically in software and GMS related! But the Huawei have nocked it out of the park when it comes to hardware! Truly impressive! 💪 Thank you Ben for the review and side comparisons, that show how capable this fold is👍👍👍

[@soheiladam7510]

You can use Google, so what are those issues?!. in China none of that matter.

[@dohnjoe1002]

Submerge or submersible, no submergible. Keep up the great reviews and carry on.

[@deminmax]

Awesome video quality with fx3! :) I've been able to play with this phone and I agree with everything you say - this is an impressive hardware. Camera quality in software may need a little work. What I was lacking is half folded optimizations. KZbin doesn't split same as zoom and other apps. Looking forward to these updates! Huawei Mate X3 is awesome!

[@hoshbenben1152]

Great! Looking forward to your P60 Pro full review.

[@joshuabergeman354]

This is the only folding phone that I want. I don't even care about not having 5G or Google. I love my P40 pro. The only problem aside from the price and difficulty to get is because I live in the US I can't get the support from Huawei that I should

[@uMADden]

Wha cry cry, we In the US, we need our 5G and google play

[@janawehbe4149]

Imagine i still use my p30 and its sky rocket fast! Unlike shitty apple devices that slow down every year! My 13 pro is no near fast as my p30!

[@flyingtiger3954]

​@@janawehbe4149this is exactly true. I used all other brand phone in the past and it slow down every yr and die off especially the battery died, i guess thats how big company make u buy another new phone. But my huawei p30 still fast like almost new after 3 yrs and battery still great.

[@theeaznetofficial]

If you could do a mega comparison (camera, screen, software, design, etc.) between all the major brands' foldable phone it would be awesome. Great content again Ben. Keep it up

[@JayJayH3424]

Samsung beats it on camera, screen, software and battery life, 40% faster, more ram, just a better phone

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

​@@JayJayH3424Z Fold 4 has a garbage outer aspect ratio unlike the Huawei Mate X3 and I say that as a Samsung fan using the S23 Ultra.

[@boombot934]

Thank you, Ben👍 good review😊

[@johnwolf7073]

this phone looks so good, thanks for the info love from Greece!

[@mauricioloayza4356]

Great video, as always!! When are you reviewing the vivo x fold 2?? We re still waiting 😀. All the best!!

[@soladsani]

WOW! ..what a great great video ben you have done in bringing and explaining the huawei mate 3x fold! ..what a fold! ..Couldn't agree more with you! 👌 ..one thing though, ..does it support the huawei stylus like the Mate 20X ??! ..Absolutely great job ben 👍 ..thank you ✌

[@danielcaranti2500]

Huawei is one of the best mobile technology companies in the world. Period. Their products are ALWAYS top notch. They push the limits, and then everyone has to catch up. They are the Apple of China, and have the most complete ecosystem of devices there is available today. And this is why the US sanctions exist, to stop them from beating Apple as the most valuable company on the planet. They were about to be, but the US prevented it from happening. They still can be if they continue to do their thing. I am a complete Huawei fan, and I own one of their products in almost every category (Mate 50 Pro, MatePad11, Matebook D16, Watch Fit 2, Huawei EyeWear, Huawei AI Speaker, Huawei Backpack !, etc.).

[@GoddardEmpire]

I really miss Huawei, they genuinely innovate and bring us cutting edge tech. I'm certain that's why they were banned, too ahead of the game and affordable. Cutting into other big tech companies money.

[@pablovi77]

Why do you miss them? They don’t sell that in your country?

[@hazemfive]

Good review, respect to the reviewer.

[@kirinyagakihanya2631]

Been waiting for this review for a minute! Last you shot at Huawei HQs it wasn't in stock, is it available now? Can I place an order through you or directly from Huawei?

[@BarbaryStudio]

Ben i see on your face a smile 9:52 that you will show us the oneplus foldable soon. You are the best tech youtuber from asia bo bullshit real talk and straight to the point.

