Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G60 and the Huawei Mate X3. This is an interesting matchup – a solid, everyday smartphone going head-to-head with a foldable marvel. Let's break it down to see how they stack up for real-world users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a look at the key technical specifications, laid out with a focus on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Nokia G60 | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-01 | 2023-04-08 | The Mate X3 is newer, so it benefits from more recent tech advancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Mate X3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the G60 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm (unfolded) | The G60 is taller and thicker, while the Mate X3 is wider when unfolded, but thinner. This impacts the feel in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 190g | 239g | The G60 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. The Mate X3's extra weight is noticeable but common for foldables. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 7.85" | The Mate X3 offers a significantly larger display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 2224x2496 | The Mate X3's higher resolution provides sharper, more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 426 | The Mate X3's slightly higher PPI results in slightly sharper images, but the difference is marginal. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | The G60 uses an IPS LCD, known for good color accuracy and viewing angles. The Mate X3's display type is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both devices offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a fluid scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have a peak brightness of 0 nits, though this is likely incorrect, and actual brightness will vary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | The Mate X3’s more powerful chipset delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing. |
| Antutu Score | 410,072 | 1,238,400 | The Mate X3 outperforms the G60 by a significant margin, resulting in smoother app handling and a more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | The Mate X3 has a more capable GPU, which is important for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.0µm, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | The Mate X3's larger pixels and sensor size should lead to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, 0.64µm) | 8MP (f/2.4) | The G60 has a slightly wider aperture, which may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 16MP (f/3.4, 1.0µm, 1/3.09" Sony IMX351) | The Mate X3 features a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.0) | None | The G60 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more expansive shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The G60 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP (f/2.2, Sony IMX688) | The Mate X3 includes a versatile wide-angle and macro combo. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps | The Mate X3 offers superior video quality, including 4K recording. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | The Mate X3 is equipped with EIS for stable video recording. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | The Mate X3 offers higher frame rate slow-motion capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | The Mate X3 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Lithium | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging, Li-Polymer | The Mate X3 offers significantly faster charging and also supports wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | The G60 runs on Android 12, while the Mate X3's OS is unknown. The G60 also indicates no future maximum version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band , Wi-Fi MIMO | Both support Wi-Fi 6, with the Mate X3 having Wi-Fi MIMO for potentially better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Mate X3 has a newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Mate X3 has more advanced and precise GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The G60 offers eSIM functionality. The Mate X3 supports two physical SIMs for all users |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Mate X3 has significantly more storage, which is crucial if you store lots of media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | The Mate X3 has a lot more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers | The Mate X3's stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a fingerprint sensor for added security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | G60 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, RGB | The Mate X3 provides a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G60 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: Its lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended use.
- eSIM and Dual SIM: Offers the flexibility of eSIM for digital carrier switching and dual-SIM functionality.
- Good Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Affordability: It is positioned as a solid mid-range option focused on value.
Huawei Mate X3 Strengths:
- Foldable Innovation: The foldable design offers a large screen experience when unfolded.
- Superior Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, it offers significantly faster performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto and versatile wide-angle + macro lens.
- Fast and Wireless Charging: Supports rapid 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- High-Res Video and Stabilisation: Supports 4k@60fps and Electronic Image Stabilisation
- More Storage and RAM: Provides much larger internal storage and RAM for power users.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Including barometer and more accurate GPS.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G60: Limited performance, basic camera, less storage and slower charging.
- Huawei Mate X3: Foldable design means a higher price tag, heavier, less specified display and no screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G60:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users, everyday use, and those who need dual SIM or eSIM support.
- Use Cases: Casual social media, browsing, media consumption, and calls. Ideal for users who prioritize reliability and affordability over cutting-edge specs.
- Huawei Mate X3:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, power users, and professionals who want a premium experience and love foldables.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, content creation, mobile gaming, and media consumption. It is perfect for those seeking the best in technology and a large screen for enhanced productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- Do you need a foldable device? The Mate X3's main appeal is its foldable design, which is a significant factor. If you want a large screen that you can easily fold up and carry, the Mate X3 is the clear choice.
- Is performance a priority? If you need top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, or demanding apps, the Mate X3 is much better.
- What's your budget? The Nokia G60 is a more affordable option. The Mate X3 is a significantly more expensive, premium device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Daily Use: If you need a reliable smartphone for everyday use, web browsing, and social media, the Nokia G60 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: If you plan on gaming, creating content, or doing anything demanding, the Huawei Mate X3 is the much better option.
- Scenario 3: Future-Proofing and Tech Enthusiast: If you want to experience the cutting edge of technology and have a unique device, the Huawei Mate X3 is the ideal.
- Scenario 4: Travel and Flexibility: If you prefer eSIM support for easier digital carrier switching the Nokia G60 provides this while the Huawei Mate X3 is still good if you like two physical SIMs.
Conclusion
The Nokia G60 and Huawei Mate X3 are aimed at entirely different market segments, and therefore are different experiences. The G60 provides a dependable smartphone experience for general use at an affordable price point, while the Mate X3 pushes the boundaries of innovation and performance with a foldable design, superior internals, and many more features, all of which is reflected in its higher price.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I'd personally go for the Huawei Mate X3. As a tech journalist and analyst, I value innovation and raw power. The foldable display is not just a gimmick; it's a paradigm shift in how we interact with our devices, especially for productivity and content consumption. The Mate X3's superior performance, advanced camera system, and faster charging are all features that would greatly benefit my daily workflow.
While the Nokia G60 is a very capable device for daily use, the Mate X3's superior power, enhanced feature set, and cutting edge technology all serve my need for mobile power and would therefore improve my daily productivity.
