The Huawei Mate V is a sophisticated, compact foldable smartphone designed for users who prioritize premium aesthetics and portability without sacrificing flagship power. Currently available in the Pakistani grey market, the device commands a price of approximately Rs. 385,000, which converts to roughly $1,380 based on current exchange rates as of 24 May 2024.

Key details

- Official Announcement Date: 23 December 2021
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 385,000
- Price in US Dollars: $1,380
- Primary Display: 6.9-inch Foldable OLED
- Battery: 4000 mAh with 40W fast charging
- Connectivity: Check official device compatibility at consumer.huawei.com

Design & Build

The Huawei Mate V features a stunning clamshell design that fits perfectly in a pocket. The hinge mechanism is remarkably smooth, showing no visible crease under normal lighting. The chassis feels high-end, utilizing premium materials that provide a balanced weight of 190 grams. It is a fashion-forward device that feels as good as it looks.

Display

Unfolding the device reveals a 6.9-inch OLED panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring that scrolling through social media or menus feels buttery smooth. With a resolution of 1188 x 2790 pixels, the colors are vibrant and punchy. The external secondary display is a small, circular OLED panel that is highly useful for checking notifications and time without opening the phone.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 888 4G chipset. In real-world usage, the phone handles multitasking and heavy gaming with ease. While it lacks 5G support, the 8GB of RAM ensures that apps remain open in the background without lag. Whether you are editing photos or running demanding applications, the performance remains consistent.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup, featuring a 40MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. The images captured are sharp with accurate color reproduction. The 10.7MP selfie camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout, delivering excellent clarity for video calls and portraits. Night mode performance is particularly impressive, pulling in significant detail even in low-light environments.

Battery

Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, the Mate V manages to last a full day of moderate use. It supports 40W wired fast charging, allowing the phone to hit 50% capacity in approximately 30 minutes. While heavy users might need a top-up by the evening, the charging speed is adequate for most urban users in Pakistan.

Verdict

The Huawei Mate V is a bold statement piece for those who want to stand out from the crowd with a compact, foldable design. While the lack of Google Mobile Services and 5G might be a dealbreaker for some, the build quality, 120Hz display, and solid camera performance make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. If you value style and portability above all else, this is a top-tier foldable that delivers a refined user experience.