[@enjoy8747]

Hi, good review as always, is this mate x3 have better zoom lens than mate x2?

[@hafizyaakob5753]

Hi, I'm here to watch your video, I'm holding the Huawei Mate X3 device for the first time in one of the malls in Malaysia

[@djwoody249]

Great as always

[@markguim]

That hardware looks great. Definitely want to play with one in person

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Hi Mark!

[@zacharyseet7904]

Hi ben great review, are u still going to review the vivo x fold 2?

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

Informative, enjoyable review.

[@andresmile6447]

That's the proper placement of inside selfie camera for best viewing experience!

[@lukecoverdale3861]

360p video is hard to watch?

[@markshumaker4135]

probably hasnt gone through to 1080p an 4k yet.. it takes time

[@joelconolly5574]

That's how I usually watch my vids.

[@cruzdesangre2850]

That's a KZbin problem, it uploads the video in 360p first and after some minutes it uploads the 1080p version

[@mohamedshahrim]

I thought I'm the only one

[@bensgadgetreviews]

It's still processing. I'm sorry. I never know when processing is finished I wanted to wait until it was done

[@hail2daking00]

Hey Ben great video personally i like the x3 but camera layout is not appealing to me. Regarding the app info on huawei devices instead of going to the settings you can long press the app icon in recent menu and it opens it up, not as accessible as samsung but its an option.

[@rahimahmed9113]

Nice video ben which phone do u think is better oppo find n2 fold or the Huawei mate x 3

[@TobiLotta]

is it possible to qatch youtube or any other video when phone is half open on the upper screen?

[@IkesTechTalk]

Google's claim was based on devices that are sold in the market they are selling the Pixel Fold. They tried to be slick by throwing it in the fine print 😂 dope vid as always Ben and this would 100% be in my pocket if it could function properly in the states

[@Igor_Itkin]

I have the mate x3 and I love it!

[@fzn5657]

Hey mate … does the 4G on it feel restrictive in anyway ? Waiting for your response

[@Igor_Itkin]

@@fzn5657 in Germany 5g is not so much in common yet. 4g is enough for me.

[@ixanaths]

love Huawei, best proud ever !!!

[@miltenburg77]

I am pretty pissed off with those restrictions too and it's a shame because just look at that hardware man. I tried to buy and use Huawei even after things got banned but eventually i gave up because i do want to use GMS and i know that that's partially because of myself so it's a double edge sword kinda thing.. Great video as usual :)

[@MiRas1973]

Hi Ben, I have the Huawei Mate X3 amazing phone! You may not know this using Huawei M-Pen 2s it does indeed support Stylus for both cover screen and inner screen just like the new Honor Magic V2 so Huawei was first with this feature!😀

[@erzalovesthesun9602]

I'm sure you've heard about it but probably don't endorse it but Gbox, Gspace and KZbin vanced (revanced) eliminates the belief that using a huawei phone nowadays is very different from any other device. The only difference is that the apps I mentioned are not official. That's it. Regarding banking, huawei is partnering with domestic banks depending on the country to create an app on appgallery. Here in the Philippines, almost all banks are on the appgallery.

[@eliassourlis6206]

Good evening - I recently got the mate x2 with harmonyOS - (I like it as a device) - but I'm also interested in the mate x3 - you had both - which one did you like more?

[@billyc2730]

Finally using it... No problem at all running the gms as gbox and gspace makes life easier. Notifications are on time too. But lil disappointed at the battery capacity as this European /global version is actually slightly lower than the Chinese variant. The screen is power hungry. The colors options too are limited, just the green n black. Why huawei didn't give the gold n lavender options, i wonder. Nonetheless, by far the best folding phone.

[@RECHINUPUBLICITAR]

Thank you so much... Battery life?

