Huawei Mate X6 proves foldables can be tough, powerful and practical
When foldable smartphones first emerged, they promised a bold new future in mobile technology, bigger screens, smaller footprints, and a reimagined user experience. But the reality was far less refined. The first wave of foldables dazzled with concept but fell short in execution. Fragile hinges, vulnerable screens, and performance limitations gave consumers pause. Many questioned whether these sleek devices were truly ready for daily life or simply tech experiments dressed in premium finishes.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the conversation is shifting. Huawei's latest flagship foldable, the Huawei Mate X6, marks a turning point not just for the brand, but for the entire category. It's not a device that asks for compromise: it proves foldables can be as tough, powerful and practical as any top-tier smartphone. Armed with serious materials engineering, performance upgrades, and thoughtful design, the Mate X6 represents what a foldable phone should have been all along.
Redefining smartphone durability
Durability has long been the Achilles' heel of foldable phones. Huawei addressed this head-on with a completely reimagined structure for the Huawei Mate X6. The exterior screen is shielded by second-generation Kunlun Glass, which incorporates a reinforced glass network that delivers 25 times more drop resistance than previous models.
Inside, the primary folding screen is backed by a carbon fibre plate that increases rigidity by 65%, ensuring the device can be opened and closed repeatedly without compromising structural integrity. Supporting it all is an aviation-grade aluminium frame, enhanced to be 37% stronger with better resistance to compression and bending, so it's as reassuringly solid as it is sleek.
Smarter hinge, sleeker form
The hinge, that crucial mechanical element of every foldable, has also received a major upgrade. It is precision-engineered using 100% Rocket Steel, a material with a tensile strength of 19,00MPa. This means the Huawei Mate X6 hinge is now 27% stronger.
The embedded slide rail structure has allowed Huawei to slim down the hinge by 12% when folded and 14% when unfolded, contributing to the phone's impressively slim profile of just 9.85mm folded and 4.6mm unfolded. These aren't just numbers but evidence of genuine engineering progress, where elegance no longer comes at the cost of durability.
Cool under pressure
Yet hardware isn't the only story. The Huawei Mate X6 pairs this robust build with powerful performance, thanks partly to its intelligent thermal design. One of the challenges with larger screens is heat management, especially during intense use like gaming or streaming.
Huawei has solved this with a dual-module heat dissipation system that spreads heat across both screen sections, increasing the dissipation area by 30%. The addition of ultra-high thermal conductivity graphene, with a conductivity coefficient of 2,000W/mK, enhances overall efficiency by 33%, helping the device remain cool and responsive.
Camera power without compromise
Photography, another historical weak spot for foldables, is no longer a compromise. The Huawei Mate X6 is equipped with Huawei's Ultra Chroma Camera system, incorporating 1.5-million spectral channels for a 120% improvement in colour accuracy. Whether you're photographing subtle skin tones or bold sunsets, the results are vivid and true to life.
A standout feature is the telephoto macro lens, which supports 5cm close-ups with periscope zoom, offering creative flexibility that most smartphones, foldable or not, simply can't match. The 50MP main camera also includes a 10-step adjustable physical aperture, giving users professional-level control over depth of field and light intake.
Display and software that adapts to you
Then there's the display experience. The Huawei Mate X6 features dual OLED panels: a 6.45″ external screen and a 7.93″ internal display, both with stunning resolution and peak brightness levels of 2,500 and 1,800 nits respectively. Whether you're reading outdoors or watching content in dim lighting, clarity and colour remain uncompromised. Both screens also support adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, balancing silky-smooth visuals with power efficiency.
The Mate X6 runs on EMUI 15, Huawei's latest operating system, offering a clean, responsive interface with productivity enhancements like Live Multitasking, letting users run up to three apps at once in expanded view. Everything runs seamlessly, from meetings to media editing, underpinned by the hardware's durability and thermal efficiency.
Ready for a foldable without trade-offs?
