Introduction

Foldable smartphones have come a long way in the past five years. What was once a futuristic niche is now a rapidly growing segment of the mobile market, with tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike captivated by the blend of functionality and innovation these devices offer.

Two major players, Samsung and Huawei, have pushed the boundaries of foldable technology, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Huawei Mate X5 are their most ambitious creations yet. If you’re considering a new foldable phone or are simply fascinated by cutting-edge tech, this showdown will give you everything you need to know about which device reigns supreme.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung refines its mastery over build quality with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. A sleek design and sturdy Armor Aluminum frame ensure durability, while the upgraded hinge mechanism delivers a seamless folding experience. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance provides peace of mind for accidents involving liquids.

Huawei Mate X5

The Huawei Mate X5 impresses with an ultra-thin titanium alloy frame and an innovative outward-folding display. Its unique design stands out, enabling a single screen to double as both the main and cover display. It also boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it’s resistant to both dust and water.

Winner: Tie. Samsung takes the edge on durability, while Huawei scores for its bold and innovative outward-folding design.

Display Technology

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung offers a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display with stunning brightness and color accuracy. Its 6.2-inch Cover Display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, makes multitasking smooth and responsive.

Huawei Mate X5

With an 8-inch OLED outward-folding display, the Mate X5 offers unparalleled screen real estate. Its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures flawless performance, and the seamless transition between folded and unfolded modes makes multitasking feel effortless.

Winner: Huawei Mate X5. The larger, seamless outward-folding display is a game-changer for bigger screen enthusiasts.

Performance and Hardware

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 excels in speed and efficiency. It offers RAM options of 12GB or 16GB and storage variants ranging from 256GB to 1TB, catering to a variety of user needs.

Huawei Mate X5

The Mate X5 features the powerful Kirin 9100 chipset with 5G+ capabilities. Comparable RAM and storage options (12GB/16GB and up to 1TB) ensure smooth multitasking and ample space for even the heaviest users.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Thanks to the globally compatible Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it has a slight edge for international users.

Camera Capabilities

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a highly capable triple rear camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto lenses. Its under-display front camera keeps the main screen uninterrupted, and advanced AI photography options elevate your shots.

Huawei Mate X5

The Mate X5 raises the bar with its Leica-tuned quad-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 40MP ultrawide lens, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens, and a TOF sensor for better depth detection. Its low-light photography performance is particularly noteworthy.

Winner: Huawei Mate X5. With Leica optics and a more versatile setup, it edges out the competition for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Charging

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

A 4,800mAh battery powers the Fold 6, backed by 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While reliable, these specifications aren’t groundbreaking.

Huawei Mate X5

Huawei offers a larger 5,000mAh battery with a faster 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging capability, ensuring that you’ll spend less time tethered to a charger.

Winner: Huawei Mate X5. The larger battery and faster charging speed are big wins for heavy users.

Software and User Experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung shines with One UI 6, built on Android 15. Flex Mode enhances multitasking, and DeX support provides a desktop-like experience when needed. The availability of Google apps and services ensures seamless integration.

Huawei Mate X5

HarmonyOS 4.0 delivers an elegant user experience with foldable-specific optimizations. App Continuity makes moving between folded and unfolded modes seamless. However, the lack of native Google Play Services remains a barrier for some users, though workarounds are available.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The broader app compatibility gives Samsung the lead.

Special Features and Innovations

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

• S Pen support enhances productivity for creators and note-takers.
• Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) improves durability while maintaining a premium look and feel.

Huawei Mate X5

• Satellite messaging provides a unique feature for emergencies in remote areas.
• AI-powered multitasking changes the game for productivity.

Winner: Tie. Samsung edges ahead for productivity, but Huawei’s connectivity innovations are invaluable for certain users.

Price and Value for Money

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,799, presenting strong value considering its global availability and robust feature set.

Huawei Mate X5

At $1,899, the Mate X5 offers premium features but comes at a slightly higher cost. Limited availability in certain regions may also be a factor.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Slightly lower pricing and better global reach make it the more practical choice.

Pros and Cons

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Pros:

• Durable design.
• S Pen support.
• Seamless app ecosystem.

Cons:

• Slower charging.
• Slightly smaller battery.

Huawei Mate X5

Pros:

• Larger display.
• Faster charging.
• Superior cameras.

Cons:

• Limited Google services.
• Higher price point.

FAQ

Which phone has a better display?

The Huawei Mate X5 offers a larger, seamless outward-folding display, making it the better choice for screen enthusiasts.

Which phone charges faster?

The Huawei Mate X5 supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, significantly faster than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Which phone is better for multitasking?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its Flex Mode and DeX support, is better suited for multitasking.

Which phone is more durable?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its Armor Aluminum frame and IPX8 rating, is more durable.

Comparison Table

Final Verdict

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 if you:

• Prioritize durability, productivity features, global compatibility, and a seamless Android experience.

Choose the Huawei Mate X5 if you:

• Value a larger display, innovative design, faster charging, and professional-grade cameras.

Both devices represent the pinnacle of foldable innovation in 2025. Ultimately, your decision comes down to what you prioritize most in a smartphone.