[@hermanbeamer55]

Love the phone

[@BLOOD.08]

This smartphone is the epitome of state-of-the-art technology - the best device in the world. This foldable smartphone is the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology - the best device in the world. By all means, Please sell it in Japan as well.!!!🎉 🙏

[@davk846]

Ben, how does this compare to the cousin, Honor V2 ?

[@breakingthewall2112]

It is a beautiful phone and def next gen foldable

[@joecelfelizardo402]

I am interested to see how gaming perform in this phone 🤔. Will it perform like LG dual screen or it will show as one/whole screen only.

[@Igor_Itkin]

You can open the app information by launching the app, opening the switcher and long press on the app icon.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

That's too many steps to do something all Android phones do one way

[@stel1000]

Does it support pen? Also, is the crease better than on the oppo n2 fold?

[@mikeangelotarcelo6561]

This new foldable phone looks like a normal phone when it is folded. Impressive!

[@pandacalvin9561]

How do u feel between honor magic vs and huawei mate x3?

[@modestman6753]

Ice universe said oneplus fold will have same/better hardware like mate x3. That will make oneplus fold way better since oneplus also have great software

[@hazemfive]

Yes true, seems interesting. Might upgrade my vivo x fold to it.

[@modestman6753]

@@Zeus-qp3og yes it will have like mate x3

[@jaredbridgeman246]

Shoutout to Ben for doing his full analysis reviews always like this one. Believe it or not, this types of reviews are what phone companies hate. For example, Xiaomi hates when reviewers do phone reviews discussing full details on their products, and will threaten them with the "please take down" or reupload your videos "edited" removing this detail or you can't say that about the battery etc maybe even about the no headphone jack or we will no longer give you review units!! That's why Ben does be one of the few reviewers who does purchase the phone with their own money because of this nonsense that these phone companies are doing. The public needs to know what's going on. Why you think that you're no longer seeing "battery tests" videos or even phone comparisons as before? All I can say is that although it'll be cool if Ben get a review unit from a phone company, it's best he does it this way because it's the right way of reviewing phones. This watered down censorship that phone companies are doing are ridiculous, because they want to create trends with phone and we the customers should accept it especially when it starts from Apple and it becomes a ripple effect with every phone company? Foolishness!!! So yeah, this was a long response to your video Ben, but keep up the good work!!! I don't mind waiting on your videos so that we can see the truth about these phones and the quality or lack thereof. Imagine that again Xiaomi has a problem with reviewers talking about the 1080p selfie camera? 🙄🤔🤦🏾‍♂😒 Would be great if you discuss this problem someday Ben, you guys are the eyes for us the customers!!! 👍🏾 All the best to you Ben!!!

[@Crom21]

as always Nice phone

[@Igor_Itkin]

I have Google maps through gbox but I like petal maps more, it's a very good app hand will use it on all other android devices.

[@grantgee2842]

I currently hv the mate xs2, is it worth the upgrade to go to the Mate x3 in your opinion?

[@animeshsharma4346]

I have a 2020 Huawei device ,it's build quality and battery optimisation are still remarkable with 2023 devices except Camera, UI . But ,not a single major Android Update and the lack of International support is hurting the brand . Maybe ,if they could unlock bootloader by Update ,we could unofficially get updates.

[@elijah6477]

The only drawback of using huawei's latest phones is that it doesn't have 5G, but as for the gms, there are many workaround to install a native gms to huawei phone. I'm currently using p40 with native google and until now it works great.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

The workaround is not ideal for me, someone who needs Google for work

[@jjuvbgx193]

You rock🎉

[@markshumaker4135]

4g is still good for me i still have a 4g phone i use with no internet issues or speed issues... i just wish the honor magic 5 ultimate was global an not china only

[@jezaster1]

And At the end of the day which one you use? The mate or the Galaxy?

[@GamerGenie87]

Awesome video, can you play call of duty mobile on this? Hows it on games?