With the Mate X6, Huawei hasn't just refined the foldable. It has redefined it. The wait is over for those who've been waiting for a foldable that finally delivers on sleek design, robust durability and serious performance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Huawei Mate X6 proves foldables can be tough, powerful and practical
When foldable smartphones first emerged, they promised a bold new future in mobile technology, bigger screens, smaller footprints, and a reimagined user experience. But the reality was far less refined. The first wave of foldables dazzled with concept but fell short in execution. Fragile hinges, vulnerable screens, and performance limitations gave consumers pause. Many questioned whether these sleek devices were truly ready for daily life or simply tech experiments dressed in premium finishes. Fast-forward to 2025, and the conversation is shifting. Huawei's latest flagship foldable, the Huawei Mate X6, marks a turning point not just for the brand, but for the entire category. It's not a device that asks for compromise: it proves foldables can be as tough, powerful and practical as any top-tier smartphone. Armed with serious materials engineering, performance upgrades, and thoughtful design, the Mate X6 represents what a foldable phone should have been all along. Redefining smartphone durability Durability has long been the Achilles' heel of foldable phones. Huawei addressed this head-on with a completely reimagined structure for the Huawei Mate X6. The exterior screen is shielded by second-generation Kunlun Glass, which incorporates a reinforced glass network that delivers 25 times more drop resistance than previous models. Inside, the primary folding screen is backed by a carbon fibre plate that increases rigidity by 65%, ensuring the device can be opened and closed repeatedly without compromising structural integrity. Supporting it all is an aviation-grade aluminium frame, enhanced to be 37% stronger with better resistance to compression and bending, so it's as reassuringly solid as it is sleek. Smarter hinge, sleeker form The hinge, that crucial mechanical element of every foldable, has also received a major upgrade. It is precision-engineered using 100% Rocket Steel, a material with a tensile strength of 19,00MPa. This means the Huawei Mate X6 hinge is now 27% stronger. The embedded slide rail structure has allowed Huawei to slim down the hinge by 12% when folded and 14% when unfolded, contributing to the phone's impressively slim profile of just 9.85mm folded and 4.6mm unfolded. These aren't just numbers but evidence of genuine engineering progress, where elegance no longer comes at the cost of durability. Cool under pressure Yet hardware isn't the only story. The Huawei Mate X6 pairs this robust build with powerful performance, thanks partly to its intelligent thermal design. One of the challenges with larger screens is heat management, especially during intense use like gaming or streaming. Huawei has solved this with a dual-module heat dissipation system that spreads heat across both screen sections, increasing the dissipation area by 30%. The addition of ultra-high thermal conductivity graphene, with a conductivity coefficient of 2,000W/mK, enhances overall efficiency by 33%, helping the device remain cool and responsive. Camera power without compromise Photography, another historical weak spot for foldables, is no longer a compromise. The Huawei Mate X6 is equipped with Huawei's Ultra Chroma Camera system, incorporating 1.5-million spectral channels for a 120% improvement in colour accuracy. Whether you're photographing subtle skin tones or bold sunsets, the results are vivid and true to life. A standout feature is the telephoto macro lens, which supports 5cm close-ups with periscope zoom, offering creative flexibility that most smartphones, foldable or not, simply can't match. The 50MP main camera also includes a 10-step adjustable physical aperture, giving users professional-level control over depth of field and light intake. Display and software that adapts to you Then there's the display experience. The Huawei Mate X6 features dual OLED panels: a 6.45″ external screen and a 7.93″ internal display, both with stunning resolution and peak brightness levels of 2,500 and 1,800 nits respectively. Whether you're reading outdoors or watching content in dim lighting, clarity and colour remain uncompromised. Both screens also support adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, balancing silky-smooth visuals with power efficiency. The Mate X6 runs on EMUI 15, Huawei's latest operating system, offering a clean, responsive interface with productivity enhancements like Live Multitasking, letting users run up to three apps at once in expanded view. Everything runs seamlessly, from meetings to media editing, underpinned by the hardware's durability and thermal efficiency. Ready for a foldable without trade-offs? With the Mate X6, Huawei hasn't just refined the foldable. It has redefined it. The wait is over for those who've been waiting for a foldable that finally delivers on sleek design, robust durability and serious performance.
