1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a larger screen in a compact form when unfolded, enhancing multitasking and media consumption. OnePlus 8T provides a more traditional, pocketable experience. |
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mm (Unfolded) | OnePlus 8T is easier to handle one-handed. Huawei Mate X3 requires two hands when unfolded but is exceptionally thin. |
| Weight | 188g | 239g | OnePlus 8T is more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. Huawei Mate X3, while heavier, offers a larger screen experience. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 7.85" | Huawei Mate X3 provides a significantly more immersive experience for gaming, watching videos, and reading. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2224x2496 | Huawei Mate X3 delivers sharper visuals, especially noticeable in high-resolution content and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 426 PPI | Huawei Mate X3 offers slightly crisper text and images, although the difference might be subtle for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | N/A | OnePlus 8T has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to a standard LCD. The technology of Huawei Mate X3 is unknown, so can't compare, which is a significant limitation. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, particularly in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 8T is much better visible in bright sunlight. Huawei Mate X3 has unknown brightness, which makes comparison impossible. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei Mate X3 offers superior processing power and efficiency for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Note: The Mate X3 is 4G only! |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 1,238,400 | Huawei Mate X3 provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Huawei Mate X3 delivers better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved visual fidelity in graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Huawei Mate X3 captures more detailed images with better low-light performance due to the larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 8MP, f/2.4, N/A | OnePlus 8T takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 16MP, f/3.4 | Huawei Mate X3 allows for optical zoom, enabling clearer photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | Wide Angle + Macro: 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer wide-angle capabilities, but Huawei's also incorporates macro functionality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 8T allows for dedicated close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both phones capture high-quality video, but the Mate X3 has 960fps slow motion. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Huawei Mate X3 may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | Huawei Mate X3 provides faster charging speeds and the convenience of wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
- AMOLED Display with known brightness: Offers vibrant colors and deep blacks with good outdoor visibility
- More camera options: Wide Angle, dedicated Macro and Black & White lenses.
- Dolby Atmos Better audio experience
Practical Implications:
- OnePlus 8T is better suited for users who prioritize portability and ease of use.
- Its known AMOLED display with a high peak brightness ensures a good viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Significantly larger screen for immersive experiences, while remaining relatively compact when folded.
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers more processing power for demanding tasks.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option.
Practical Implications:
- Huawei Mate X3 is ideal for users who want a tablet-like experience on a smartphone.
- The more powerful processor makes it suitable for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive applications.
Trade-offs:
- Huawei Mate X3 is heavier and bulkier than the OnePlus 8T, sacrificing some portability.
- OnePlus 8T lacks a Telephoto lens and Wireless charging.
- Huawei Mate X3 does not offer 5G connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T:
- Ideal User: Someone who values portability, a good display, and a well-rounded camera system without needing the absolute best performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Photography in well-lit environments.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for its features, especially if found at a discounted price.
Huawei Mate X3:
- Ideal User: Someone who wants a foldable phone with a big screen experience, top-tier performance, and a high-quality camera, willing to pay a premium.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking and productivity on the go.
- Immersive gaming and video streaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Price-to-Value: Expensive, but offers unique features and performance for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Is a foldable design important to you? If yes, Huawei Mate X3 is the obvious choice. If not, consider other factors.
- How important is portability? If you prioritize a lightweight and compact phone, the OnePlus 8T is better. If you don't mind a heavier device for a larger screen, the Mate X3 is suitable.
- Do you need 5G? The Huawei Mate X3 is 4G only.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: OnePlus 8T provides good performance and features at a more affordable price.
- Power User: Huawei Mate X3 offers better performance and a larger screen for demanding tasks.
- Traveler: OnePlus 8T is more compact and easier to carry, but the Huawei Mate X3's larger screen might be beneficial for long journeys.
- Photography Enthusiast: Huawei Mate X3 offers a better main camera and optical zoom, but OnePlus 8T has more lens choices.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei Mate X3.
Here's why:
- The foldable form factor is a game-changer for productivity and media consumption. The larger screen allows for comfortable multitasking, reading, and watching videos, all while maintaining a relatively pocketable size when folded.
- The superior performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ensures a smooth and responsive experience, even with demanding applications. While the OnePlus 8T's Snapdragon 865 is still capable, the Mate X3 offers a noticeable performance boost.
- I value the improved camera system, particularly the larger main camera sensor and telephoto lens. These features would allow me to capture higher-quality photos in a variety of situations.
- Wireless charging is a convenient feature that I would appreciate.
While the Huawei Mate X3 is more expensive and bulkier, the benefits of the foldable design, superior performance, and improved camera system outweigh the drawbacks for my use case. And it is worth to notice, that I don't need 5G!