[@lltechview]

Press on the icon in multitasking overview to jump into app info. That works on most UIs by chinese manufacturers

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Doesn't work

[@lltechview]

@@bensgadgetreviews Its working here. Would be strange if they removed it.

[@s.ferres4595]

I had all Mate XS 1/2 and I know what you mean, better than any other foldable. This one is really expensive and I have to wait

[@benjaminl2017]

Thinking of getting this. Coming from the z fold 3 😅

[@EdsTechReview]

So is it impossible to purchase this phone and use in the US or is there a bunch of hoops to jump through in order to make it happen? I want this phone.

[@locosmuevenmundo]

what you would say is better performing, Mate40 pro or mate X3?

[@ThatsPety]

Great review. Tiny correction: the oppo Find N2 is a little lighter at 233 or 237 grams (depending on if you go glass back or leather back)

[@bensgadgetreviews]

The find n2 is so much smaller I sort of disregard it when it comes to weight talk. Because the find n2 is thick. Its only thinner because it's like 65% the size of other foldables.

[@ThatsPety]

@@bensgadgetreviews I don't think that's quite true. The Find N2 is 7.1" when opened (compared to 7.6" on samsung and Google's foldables). Not that big a difference. I think it just looks different because of it's different aspect ratio

[@jorgecabral617]

hello good afternoon. first congratulations for the videos. I'm from Brazil and I recently bought the Mate X3 based on the analysis you made of the device. I have a situation, and I don't know if you can help me. using Gbox I downloaded whatsapp, however I cannot receive notifications from the application. do you know how to solve? hugs and thanks

[@tiffanyorlane2444]

Thank you à lot for your review. I had the same ideas as you on this phone. I have a question and I, hope you can do the test on it. The China version had 5g. Is it possible to use this 5g in Europe or elsewhere. The test will be very Interesting and can buy it directly from HK.

[@cwchan1625]

4G only, no 5G for China/Hong Kong version!

[@polpoly376]

I have a question 4 you guys, is there a way to make X3 to turn it self off [like if I press the power button] when I fold [close] it? Cause it's lights up the out screen and I have to press the pwr button to close everything I've been doen'..

[@MGenet14U]

Ben I had it here in the USA and the phone drops the calls all the time and its because its only 4G and it drops to 2G. I have a friend that has the X5 and since that one is 5G it drops to 4G LTE so it works. When it comes to Google you can side load it and everything works perfectly.

[@supremeleader69]

The best foldable in the design section.

[@dotunmakun]

Wow! Love that hardware but cannot part with that much cash for any smartphone 😊. Shame that the US is playing politics with tech and stiffening competition amongst tech manufacturers and costing the end user ultimately. Very beautiful work Huawei 👌

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

Hey thank the CCP actions hence why the sanctions also the CCP shot their foot by blocking google

[@hellothere3473]

how many changed from samsung fold 3 or 4 to huawei mate x3?

[@BOSS_1417]

What about the vivo x fold?

[@iceburn2020]

honor v2 and xiaomi fold 3 comming soon. should be nice comparo.

[@Arqanaa]

I have one already and i have to say it's a marvelous phone and yes am using KZbin app on it to type this comment

[@9oth]

Recently got this phone and sadly after a few days of trying to adjust from my old iPhone 13 Pro Max it just was missing too many features such as reliable NFC, GMS, and many game application such as Clash of Clans which runs but in a terrible format which doesn’t utilise the full screen. Bought it in the UK and I do have to say this phone just isn’t worth it from a iOS users POV, maybe if you are already Android user you will not be disappointed but the camera on Snapchat is terrible on this device. Such a shame as the hardware on this phone is incredible and it feels great in hand and unfolding but software really is not good enough, Huawei have a great return policy letting you use the device for upto 2 weeks before you can get a full refund on a return so I have sent back for a return and will wait for Apple to release a foldable hopefully in the next 5 years. In total I would not recommend this device unless you are already a Android user and do not mind the lack of GMS, banking apps and the use of APK downloads for certain apps (no notifications). Very disappointing as I love the phone but hate the lack of apps, games, notifications, Android OS and no NFC usability and not to mention the quite poor battery life at only 4800 mah with such a big screen the battery size of my iPhone is only a bit lower, foldables will need Gen 2 processors + or a battery with capacity at 5500 mah+ to compete with standard phones.