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Starlink's lobbying for SA licence raises serious concerns about Musk's influence
'Don't be evil' was once the moral hallmark of Silicon Valley — an aspirational ethos adopted by Google that suggested technology could advance without compromising human dignity, sovereignty, or global democratic values. Today, that ideal has been unceremoniously buried beneath the rising tide of corporate exceptionalism and geopolitical entanglements. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of Elon Musk, whose growing tech empire — from satellite networks to artificial intelligence, and electric motor vehicles to social media platforms — exemplifies the disturbing intersection of private control and global influence. At the heart of this new frontier is Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, which has become indispensable in some regions afflicted by conflict, authoritarian censorship, and poor public service delivery. Praised for enabling connectivity in remote areas, Starlink has also quietly assumed a role in modern warfare — serving as critical infrastructure in Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression. Yet this reliance proved perilous when, in 2023, Musk reportedly disabled Starlink access near Crimea, just as Ukrainian forces were preparing a counter-offensive. His rationale? A unilateral decision to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia. In that moment, a single billionaire — without consultation, oversight, or public mandate — undermined the strategic calculations of a sovereign nation fighting for its territorial integrity. The implications are chilling. A private actor, operating outside the realm of diplomacy or international law, made a battlefield decision that altered the trajectory of a war. It is a stark reminder that we are living in an era where corporate infrastructure can override national sovereignty and influence geopolitics. Not an isolated concern This is not an isolated concern. Musk's xAI and its AI chatbot Grok now position themselves as guardians of truth and reasoned discourse. But as these tools shape the way information is disseminated and consumed, we must ask: Truth according to whom? Grok and similar platforms are trained on vast datasets, filtered through invisible ideological frameworks, and deployed within commercial ecosystems that often reflect the strategic priorities of their creators and political masters. There is no neutral AI, just as there is no apolitical infrastructure when such tools can be selectively activated or withheld at moments of geopolitical consequence. The principal justification advanced by the United States government for its ban on Huawei and potential commercial restrictions on Tik Tok – which currently operates under the looming threat of regulatory decapitation — is the perceived risk that their telecommunications infrastructure could be exploited by the Chinese government for surveillance and espionage. This concern was amplified by several factors: the broader structural realities of China's state-corporate nexus, where companies may be compelled to cooperate with state intelligence under laws such as the 2017 National Intelligence Law. This pattern reveals a broader geopolitical trend: technological infrastructure is no longer seen as neutral, but rather as a potential vector of strategic influence. However, this scrutiny appears selectively applied. While Chinese firms are framed as Trojan Horses of authoritarian overreach, Western multinationals — despite demonstrable instances of surveillance complicity — are rarely subjected to the same level of scepticism or sanction. The challenge, therefore, lies not only in confronting genuine national security threats, but also in resisting the hypocritical instrumentalisation of 'security' as a pretext for economic protectionism or ideological supremacy. Starlink is currently licensed and operational in at least 18 African countries. Its footprint on the continent has expanded rapidly, with new national markets being integrated into the network at a pace that underscores both technological ambition and aggressive commercial diplomacy. However, this expansion has not been without controversy. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Starlink's eventual authorisation was reportedly secured under considerable external pressure — illustrating the coercive dynamics embedded in the US' transactional foreign policy doctrine. This doctrine often links development assistance, military support, or diplomatic favour to acquiescence in the adoption of US-aligned technologies. In such cases, the line between infrastructure development and geopolitical arm-twisting becomes increasingly blurred, raising questions about the digital sovereignty of African states and the long-term implications of dependence on privately controlled, foreign-owned critical infrastructure. Actively lobbying With Starlink actively lobbying for a licence to operate in South Africa, serious questions arise about the broader implications such an authorisation could have for national security, and constitutional policy imperatives, including equity and transformation. While the appeal of high-speed satellite internet — particularly for underserved rural areas — is undeniable, the risks associated with ceding critical digital infrastructure to a foreign, privately controlled entity warrant far greater scrutiny. Musk's public disdain for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — policies with strong parallels in South Africa's own constitutional commitment to redress and transformation — has been well documented. Under the ideological encouragement of US President Donald Trump, Musk has not only undermined DEI initiatives in the United States, but positioned himself as a vocal antagonist of progressive democratic values globally. Now consider the implications of that worldview being hardwired into a platform that might soon underpin critical public services in South Africa. Imagine a scenario in which the delivery of educational content to rural schools is throttled or suspended because the curriculum foregrounds the injustices of apartheid — a history Musk or his corporate emissaries may deem too 'woke'. Or picture a healthcare facility in a remote province losing connectivity because it provides telemedicine-based abortion services in compliance with South African law — services Musk personally opposes. These are not far-fetched hypotheticals. As mentioned above, in Ukraine, Musk infamously curtailed Starlink access at a critical juncture in the country's resistance against Russian invasion, unilaterally disabling coverage near Crimea to prevent what he characterised as an 'escalation'. That decision, made without democratic accountability, had tangible consequences on the battlefield