I’VE had some really historic sports coverages in my career.
At the top of the list was weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz delivering the Philippines’ first gold medal in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 after nearly a century of heartbreak.
The unsung hero on my end during that momentous moment? My HUAWEI P30 Pro, which I used to capture her winning moment on video and in photos, even when I was some 50 meters away from the Tokyo International Forum stage.
The following year, I witnessed Ernest John Obiena smash his own record to clinch a second straight pole vault gold in the 2022 Hanoi Southeast Asian Games.
My weapon of choice this time, even though I was in the stands, some 70 meters away? A HUAWEI P40 Pro.
I have since handed down that HUAWEI phone to my nephew, who needed a powerful gadget for his college projects and moved on to a “less powerful” smartphone.
So imagine the excitement I felt at the chance of getting my hands on HUAWEI’s latest masterpiece – the HUAWEI Mate X6.
Let’s get down to it.
Design
The first thing that hits you when you unbox the HUAWEI Mate X6 is its astonishing thinness. It is a marvel of engineering at a mere 4.6mm unfolded and 9.9 mm when folded – a level of fresh air in a world of increasingly bulky smartphones. Even though this is a foldable, the Mate X6 is still a relatively lightweight foldable phone, weighing approximately 239 grams (8.43 oz). The size and weight essentially make it just a normal bar phone.
The HUAWEI Mate X6 is also one of the toughest, if not the toughest in the market. Engineered for exceptional durability, the MATE X6’s outer display is shielded by Kunlun Glass 2nd Generation, which boosts its resistance to drops and scratches. The inner screen features a carbon fiber plate, enhancing its stiffness and ability to withstand pressure. Adding to its resilience, the phone boasts of an aviation-grade aluminum middle frame for superior strength against impacts.
The vegan leather back feels incredibly premium and offers a firm grip that inspires confidence, unlike slippery glass slabs (The red phone case that covers the backside is super nice for variety).
Holding it, whether folded as a surprisingly manageable “slab” phone or unfolded into a mini-tablet, it consistently feels balanced and solid. The new basalt water drop multidimensional hinge is a triumph – it’s incredibly smooth, holds its position at various angles, and the crease on the inner display is almost imperceptible.
The IPX8 water resistance rating also brings a welcome peace of mind, especially with the unpredictable weather in the Philippines.
Cameras
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is where the magic happens and is the primary reason why it is my preferred choice for any news or sports coverage.
The XMAGE camera system is genuinely flagship-grade that separates itself from the “pretenders” to its throne.
The 50MP main camera with its variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0) is a game-changer, allowing for incredible control over depth of field and truly exceptional low-light performance. I’ve been consistently impressed with the detail, dynamic range, and natural color reproduction of photos taken with the main lens.
The Mate X6’s 48 MP telephoto macro camera offers an impressive 4x optical zoom, which can be digitally extended to an astonishing 100x magnification for capturing extremely distant subjects, without significant loss of detail, especially for those sporting action on the field, while the 40MP ultra-wide angle camera is equally competent.
The “Ultra Chroma Camera” with its 1.5 million spectral channels is more than just marketing, it genuinely contributes to accurate and lifelike colors and I can’t wait to take this beast on a spin when I head off to some adventure out of town.
A complement to these is the Multi-Angle Hovering Photography feature, enabled by the Mate X6’s innovative hinge. This allows the phone to be partially folded and placed on a surface, acting as its own tripod for stable shots from various angles, facilitating hands-free photography and creative compositions without the need for additional accessories. This combination empowers users to capture stunning images, from sweeping landscapes to intricate macro details, with enhanced flexibility and precision.
As a pro writer/reporter for quite some time now, selfies are the least of my concerns, but the HUAWEI Mate X6 still delivers on this end as taking them with the rear cameras, using the cover screen as a viewfinder, is a fantastic feature.
These features just prove that unlike other foldables, HUAWEI did not sacrifice the quality and performance of its Mate X6 cameras.
Battery and Charging
The 5110mAh battery provides excellent endurance. Even with the large foldable display, I comfortably get through a full day of moderate to heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the 66W wired SuperCharge is extremely fast, topping up the battery in no time. The 50W wireless SuperCharge is also a convenient addition, allowing for quick power boosts without fumbling for cables.
Displays
Both the main 7.93-inch foldable OLED, which offers a bigger viewing experience than its competitors, and the 6.45-inch cover screen, are simply stunning to say the least. HUAWEI’s “X-True Display” lives up to its name, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate on both panels ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and a responsive user experience.
What truly stands out is the brightness as the cover screen’s 2500 nits peak brightness makes it legible even under the harsh Philippine sun, a definite plus for outdoor use. The main display at 1800 nits, is equally impressive for indoor viewing, whether I’m catching up on the latest episode of the Last of Us on HBO, or editing a sports story when I’m outside the office. The 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming is also a thoughtful addition for eye comfort during prolonged usage.
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s “Live Multi-Task” feature significantly enhances productivity by allowing users to run up to three applications simultaneously on its expansive unfolded screen. This means you can, for example, participate in a video conference, respond to an email, and reference a document all at once, effectively transforming the foldable phone into a mini-tablet workstation. This capability is particularly useful for business travelers, content creators who need to manage their workflow from shoot to publish, and anyone looking to maximize screen real estate for an immersive and efficient multitasking experience.
Performance and Software
The HUAWEI Mate X6 handles daily tasks with admirable fluidity. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and I haven’t encountered any significant lag in my general usage.
For casual gaming, it performs really well and with the right settings, the same can be said for graphically intensive titles.
Now, for the elephant in the room for us here in the Philippines. What about the software experience without Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
It ain’t a huge problem for me really, as HUAWEI’s AppGallery has grown significantly through the years, and I found a surprising number of essential local apps available directly or through GBox.
The other omission is 5G connectivity. But hey, in the Philippines, only 6 percent of the entire country uses this kind of connection, and if truth be told, the 4G speed of HUAWEI phones is comparable to that of a 5G connectivity.
Verdict
HUAWEI has firmly established itself as a leader in folding technology and overall tech innovation. Its relentless investment in R&D and user-centric approach to solving complex engineering challenges has reshaped the possibilities of mobile devices and cemented its leadership and dominance in the evolving smartphone landscape.
The result is the HUAWEI Mate X6 — a magnificent piece of hardware. Its design, durability, and camera system are truly class-leading, making it one of the best, if not the best, foldable phone in the market from a sheer hardware perspective. Its stunning and durable foldable design and an exceptional camera experience are top-notch and if you can adapt to HUAWEI’s software ecosystem, then the Mate X6 is definitely worth considering.
So if you’re a professional putting in the hard work day in and day out, or an entrepreneur running a successful business, or a leader/trendsetter, who people look up to as role a model, a HUAWEI Mate X6 in your hands is a validation of your hard work, success and stature — a badge of excellence worth its weight in gold.