[@ludotech5623]

Vivo X Fold 2😍😍

[@amitjesur]

Why is it in 360p quality?😑

[@tigagadu972]

I swear i miss huawei so mutch....im so sad about all these sanction

[@BarbaryStudio]

I’m very happy other manufacturers are innovating the best way, i hope Sony will make a foldable with insane specs with audio jack and micro sd card, it will be the first real smartphone what comes close to desktop experience on the go for real productivity, micro sd card reader and audio jack is very important for a content creator. Samsung keep sleeping and not innovating your devices, you had a change to bring build in spen option in fold 5 you didn’t do it and no problem god bless other manufacturers who are there.

[@mindovermatter1453]

Man if i was to return to android it would be the mate x3 but the google issues put me off abit. The pixel fold looks great but i hate the tensor chips

[@funkentelechy1708]

Great device. 😎 But it isn't pen compatible, is it?

[@luckherry]

It support m2 pen(Huawei)

[@funkentelechy1708]

@@luckherry Wow, even with pen support! Inside and outside?

[@mariogrifus8020]

hi ben i buy I'm using 2 week and for me is how a fold need to build. I use gbox and I'm very happy

[@rolins3279]

It is clearly currently the best foldable at the hardware level (if we exclude the dated processor and the lack of 5G). But, on the other hand, it is true that we can say that it is not ''Huawei's fault'' that they are forced to use a processor from last year without 5G and especially without GMS , but on the other hand, the price positioning of Huawei smartphones depends completely on Huawei, that's the problem, Huawei clearly behaves as if it does not have a handicap related to US sanctions 🤷🏽‍♂️.

[@gantenbeinable]

I hear you. But it is the worlds best foldable. If you make the worlds best product, you can ask for any price.

[@cokeysmokey]

no sound?

[@carlossancho2130]

Thanks for your videos.....I think it is a expensive phone.....!

[@K22MDL]

Like you Ben, I am too peeed off with the USA messing the future of Huawei. I jumped ship off Samsung years ago because of Huawei's quality and amazing camera's. I so want the new X3 but without GMS it's really screwed. I use Android Auto all the time for example - there is no hack for that and running GBox on my Huawei X2 is quite frankly a joke. The £2kGBP price is very high but if it had GMS I'd have one - and sell my Fold 4, X2 & Note 20! Shame on you USA - see some competition that you were struggling to compete with and you just effectively close them down.

[@grantgee2842]

Don't you miss 5G with the mate X3?

[@alirashdan7184]

are notifications on 3rd part apps like twitter, whatsapp, instagram delayed or suffer problems?

[@bensgadgetreviews]

No delay doe Twitter or Instagram but delay for slack.

[@alirashdan7184]

@@bensgadgetreviews thank you

[@gianpaolohank]

I think the lack of Google apps and the high price tag makes it an hard sell especially in Europe. Great video as always 🤟🏻

[@pablotzarev]

Is android auto work with this phone

[@osamamousa2634]

It is really unfortunate that Google services do not work on Huawei devices because they are really good devices

[@Kyinre_]

I didn't know you can use Google Maps on this. That's nice to know. I suppose Google Pay does not work? Or does it? Other than that, I think non GMS seems fine.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Google pay does not work

[@Kyinre_]

@@bensgadgetreviews aw, that's a bummer, but thanks! 🙂

[@momosimo9810]

you are tested z50 nubia

[@GtheJuggler]

They should make a 5G case for it like they did with the P60.

[@EtherealGoddess_Ent]

CRINGE

[@cubekong6272]

360p 😢