When it comes to the best foldable phones, many will think of models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. As some of the earliest commercially available foldable devices, the pair have a degree of heritage that many other brands can't compete with.
That hasn't stopped a few from trying though. In particular, vast swathes of flip phones have entered the market, looking to knock the Z Flip 4 off its perch. Models like the Motorola Razr play into decades of iconic flip phone status, while disruptors like the Oppo Find N2 Flip utilise a much lower price point to stand out.
The book-style foldable market has been less competitive, though. That's why news of the Huawei Mate X3 getting a European release is interesting. According to GSMArena, the device is coming at a launch event in Munich on the 9th of May.
In terms of specs, the Mate X3 is a real mixed bag. A triple-camera setup on the rear boasts a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide and a 12MP telephoto lens. The battery is a sizable-by-foldable-standards 4,800mAh unit. There's marginally more screen real estate on offer too, with a 6.4-inch cover display and a 7.85-inch internal display when unfolded.
Perhaps most impressive of all is the IPX8 water resistance rating, which should enable the device to be used underwater. The classification itself tests devices submerged in 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes.
Sadly, that's about the end of the good stuff, though. There's no 5G connectivity or Google apps – a by-product of the ban placed on the company by former US president Donald Trump. That also means that there's no Android 13 on-board, instead using Huawei's own proprietary operating system.
It does get a Snapdragon processor this time, using the 4G Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. That's an older generation chipset, but it should still be more than capable of handling most tasks without breaking a sweat.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
That rather bizarre spec sheet makes the Mate X3 an interesting proposition. Book-style foldable phones are normally ultra-premium handsets, with a price tag to match. But would anyone really pay top dollar for a phone with no 5G, a generation old processor and an unfamiliar operating system? Personally, I'm not convinced.
What this might do, however, is bring foldable phones to a lower price point. If Huawei are smart about this, and offer the handset at a really attractive price, they could attract swathes of users who have previously been priced out of owning a foldable device.
I'm willing to bet a lot more people who are aspiring to own a foldable phone, but can't on the grounds of cost, would be more forgiving of the quirks on the spec sheet.
Online news writer at T3.com, Sam has five years of experience in online and print journalism, with work featured in publications like Metro and Last Word on Sports. After years writing about music and football, Sam now turns his hand to bringing you news about new phones, smart home products, smart watches, laptops and TVs. Sam is a longtime fan and user of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches.He’s also T3’s resident football expert, bringing you everything you need to know about the big games, including how to watch them. In his spare time, Sam is a keen guitarist, watch lover and (very) amateur golfer.
-
Samsung reportedly planning foldables shake-up – its next phone could be a game-changer
Company has a lot more folding phones and possibly a folding tablet in the pipeline, it's claimed
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Samsung has a crazy plan for its foldable display tech – laptops might never look the same again
This laptop patent would be unlike anything else on the market
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE could be the king of foldables for one good reason
And the other rumours are looking good too...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung's Odyssey G9 OLED gaming monitors have hit rock bottom prices for Prime Day
49-inch, 240Hz and a 1000R curved display will make your games look incredible
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung phone owners will have to wait longer for Android 15 – until the Samsung Galaxy S25, in fact
It looks like it will be worth the wait though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dummy unit proves it's what's inside that really counts
It looks like the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t going to change all that much – or is it?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is superthin, OLED and comes with a surprise keyboard addition
Samsung's first Chromebook Plus is built to shine
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE pre-orders start early, before it's even launched
Samsung accidentally reveals its next affordable flagship phone itself
By Chris Hall Published