Smartphone Comparison: Nokia X20 vs. Huawei Mate X3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-12 | 2023-04-08 | Huawei Mate X3 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a larger display that folds for better portability. Nokia X20 is a traditional non-folding device. |
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm | Nokia X20 is taller and thicker, while the Mate X3 is wider when unfolded and much thinner. Huawei Mate X3 is designed to be more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 220g | 239g | Nokia X20 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 7.85" | Huawei Mate X3 provides a significantly larger screen, enhancing media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2224x2496 | Huawei Mate X3 has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 426 PPI | Huawei Mate X3 has moderately higher pixel density, contributing to slightly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unspecified | Nokia X20 uses an IPS LCD, which typically offers good color accuracy and viewing angles. Display tech of Huawei Mate X3 is missing. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Huawei Mate X3 offers smoother animations and scrolling, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This value seems incorrect, as both screens would be unviewable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei Mate X3's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 323,425 | 1,238,400 | Huawei Mate X3 has a much higher AnTuTu score, indicating vastly superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Huawei Mate X3’s GPU is significantly more powerful for graphic-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4470mAh | 4800mAh | Huawei Mate X3 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 66W fast charging, 50W wireless charging | Huawei Mate X3 offers much faster wired charging and the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless charge 50W | Huawei Mate X3's wireless charging capability significantly increases convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | Nokia X20 offers slightly higher resolution, however, higher resolution doesn't always mean better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Nokia X20 has a slightly wider aperture, which could help in low light conditions, but sensor size also plays a huge role. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unspecified | 1/1.56" | Huawei Mate X3 has a larger sensor size, which typically translates to better low light performance and more dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Huawei Mate X3 has larger pixels, which often perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 8MP | Nokia X20 has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | Nokia X20’s selfie camera has a wider aperture which might help low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 16MP, f/3.4, 1/3.09" Sony IMX351 | Huawei Mate X3 offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not available | Nokia X20 offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | Not available | Nokia X20 offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not available | Nokia X20 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | Huawei Mate X3 offers a combined wide-angle and macro lens for versatile shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Huawei Mate X3 supports higher resolution video recording and more sophisticated stabilization. |
| Slow-motion Recording | Yes, 120 fps | Yes, 960 fps | Huawei Mate X3 is capable of capturing more detailed slow motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Autofocus, HDR, etc. | Triple camera, OIS, 4K video, RAW, etc. | Huawei Mate X3 provides optical image stabilization, optical zoom, and RAW capture for more advanced photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Unspecified | Nokia X20 ships with Android 11 and is upgradeable to 14. OS of Huawei Mate X3 is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Huawei Mate X3 supports WiFi 6, offering faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, EDR, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Huawei Mate X3 has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codec support for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, etc. | Huawei Mate X3 supports more satellite systems for increased location accuracy in various regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Huawei Mate X3 allows for active calls on both SIM cards at the same time. Nokia X20 supports simultaneous use of SIM cards, but one cannot be active in calls, while the other is on hold. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256GB, 512 GB, or 1024 GB | Huawei Mate X3 offers significantly more storage for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Huawei Mate X3 comes with more RAM, leading to improved multitasking and smoother performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users are limited to the internal capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Huawei Mate X3 offers better audio playback through stereo speakers, while Nokia X20's 2 microphones are useful for recording audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide a convenient and secure way to unlock the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phone's screen protection information is missing. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, etc. | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Barometer, etc. | Huawei Mate X3 features a barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure, along with other advanced sensors that are better suited for gaming and other features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Lower Price Point: The Nokia X20 is likely significantly more affordable.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 32MP selfie camera vs. 8MP on Huawei.
- Dedicated Ultrawide, Macro and Depth Lenses: Provides more versatility for photography.
Practical Implications for Nokia X20:
- Offers a more budget-friendly option with a focus on a traditional smartphone experience.
- The higher resolution front camera may be appealing to selfie enthusiasts, and users who like the dedicated lenses, will appreciate them.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a large, immersive display in a compact form factor.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides much better performance for demanding tasks.
- Significantly Better Battery and Charging: Larger battery and much faster wired and wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Display Quality: Higher resolution, refresh rate, and possibly superior display technology.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Offers optical zoom, superior video capabilities with OIS, and more advanced features.
- More Storage and RAM: Available with more internal storage and RAM options.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6, newer Bluetooth version, and more GPS systems.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a better audio playback experience.
- Additional Sensors: Such as the barometer.
Practical Implications for Huawei Mate X3:
- Ideal for users who want the best performance, large display, and advanced camera capabilities in a foldable form factor.
- The superior battery and charging make it more reliable for all-day usage.
- The enhanced connectivity and audio quality provide an overall better user experience.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia X20: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price.
- Huawei Mate X3: Significantly more expensive and may have a more complex software experience due to a lack of OS information. Also heavier than the Nokia.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Nokia X20:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable, standard smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Users who value a higher-resolution selfie camera and dedicated ultrawide, macro and depth lens over raw performance.
- Users who prefer traditional smartphone design over foldable devices.
- Users who prefer a lighter device.
Use Cases for Nokia X20:
- Daily communication, social media browsing, and light media consumption.
- Casual photography and selfies.
- Users who want a simple and easy-to-use phone.
Ideal User for Huawei Mate X3:
- Users who demand high performance and cutting-edge technology.
- Users who value a large, immersive display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need a phone with top-tier camera capabilities and features.
- Users who appreciate a large battery and fast charging for all-day use.
- Users who want a premium and feature-rich experience.
Use Cases for Huawei Mate X3:
- Professional use, where performance and productivity are crucial.
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and media consumption.
- High-quality photography and video recording.
- Travelers who need reliable performance and battery life.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Nokia X20: Offers good value for budget-conscious consumers.
- Huawei Mate X3: Justifies its higher price with high performance, features, and the foldable form factor, but is a significant investment.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Nokia X20 is a much more affordable option compared to the Huawei Mate X3.
- Do you value the foldable design and large display of the Huawei Mate X3? This is a key differentiator between the two phones.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, or are you content with a phone for basic tasks and social media?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: If you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and value cost savings, the Nokia X20 is a good choice.
- Performance-Oriented: If you need top-tier performance, a cutting-edge display, and advanced camera features, the Huawei Mate X3 is the preferred choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you value versatility in photography with different dedicated lenses, the Nokia X20 is more appealing. However, if you require better quality and features such as OIS, the Huawei Mate X3 is the one to choose.
- Mobile Gamer/Media Consumption: For mobile gaming and media consumption the Huawei Mate X3 has the edge, thanks to the higher performance chipset, better graphics, higher refresh rate display and better speakers.
- Foldable Design Preference: If you specifically want a foldable phone, the Huawei Mate X3 is the only option in this comparison.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Mate X3. While it is significantly more expensive, the overall package is far superior, and meets most of my needs and preferences. Here’s my reasoning:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Nokia's Snapdragon 480 5G, making the experience of using the device much more fluid and responsive.
- Display: The larger, higher-resolution, 120Hz display would make media consumption, browsing, and multitasking much better.
- Camera: Despite the lower megapixel count on the main sensor, the larger pixel size and sensor, plus the additional features such as OIS and optical zoom, mean the quality is likely much higher.
- Battery and Charging: I highly value good battery life and fast charging, and the Mate X3 offers both, with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Form Factor: I find the folding design to be a major plus, since it is an innovative design and it provides a large screen experience in a smaller form factor when folded.
While the Nokia X20 is a perfectly capable budget device, I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera features. The Huawei Mate X3 meets all of my criteria, making it the clear winner for me. The only downside is the much higher price.
