The Huawei Mate X3 is a masterclass in engineering, representing the pinnacle of foldable technology for power users in Pakistan who demand both luxury and productivity. Currently retailing for approximately Rs. 645,000 (roughly $2,300 USD) through premium importers and select retailers, this device is for those who want a tablet-sized screen that fits comfortably in a pocket. Announced globally on 23 March 2023, it remains one of the most sophisticated devices available in the local market today.
Key details
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 645,000
- Price in US: $2,300
- Display: 7.85-inch Foldable OLED main screen
- Battery: 4800 mAh with 66W wired charging
- Camera: 50MP main sensor
- Official website: consumer.huawei.com
Design & Build
The first thing you notice about the Huawei Mate X3 is how impossibly thin it feels, measuring just 5.3mm when unfolded. It uses a proprietary hinge mechanism that feels incredibly robust, allowing for a seamless fold with no visible gap. At 239 grams, it is surprisingly light for a foldable, making it easier to hold for long periods than its competitors. The build quality is premium, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame that exudes professional elegance.
Display
The device features a 7.85-inch Foldable OLED internal display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing fluid scrolling and a stunning visual experience. The outer cover screen is a 6.4-inch OLED panel, also supporting 120Hz, which makes it feel like a traditional flagship phone when closed. Colors are vivid, and the brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor use under the harsh Pakistani sun, hitting up to 1000 nits in peak conditions.
Performance
Under the hood, the Mate X3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset. While it lacks native 5G support, the performance remains top-tier for gaming, multitasking, and heavy productivity tasks. With 12GB of RAM, switching between apps is instantaneous, and the software optimization ensures that the large screen real estate is utilized effectively through split-screen modes and floating windows.
Camera
Huawei remains a leader in mobile photography, and the Mate X3 is no exception. It houses a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The image processing is excellent, delivering natural skin tones and high dynamic range. Whether you are capturing landscapes or portraits, the detail retention is exceptional, standing toe-to-toe with the best camera flagships.
Battery
Equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, the Mate X3 comfortably lasts through a full day of moderate use. It supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. In our testing, the device charged from 0 to 100 percent in approximately 45 minutes using the included charger, which is quite impressive for a device with such a large display area.
Verdict
The Huawei Mate X3 is a triumph of design and functionality, making it the most refined foldable experience available for tech enthusiasts in Pakistan. While the high price and lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) out-of-the-box are hurdles, the hardware superiority and camera performance make it a worthy investment for power users who rely on Huawei's ecosystem or are comfortable using GBox to bridge the gap. If you want the thinnest, most capable foldable on the market, this is the phone to buy.