HUAWEI Mate X3, P60 Pro launched globally: Premium hardware (and pricing)

HUAWEI launched the Mate X3 foldable and P60 Pro in China back in March, showing off two impressive smartphones. It’s taken a while, but the wait is finally over as HUAWEI has finally launched these two devices in global markets.

It almost goes without saying that neither of these phones have Google integration due to US sanctions. But at least there are solid options like GBox if you really must have some Google apps and specific third-party apps. The sanctions also mean that these two devices are using a 4G version of last year’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor.

HUAWEI Mate X3: The foldable refined

The Mate X3 brings an in-folding design much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, but the company has worked to keep things slim and light. In fact, the device’s 239-gram weight makes it significantly lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (263 grams). Otherwise, HUAWEI says the foldable measures 11.08mm thick when folded and 5.3mm when unfolded (presumably without accounting for the camera bump).

Check the front and you’ll find a 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED smartphone display (LTPO, 120Hz), featuring the company’s Kunlun Glass protective solution. Unfold the device and you’ll be greeted by a 7.85-inch 120Hz OLED screen (2,496 × 2,224).

HUAWEI isn’t using ultra-thin glass for the folding screen but says it includes a layer of “non-Newtonian fluid materials” to make it four times more impact-resistant than the Mate X2.

The company isn’t making any folding durability claims regarding the hinge or display, but you’ll be glad to know that the device offers an IPX8 rating. This makes HUAWEI the only non-Samsung brand to offer a water-resistant foldable right now. Otherwise, the company says it also offers Flex-Stop technology for a free-stopping hinge, letting you go hands-free for video calls, selfies, video playback, and more.

In terms of performance, the Mate X3 brings that aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 4G chipset, a 4,800mAh battery, 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless top-ups.

HUAWEI is also bringing a flexible camera system, as the rear setup consists of a 50MP f/1.8 main camera, 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 12MP 5x telephoto camera (f/3.4). Otherwise, an 8MP camera is available on each screen.

Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.2, an IR blaster, support for HUAWEI’s proprietary NM card format, and a side fingerprint scanner.

HUAWEI P60 Pro: A photography beast

The P series has always been an impressive proposition, and the P60 Pro is no different. Starting with the design, HUAWEI is offering a Rococo Pearl variant that features a smooth, pearl-inspired rear cover. In fact, the company says it uses natural mineral pearl powder to achieve the effect. There’s also a more conventional Black variant on offer with fingerprint-resistant “feather sand glass.” But you’re getting an IP68 rating no matter which one you choose.

The Chinese manufacturer is also offering a 6.67-inch quad-curved OLED screen (LTPO, 2,700 × 1,220) with Kunlun Glass protection, the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 4G SoC, a 4,815mAh battery, 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless top-ups.

The P60 Pro also offers an impressive rear camera system, with a 48MP main camera being the standout shooter here. This serves up a variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0) along with an RYYB color filter for improved low-light performance.

HUAWEI’s flagship phone also brings a 40MP 3.5x telephoto camera, with the company saying you should expect great low-light zoom quality owing to optical image stabilization, an RYYB color filter, and the f/2.1 aperture. In a neat touch, the telephoto lens is also capable of macro shots. Otherwise, a 13MP ultrawide camera is on tap for wider snaps. A 13MP shooter is also available up-front for selfies.

Other notable HUAWEI P60 Pro specs include Bluetooth 5.2, an IR blaster, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

HUAWEI Mate X3 and P60 Pro pricing and availability

The Mate X3 and P60 Pro will be available in Europe and UK via HUAWEI’s online store and “select” retailers. Expect to find the Mate X3 in Europe from May 22, while UK customers can get their hands on it from May 26. Meanwhile, the P60 Pro is available in both Europe and the UK from May 9.

Expect to pay a recommended price of €2,199 (~$2,426) for the Mate X3 in Europe, while the foldable phone has a recommended price of £1999.99 (~$2,530) in the UK. That’s a pretty penny compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Fancy the HUAWEI P60 Pro? Then you’ll be spending a minimum of €1,199 (~$1,323) or £1,199.99 (~$1,518) in Europe and the UK. HUAWEI UK is also giving away a Watch GT 3 if you buy either device via the company’s UK store.