Huawei has officially taken its latest book-style foldable smartphone, the Mate X7, to the global stage. Following its initial unveiling in China in late November, the company hosted a launch event in Dubai on December 11, 2025, marking a significant step in its international strategy. The new device arrives with a promise to challenge the dominance of rivals like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, not through gimmicks, but with substantial upgrades in camera performance, durability, and battery life. This launch signals Huawei's continued commitment to the high-end foldable market, pushing the boundaries of what these devices can offer beyond their flexible screens.
A Design Refined for Global Appeal
The Huawei Mate X7 builds upon the established design language of its predecessor, the Mate X6, offering a familiar yet refined aesthetic. It features an ultra-sleek profile that is competitive with contemporaries like the Vivo X Fold 5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Huawei has managed to reduce the weight slightly to 235g while incorporating a larger battery, a notable engineering feat. The device is available in several finishes, including a striking vegan leather option in Nebula Red, which offers a premium in-hand feel. A key visual update is the redesigned rear camera module, dubbed the "Time-Space Gate" design, which is prominently centered to prevent wobble when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
Huawei Mate X7 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Displays | Cover: 6.49" LTPO OLED, 2444x1080, 1-120Hz, 3000 nits peakInner: 8.0" LTPO OLED, 2416x2210, 1-120Hz, 2500 nits peak |
| Chipset | Huawei Kirin 9030 Pro |
| RAM/Storage | Not specified in global announcement |
| Rear Cameras | Main: 50MP, f/1.4-4.0 variable aperture, OISTelephoto: 50MP, 3.5x optical zoom, f/2.2, OISUltra-wide: 40MP, f/2.2 |
| Front Cameras | 8MP (cover display), 8MP (inner display) |
| Battery & Charging | Global: 5,300mAh (Reported)66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging |
| Durability | IP58 & IP59 dust/water resistanceCrystal Armour Kunlun Glass (cover) |
| Dimensions & Weight | Unfolded: ~4.5mm thickFolded: ~9.5mm thickWeight: 235g |
| Software | EMUI 15 (Android-based, no Google Mobile Services) |
| Colors | Brocade White, Nebula Red, Black |
| Global Price | ~€2,099 (USD 2,459) |
Unmatched Durability for a Foldable
Where the Mate X7 makes a monumental leap is in its ruggedness. It boasts dual IP58 and IP59 ingress protection ratings, a combination rarely seen in the foldable segment. This certification means the device is not only protected against dust ingress but can also withstand submersion in water and high-pressure water jets. This level of protection, coupled with an upgraded version of Huawei's proprietary Crystal Armour Kunlun glass on the cover screen and a reinforced internal structure for the foldable display, positions the Mate X7 as one of the most durable foldables ever released, directly addressing a primary concern for potential buyers.
Comparative Durability Ratings (Foldables)
- Huawei Mate X7: IP58 & IP59 (Dust protected, protected against high-pressure water jets)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: IP48 (Dust protected, protected against immersion)
- Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: IP58 (As referenced in article for comparison) Note: The Mate X7's dual IP rating is a standout feature for dust and high-pressure water resistance.
Display and Hinge: A Seamless Experience
The Mate X7 features a 6.49-inch cover display and an 8-inch main inner display, both LTPO OLED panels with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. A significant upgrade is the peak brightness, which reaches up to 3000 nits on the cover screen and 2500 nits on the inner display, greatly enhancing outdoor visibility. Both screens also feature 1440Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain. The hinge mechanism, refined over years of iteration, offers smooth articulation and reliable multi-angle support. While a crease is still present on the inner display, early impressions suggest it is less noticeable than on previous generations, fading into the background during regular use.
The Camera System: A Foldable Photography Powerhouse
Huawei has positioned the Mate X7's camera as its standout feature, claiming it rivals traditional flagship camera phones. The system comprises a new 50MP main camera with a 10-stop physical variable aperture (f/1.4-4.0) and OIS, a significantly upgraded 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens with a wider f/2.2 aperture and OIS, and a 40MP ultra-wide-angle shooter. Initial hands-on reports from Dubai, where journalists captured landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, are overwhelmingly positive. The consensus is that the Mate X7 delivers superior photo quality—with excellent dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance—compared to any other current foldable, potentially closing the camera gap with premium bar-style phones.
Performance, Battery, and the Software Question
Powering the Mate X7 is Huawei's in-house Kirin 9030 Pro chipset. While built on a less advanced 6nm process compared to competitors' 3nm or 4nm chips, early reports indicate smooth day-to-day performance, aided by Huawei's software optimization. However, it is acknowledged that the chip may not match the raw peak performance or efficiency of the latest Snapdragon or MediaTek silicon in sustained, intensive tasks like high-end gaming. The global variant is reported to come with a 5,300mAh battery (slightly smaller than the 5,600mAh unit in the Chinese model), supporting 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. On the software front, it runs EMUI 15. While it lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS) out of the box, Huawei facilitates the sideloading of Google's ecosystem through workarounds like GBox, a process the company has made more straightforward for users.
Pricing and Market Position
The Huawei Mate X7 enters the global market with a premium price tag of approximately €2,099 (USD 2,459). This places it firmly in the same tier as its main rivals. Its value proposition is clear: it trades absolute peak processor performance for what appears to be class-leading camera capabilities, best-in-class durability certifications, and a large battery. For consumers in regions where it will be available in Southeast Asia and the Middle East in the coming weeks, the Mate X7 presents a compelling and well-rounded alternative in the high-end foldable space, proving that innovation in this category is far from over.