Confused about whether to stick with the 2025 generation (Mate X6/XT) or move up to the 2026 foldable flagship (Mate X7)? For many prospective buyers, the main question is simple: do the Mate X7’s upgrades truly make a difference in real life—especially durability (IP rating), the telephoto camera, and battery life? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide without watching lengthy reviews.

Editorial Verdict

A synthesis of gadget reviewer opinions highlighting key strengths and trade-offs.

At-a-Glance Conclusion

The Mate X7 is the most “refined” for daily use thanks to major gains in durability and camera consistency.

Best for:

• Users who prioritize an all-rounder camera on a foldable

• Those who need extra protection (water/dust) and a more proven hinge

• Long battery life without sacrificing a slim design

Not ideal for:

• Users who need 5G and native Google services

• Shoppers seeking 4x optical zoom reach like the previous generation

Final verdict:

Choose the Mate X7 if your priorities are camera, durability, and battery; stick with the X6 only if you need 4x optical zoom, or pick the XT if you’re after a tri-fold form factor.

Market Context and Expectations

• 2025: Huawei brought the Mate X6 (book-style) and Mate XT (tri-fold) to Indonesia.
• 2026: The Mate X7 arrives as the official foldable flagship promising improved durability, cameras, and battery over the previous generation.

What Are the Real Upgrades on the Mate X7 vs Mate X6 vs Mate XT?

• Durability: from IPX8 (X6) to IP58+IP59 (X7)—adds dust rating and resistance to high-pressure water sprays.
• Telephoto camera: from 4x f/3.0 (X6) to 3.5x f/2.2 (X7)—brighter with more pronounced bokeh, though optical reach is shorter.
• Battery: 5110 mAh (X6) to 5600 mAh (X7)—safer day-long endurance.
• Cooling: X7 vapor chamber 3550 mm² (+18% vs X6)—better performance stability.
• Hinge: X7 tested up to 1 million folds—firmer open/close feel and more flexible angles for use.
• XT: excels in the tri-fold form factor, not the durability-focused upgrades discussed here.

Huawei Mate X7 — The most noticeable durability and camera upgrades

Strengths:

• Real-world toughness: IP58+IP59 and a solid new hinge (tested 1 million times) boost everyday peace of mind.

• All-around cameras: consistent across main, ultrawide, and tele; color accuracy aided by True to Color; video up to 4K60 on the rear cameras.

• Endurance: 5600 mAh battery with 66W charging (0–100% ±55 minutes) supports intense routines.

Weaknesses/Trade-offs:

• 4G connectivity (no 5G) and Google services not native (must go via AppGallery/third party).

• OS support commitment not yet announced; no 8K video.

Suitable for:

users who want a foldable focused on cameras, durability, and battery stamina.

Huawei Mate X6 — 2025 baseline, excels in 4x reach

Strengths:

• 4x f/3.0 optical zoom offers longer reach than the X7 (3.5x).

• Already IPX8 (immersion in clean water).

Weaknesses/Trade-offs:

• No dust rating; lacks IP59 (high-pressure water spray).

• 5110 mAh battery and a smaller vapor chamber than the X7.

Suitable for:

users who prioritize 4x optical reach above all else.

Huawei Mate XT — Tri-fold form factor option

Strengths:

• Tri-fold form factor offers a different approach to use versus book-style models.

Weaknesses/Trade-offs:

• Durability, battery, and camera specs aren’t discussed here, making it hard to judge upgrades vs X7/X6.

Suitable for:

users chasing a tri-fold concept rather than the durability and camera improvements highlighted by the X7.

Pros and Cons that Most Influence the Purchase Decision

Key advantages of the Mate X7:

• Camera: consistent results across lenses, day and night; f/2.2 tele delivers brighter shots with more natural bokeh.

• Durability: IP58+IP59 and a sturdy hinge reduce long-term usage worries.

• Battery & charging: 5600 mAh with 66W wired, 50W wireless; local video playback surpasses >20 hours on both screens.

Critical drawbacks of the Mate X7:

• No 5G; Google services not native; no announced OS update commitment yet.

• Zoom preference: if 4x optical reach is mandatory, the X6 still fits that specific need better.

GizmoKita Insight

• Choose the Mate X7 if you want comprehensive refinement: improved durability, more reliable cameras across scenarios, and longer stamina.
• Keep/consider the Mate X6 only if 4x optical reach is the absolute priority.
• The Mate XT is worth it if you want to try a tri-fold form factor; it isn’t a direct successor focused on durability/camera like the X7.

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• X7 steps up with IP ratings (IP58+IP59), a 5600 mAh battery, +18% cooling, and a hinge tested 1 million times.
• X7 telephoto 3.5x f/2.2: brighter with more pronounced bokeh; X6 wins on 4x reach.
• XT offers a tri-fold form factor; not the durability-focused upgrade the X7 highlights.
• X7 limitations: no 5G yet, Google not native, OS update promise not stated.

GizmoKita Verdict: Worth Buying or Not?

Worth buying for the majority of prospective foldable users who prioritize consistent cameras, durability, and battery; less ideal if you must have 5G or rely on native Google services.

Alternatives / Other Options

• Stick with the Mate X6 if you routinely use 4x optical reach.
• Try the Mate XT if you’re after the flexibility of a tri-fold form factor.

FAQ

What are the differences between IP58 and IP59 compared to IPX8 in the previous generation?

IP58 adds dust resistance; IP59 indicates resistance to high-pressure/high-temperature water sprays. IPX8 on the X6 only measures resistance to immersion in clean water without dust/spray ratings.

Is the 3.5x f/2.2 telephoto on the X7 better than the 4x f/3.0 on the X6?

In character: 3.5x f/2.2 is brighter with more pronounced bokeh; 4x f/3.0 provides longer optical reach. The choice depends on your priorities.

How big is the battery and charging improvement on the X7?

Battery increases to 5600 mAh (from 5110 mAh on the X6). 66W charging: 0–50% ~20 minutes, 0–100% ~55 minutes.

How is the X7’s gaming performance?

Stable for most games (Mobile Legends up to 90 fps; Genshin Impact up to 60 fps) with controlled temperatures; not the absolute fastest vs the latest non-foldable flagships.

Does the X7 support 5G and Google services?

Connectivity up to 4G. Google apps/services are not native; can be accessed via AppGallery/third-party or the web as a temporary workaround.

Closing

For buyers who prioritize durability, camera, and battery, the Mate X7 offers the most relevant leap over the X6 and takes a different path from the XT, which stands out for its tri-fold form factor. Choose based on your day-to-day priorities.