The Huawei Mate V represents another bold step into the foldable smartphone market from a company that has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile technology. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and innovative folding mechanism, the Mate V aims to redefine what users can expect from a premium smartphone. This review delves into every aspect of the device, from its build quality to its performance, to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Mate V boasts a striking design that immediately sets it apart from conventional smartphones. The device features a book-style foldable form factor, with a polished hinge that feels both sturdy and refined. When unfolded, the Mate V reveals a seamless 7.6-inch OLED display with minimal creasing, a testament to Huawei's engineering prowess. The exterior sports a secondary 6.5-inch cover display, allowing for quick interactions without needing to open the device. The aluminum frame and glass back exude premium craftsmanship, though the glossy finish is prone to fingerprints.

One of the standout features is the hinge mechanism, which offers a satisfying resistance when folding and unfolding. Huawei claims it has been tested for over 200,000 folds, ensuring long-term durability. The device is surprisingly slim when folded, making it pocket-friendly despite its large unfolded size. However, the weight distribution feels slightly top-heavy when held in one hand, which may take some getting used to.

Display Quality

The primary 7.6-inch foldable OLED display is nothing short of spectacular. With a resolution of 2200 x 2480 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, everything from scrolling through social media to watching high-definition videos feels buttery smooth. Colors are vibrant yet accurate, thanks to the P3 wide color gamut support, and the peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

The secondary 6.5-inch cover display is equally impressive, offering a resolution of 1080 x 2560 pixels. It's perfect for checking notifications, replying to messages, or even taking quick photos without unfolding the device. Both screens support HDR10+, providing an immersive viewing experience for compatible content. The only minor gripe is the visible crease when the device is unfolded, though it becomes less noticeable during regular use.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Huawei Mate V is powered by the Kirin 9000 chipset, a 5nm processor that delivers flagship-level performance. Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, the device handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Whether you're gaming, editing videos, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the Mate V doesn't break a sweat.

On the software front, the device runs EMUI 12 based on HarmonyOS, which offers a clean and intuitive user interface. The foldable-specific optimizations are particularly noteworthy, with features like app continuity—allowing apps to seamlessly transition between the cover and main displays. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) remains a significant drawback for users reliant on popular apps like Google Maps or YouTube, though Huawei's AppGallery has been steadily expanding its offerings.

Camera System

The Huawei Mate V features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. The camera delivers stunning images with excellent dynamic range and detail, even in low-light conditions. The 12MP ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, while the 8MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom for closer shots.

On the front, the device includes a 16MP selfie camera on the cover display and a 10MP camera on the main display when unfolded. Both cameras produce sharp and well-exposed selfies, though the under-display camera on the main screen does suffer from slight softness in certain lighting conditions. Video recording tops out at 4K 60fps, with impressive stabilization for handheld shooting.

Battery Life and Charging

The Mate V packs a 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day endurance under moderate usage. With the foldable display in use, battery life does take a hit, but the device still manages to last through a full day for most users. The 66W wired fast charging is a lifesaver, juicing up the battery from 0 to 100% in just under 45 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported at 50W, though you'll need a compatible charger to take full advantage of it.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Mate V is a compelling foldable smartphone that excels in design, display quality, and performance. While it's not without its drawbacks—such as the lack of Google services and the premium price tag—it represents a significant leap forward in foldable technology. If you're in the market for a cutting-edge device that stands out from the crowd, the Mate V is well worth considering.

Huawei Mate V Specifications:

Display: Primary: 7.6-inch foldable OLED, 2200 x 2480 pixels, 120Hz | Cover: 6.5-inch OLED, 1080 x 2560 pixels, 120Hz

Processor: Kirin 9000 (5nm)

RAM: 12GB

Storage: 256GB / 512GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8) + 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) + 8MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom)

Front Cameras: 16MP (cover display) + 10MP under-display (main display)

Battery: 4500mAh

Charging: 66W wired, 50W wireless

Operating System: EMUI 12 (HarmonyOS)

Dimensions (Folded): 84.7 x 160.4 x 14.2mm

Dimensions (Unfolded): 138.3 x 160.4 x 6.9mm

Weight: 295g

Colors: Black, Silver, Green