Huawei Mate X7 Review: Camera, Battery & Foldable Phone Test

Huawei is making a strong case for foldables as a durable and feature-rich category with the January 8, 2026 release of the Mate X7. The device, which builds upon the foundation laid by the Mate X6, focuses on improvements to durability, battery life, and camera capabilities, though performance gains are described as incremental.

Central to the Mate X7’s appeal is its camera system, which Huawei is touting as potentially the best available on any foldable device. The system features a 50MP primary sensor with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.5 to f/4.0, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3.5x optical zoom. The primary sensor utilizes a RYYB color filter array, capturing 31% more light than traditional RGGB sensors, resulting in improved image quality in challenging lighting conditions. This emphasis on photographic performance sets the Mate X7 apart, as foldable phones are often prioritized for multitasking and productivity rather than camera prowess.

Beyond the camera, Huawei has prioritized robustness. The Mate X7 boasts both IP58 and IP59 ratings for water and dust resistance – an industry first for foldable phones. The external display is protected by Kunlun Glass, designed to be more resistant to drops and scratches than standard glass. These features address a key concern with early foldable devices, which were often perceived as fragile.

Powering the Mate X7 is the Kirin 9030 chipset. While offering improvements over its predecessor, the performance uplift is described as modest. The phone is available with up to 20GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A substantial 5,600mAh battery provides extended usage, and the device supports 66W wired fast charging, as well as 50W wireless charging.

Software remains a potential hurdle for Huawei. The Mate X7 ships with Android 12-based EMUI 15, which is five years outdated, and lacks native access to Google services. Users will need to employ workarounds to install Google apps, a familiar challenge for Huawei device owners due to ongoing US restrictions. The lack of a clear software update timeline is also a concern.

Testing conducted by El Tiempo demonstrated the camera’s capabilities in diverse environments. Photographs taken in the Medellín Botanical Garden showcased the camera’s ability to capture detail in a variety of plant species. In the vibrant Comuna 13 neighborhood, the camera accurately reproduced the colors and details of the graffiti art. Night photography tests, utilizing the 3.5x optical zoom and night mode, yielded high-quality images and video even in low-light conditions.

Further testing involved aerial photography over the Peñol reservoir in Guatapé, Colombia, where the camera captured stable and detailed panoramic photos and videos despite challenging conditions. Water-based testing on the same reservoir confirmed the device’s water resistance and the stability of video recording while in motion.

Battery life proved to be a strong point, with the 5,600mAh battery lasting through approximately eight hours of continuous use. The accompanying Huawei FreeClip 2 earbuds, featuring an AI-powered noise cancellation system, also performed well, offering eight hours of playback on a single charge and 38 hours with the charging case. The FreeClip 2’s audio quality was described as immersive, and their design was noted for being comfortable enough to be almost unnoticeable during extended wear.

The Mate X7 is positioned as a premium foldable, with a price point of €2,099. Despite the limitations imposed by the US ban on Huawei, the Mate X7 represents a significant step forward in foldable technology, particularly in the areas of durability and camera performance. However, potential buyers will need to weigh these advantages against the software challenges and the relatively modest performance gains offered by the Kirin 9030 chipset.