The Huawei Mate X5 has made its debut, offering an exciting new option in the world of foldable smartphones. This device, unveiled just last week, is making waves as one of the first to feature the Huawei Kirin 9000S chipset. In this article, we delve into the details of this new contender and explore how it compares to its predecessor, the Mate X3.
Exclusive to China for Now
As of now, the Huawei Mate X5 is exclusively available in the Chinese market. This exclusive release strategy is common among smartphone manufacturers, allowing them to gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments before a wider global launch.
Key Features of the Huawei Mate X5
The highlight of the Mate X5 is undoubtedly its Huawei Kirin 9000S chipset. While it retains many of the features that made the Mate X3 a popular choice, the chipset is where it diverges significantly. Unlike its predecessor, which relied on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, the Mate X5 opts for the Kirin 9000S.
The Kirin 9000S chipset is built on a foundation of ARM Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A510 CPU cores, combined with a cutting-edge 7 nm manufacturing process. These technical specifications suggest that, while the Mate X5 brings improvements in some areas, it may not outperform its predecessor in all tasks.
Memory and Storage Options
One notable change in the Mate X5 is the memory configuration. Huawei has upped the ante, providing 16 GB of RAM compared to the Mate X3's configuration. This boost in RAM promises smoother multitasking and enhanced overall performance.
When it comes to storage, the Mate X5 offers 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options, which align with the storage capacities available for the Mate X3. These choices ensure that users have ample space for their apps, photos, and data.
Diverse Mate X5 Variants
Huawei has taken an interesting approach with the Mate X5 by introducing a variety of models, including two intriguing Collector's Edition units. While the exact details of what distinguishes the Collector's Edition from the standard versions are unclear, it's worth noting that one standout feature is the 1 TB storage option.
The base model of the Mate X5 starts at CNY 12,999 (approximately US$1,788), equipped with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This pricing remains consistent with the Mate X3's starting price from the previous year.
For those seeking more memory and storage capacity, the Mate X5 offers higher-tier options. The cost incrementally rises by CNY 1,000 (approximately US$138) with each upgrade. The top-tier variant, equipped with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, is priced at CNY 16,999 (approximately US$2,338). This marks a CNY 1,000 increase from last year's model for this particular configuration.
Global Availability
One question that remains unanswered is whether Huawei plans to launch the Mate X5 globally, as it did with the Mate X3. As of now, the device is exclusive to China, but Huawei's global expansion plans have been known to evolve rapidly. Keep an eye on Huawei's official announcements for updates on international availability.
In conclusion, the Huawei Mate X5 enters the foldable smartphone arena as a strong contender, boasting the powerful Kirin 9000S chipset, increased memory, and diverse storage options. Its pricing strategy, closely mirroring its predecessor, positions it as an attractive option for consumers. As the global tech community eagerly anticipates its potential international release, the Mate X5 has already made its mark as a noteworthy addition to Huawei's impressive lineup.