and highlighted the peril of allowing a private, mercurial individual to function as a de facto arbiter of foreign policy. South Africa must therefore tread with caution. To license Starlink without a robust regulatory and oversight framework is to risk surrendering digital sovereignty to a man who has been described as an 'evil genius' with an unpredictable ideological agenda, a billionaire with a nexus to international white supremacy groups, and a proven track record of leveraging his infrastructure for political ends. At stake is more than just connectivity — it is the integrity of our national policies, the resilience of our democracy, and the right of sovereign states to chart their own developmental course without interference from unelected tech oligarchs. Deeper danger The deeper danger lies in the absence of democratic accountability. Neither the public nor elected officials have meaningful oversight over how these technologies are used — or withheld. As artificial intelligence, global connectivity, and space-based infrastructure become the battlegrounds of 21st-century geopolitics, the stakes are no longer theoretical. Lives are on the line, and so is the future of the international order. South Africa must resist becoming a passive recipient of technological imperialism. The rules that govern our digital future must be grounded not in double standards, but in mutual respect, national interest, and strategic foresight. If our legislature fails to exercise judicious oversight, we risk ceding sovereign decision-making to a handful of tech titans who increasingly act as unaccountable arbiters of war and peace, and who position themselves as imperious influencers of our economic development priorities and foreign policy priorities. Such a vacuum in regulatory vigilance would not only compromise national security but also undermine South Africa's constitutional commitment to equity, democracy, and self-determined progress. We must move urgently toward multilateral regulation, transparency standards, and enforceable digital sovereignty protections. States, particularly in the Global South, must resist becoming digital client-states to corporate fiefdoms masquerading as benevolent innovators. The evolution from 'don't be evil' to today's reality is not merely rhetorical. It marks the transition from ethical ambition to unchecked ambition. And if we fail to address the dangers now, particularly considering the US' mercurial diplomatic posture towards South Africa, we may soon find that the most consequential decisions in our constitutional democracy — about speech, security, economic development, and sovereignty — are no longer made in parliaments or courts, but in private boardrooms and encrypted servers. DM
Daily Maverick
28-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
HUAWEI Mate X6 Is the Foldable That Fits Your Life Beautifully
There was a time when foldable smartphones were considered too fragile, too bulky, or simply too niche to take seriously. But that time is over. The HUAWEI Mate X6 has arrived with a completely different story to tell. One that fuses high fashion with high function. It's a foldable that doesn't just keep up with your lifestyle; it complements it. And you can own it. Whether you're moving between meetings, meetups, or midweek breaks, the HUAWEI Mate X6 adapts to your day with style and substance. Lightweight, resilient, and elegantly designed, this device proves you don't have to choose between sleek design and serious performance. Design that feels as good as it looks The Mate X6 is more than a piece of technology; it really is a statement. Everything about it has been crafted to feel timeless and premium, from its star-inspired Orbit Ring camera housing to its tactile finishes. The Nebula Grey edition features a shimmering Micro-Nano 3D Topography finish made from Vegan Fibre, derived from aerospace-grade glass fibre and bulletproof vest fibres. It's durable, lightweight and silky-smooth to the touch. For those who prefer something classic, the Black and Nebula Red options feature ultra-thin soft leather that feels as luxurious as it looks. Despite housing dual OLED displays, an advanced hinge, and a powerful camera system, the HUAWEI Mate X6 remains impressively slim. Folded, it's just 9.85mm thick, sliding easily into a clutch, suit pocket or shoulder bag. Unfolded, it becomes a 7.93-inch canvas that brings your content, creativity, and conversations to life. Smart enough to handle your whole day From voice notes and video calls to emails, socials, and shopping, our days are powered by our smartphones. That's why Huawei built the HUAWEI Mate X6 to do more and look good doing it. When unfolded, the generous screen gives you space to multitask like a pro. Run three apps at once, switch between them with a swipe, and expand one without losing your place in the others. It's the digital equivalent of having your wardrobe, diary, and best friend all in the same room. Need to book a weekend getaway? You can chat with friends, browse hotels, and book flights on one screen. Planning a party? Create a mood board, check social trends and send invites, all without opening a laptop. With EMUI 15, everything is smooth, intuitive, and delightfully fun. One of the more playful touches is the Emoji Crush lock screen, where 3D emojis react to your actions and bring a little joy to your day. Cameras and screens that get the colours right Of course, a lifestyle device isn't complete without a camera that can capture it all, and here, the HUAWEI Mate X6 shines. The Ultra Chroma Camera system includes 1.5 million spectral channels, enhancing colour accuracy by 120%. That means true-to-life tones, from the glow of sunset cocktails to the detail in your favourite outfit. It's flattering, fast, and reliable. The telephoto macro lens lets you shoot everything from wide-open landscapes to intricate jewellery details without changing a single setting. And if you're someone who loves taking control, the 50MP main camera offers ten adjustable aperture sizes, giving you creative freedom to perfect the mood of every image. Both the 6.45-inch exterior and 7.93-inch internal screens are OLED displays, delivering vivid colour and clarity in any environment. The external screen reaches 2500 nits of brightness, perfect for scrolling outdoors, while the internal screen peaks at 1800 nits for immersive viewing indoors. Adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz ensure every swipe feels silky-smooth, and your battery lasts longer. The foldable that fits your life and style The HUAWEI Mate X6 is more than a phone. It's a fashion-forward, function-rich companion designed for people who want their tech to work as beautifully as it looks. With its clever engineering and eye-catching design, it's proof that performance and polish can live in the same device.
