News

HUAWEI Mate X5 silently rolled out in China

What the Mate X3 should’ve been like in the first place

Published

September 9, 2023

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just a week after the HUAWEI Mate 60 series’ surprise launch, the Chinese brand has surprised us again and silently rolled out the Mate X5.

In HUAWEI’s typical calendar of events, the Mate X series is being refreshed at least two years apart. However, the gap between the announcement of the Mate X3 and Mate X5 is just five months.

HUAWEI Mate X3 (2023)

Most of us would question the company’s uncanny decision, but maybe this is hinting us that we should expect more surprises — especially now that other phone brands decide to rival the upcoming iPhone 15 launch by barraging us their new devices

Mate X3 Revamped

Even though there’s a big gap in number, the HUAWEI Mate X5 isn’t much of a massive Mate upgrade. And just like any Chinese brand, skipping number “4” is a must — or the company might just get unlucky.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The HUAWEI Mate X5’s thinnest point is still at 11.08mm — making it one of the slimmest foldables. Still, the HONOR Magic V2 owns the crown for being the world’s current thinnest foldable at just 9.9mm.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Display tech hasn’t changed, too: still that 6.4-inch screen outside and an OLED display that unfolds onto a 7.85-inch screen when unfolded. Other display feats from the Mate X3 also remain such as the resolution, supported color space and calibration, 426ppi pixel density, 1440Hz PWM Dimming, among others.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Battery capacities are similar as well: a 5060mAh Silicon-carbon battery for both variants. This was only reserved last time for the Mate X3 Collector’s Edition as the regular (and global) version of the Mate X3 only ships with the smaller 4800mAh Li-Po battery.

Charging? Still capped at 66W for wired, 50W for wireless, and 7.5W using reverse wireless charging.

IPX8 rating also remains for that extra protection against splashes and water immersion.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While the camera bump design may look (ever so slightly) different, its triple camera setup with XMAGE imaging system are all the same: 50MP f/1.8 main (wide) lens, 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, and an 8MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens that optically zooms in up to 5x. The outer and inner selfie cameras remain similar nonetheless: 8MP f/2.2 to be precise.

So with all these similarities, are there even any changes at all?

Five changes in five months

They didn’t market it this way but I noticed five noticeable changes in the new HUAWEI Mate X5 (in contrast with the Mate X3).

1. Change of heart

The most obvious change is found within the very heart of the HUAWEI Mate X5.

Again, while it was never stated in their official website, it’s very evident that this sudden launch means to replace the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset of the Mate X3 with a very limiting 4G connection and upgrade it to a chip with better benefits, especially in the data connection segment.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As it already made its debut in the newest Mate 60 series, it would be a huge miss not to use it on their latest foldable. Thus, the Mate X5 was a Mate X3 reborn — now with 5G support.

This would greatly benefit its loyal Chinese fanbase as the nation heavily relies on fast 5G connectivity not just for the internet but for other private and public services as well. Moreover, for the continuous usage and expansion of HUAWEI’s promising satellite communication technology.

2. Two phone models, two different configurations

As expected, the Mate X5 comes with the usual 12GB RAM. But unlike the Mate X3, it has double the base memory option at 16GB.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the Mate X5 Collector’s Edition is only limited to 16GB RAM but has an extra 1TB storage option other than the 512GB variant (which is limited to the regular model).

If you’re still worried about filling up a 1TB-worth of disk space, it can still be expanded with up to 256GB of NM (Nano Memory) card.

3. Different inner displays

While the display sizes weren’t different, the two Mate X5 models actually use different display tech in their foldable display.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The Mate X5 Collector’s Edition has an adaptive 1 to 120Hz LTPO display while the regular Mate X5 12GB version has ditched that adaptive refresh rate feature — which is a bummer when you want to squeeze in more battery life. The product site even says it can achieve up to 1800 nits of brightness.

4. Even tougher glass

The Collector’s Edition is equipped with HUAWEI’s new glass protection technology called “Xuanwu Kunlun Glass” that’s essentially a lot stronger than the regular Kunlun Glass of the regular Mate X3 and X5. It promises an enhanced scratch resistance of up to 300% as well as a 100% drop resistance improvement from its counterpart.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While we may not know how tougher it is than the world-famous Gorilla Glass Victus 2 by Corning, HUAWEI is proud to say that the Xuanwu Kunlun Glass bags the title of having the world’s first Swiss SGS gold standard 5-star scratch-resistant and drop-resistant certification.

We’ll just leave the drop tests to the torture-loving TechTubers you have in mind.

5. Five new shades

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just like its older sibling, the HUAWEI Mate X5 is still being offered in five different colors with two familiar finishes — albeit in different names and shades.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Feather Sand White and Feather Sand Black still remain but a new shade has joined the club: there’s now the Feather Sand Gold in (obviously) a cleaner-looking, more refined feather-sanded finish. For comparison, the Mate X3’s Dawn Gold colorway has a leather-textured back.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Speaking of, the leather-textured color options are now replaced by Aoyama (Green Mountain) Dai and Phantom Purple which both replaces the Mate X3’s Qingshandai and Dawn Gold colorways like aforementioned.

Pricing and availability

The HUAWEI Mate X5 is available for pre-orders in China starting on September 9, 2023 (Saturday) at around 10:08AM.

There are a total of five different configurations to choose from:

Mate X5 (regular)
- 12GB+256GB = CNY 12,999 (US$ 1786 / EUR 1676 / GBP 1439 / SG$ 2434 / PhP 101,584 / INR 148,516)
- 12GB+512GB = CNY 13,999 (US$ 1924 / EUR 1805 / GBP 1550 / SG$ 2622 / PhP 109,399 / INR 159,941)
- 16GB+512GB = CNY 14,999 (US$ 2061 / EUR 1934 / GBP 1661 / SG$ 2809 / PhP 117,213 / INR 171,367)
Mate X5 Collector’s Edition
- 16GB+512GB = CNY 15,999 (US$ 2198 / EUR 2063 / GBP 1771 / SG$ 2434 / PhP 125,028 / INR 182,792)
- 16GB+1TB = CNY 16,999 (US$ 2336 / EUR 2192 / GBP 1882 / SG$ 3183 / PhP 132,843 / INR 194,217)

The pre-ordered Mate X5 units are promised to be shipped before September 24, 2023 (Sunday).

There’s no word on global availability for now. But with the recent news of HUAWEI confirming that the Mate 60 and 60 Pro will not come to international markets with the thought of its new 5G Kirin chipset most likely says the same for the rest of the line.

Related Topics:Huawei HUAWEI Mate X5 Mate X5

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.