The market for foldable smartphones is expanding, and Huawei is entering the battle with the Pocket 2. It seeks to dazzle with a sophisticated appearance, excellent performance, and standout features. My thorough research into the Huawei Pocket 2 gets even more interesting with Tech Maiky’s unboxing video. In this comprehensive review, I’ll examine if it lives up to expectations and whether it may become your next daily driver.
Huawei Pocket 2 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| NETWORK | |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| LAUNCH | |
| Announced | 2024, February 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 22 |
| BODY | |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 170 x 75.5 x 7.3 mm Folded: 87.8 x 75.5 x 15.3 mm |
| Weight | 199 g or 202 g (7.02 oz) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) IPX8 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 min) |
| DISPLAY | |
| Type | Foldable LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2200 nits (peak) |
| Size | 6.94 inches, 111.9 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1136 x 2690 pixels (~420 ppi density) Cover display: LTPO OLED, 1.15 inch, 340 x 340 pixels, 296 ppi |
| PLATFORM | |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.0 |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| MEMORY | |
| Card slot | NM (Nano Memory), up to 512GB (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| MAIN CAMERA | |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), PDAF, Laser AF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF 2 MP, (spectral) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS |
| SELFIE CAMERA | |
| Single | 10.7 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K, 1080p |
| SOUND | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | |
| WLAN | i-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC (320-960 kbps HD audio) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| FEATURES | |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum BDS Satellite Message |
| BATTERY | |
| Type | Li-Po 4520 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 66W wired, 52% in 20 min (advertised) 40W wireless 5W wireless reverse-wired 5W reverse wired |
| MISC | |
| Colors | Black, Purple, White, Gray |
| Models | LEM-AL00 |
| Price | About 1,042 USD for 256GB storage, 12GB RAM | Roughly 1,528 USD for 16GB RAM with 1TB storage |
Design: Where Style Meets Practicality
Huawei’s design of the Pocket 2 is flawless. It is more of a fashion piece than a phone because of its streamlined design and variety of colors. When unfolded, it has a comfortingly substantial feel in the hand, and the hinge mechanism’s seamless functioning gives one confidence. Crucially, the Huawei Pocket 2 has IPX8 water and dust resistance, which sets it apart from certain competitors and gives it a durability advantage for people who lead active lives.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes, Inside and Out
It is a pleasure to view the 6.94-inch foldable LTPO OLED screen. Everything seems exceptionally smooth, from online surfing to gaming, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. Even in direct sunshine, there is exceptional clarity due to the high peak brightness. However, the Huawei Pocket 2’s most intriguing aspect is the 1.15-inch cover display. It’s larger than most foldables, allowing for greater functionality. Checking notifications, controlling music playback, taking a quick selfie, or even using it as a viewfinder for the main camera system—all possible without flipping the phone open.
Performance: Handles Everything with Ease
Huawei didn’t skimp on internals with the Pocket 2. A powerful processor paired with ample RAM options translates to a device that doesn’t flinch at any task. From heavy multitasking to demanding mobile games, the Huawei Pocket 2 handles it all with grace. The HarmonyOS 4.0 interface is well-optimized, snappy to navigate, and free from stuttering. It makes using the phone feel like a premium experience.
Cameras: Versatile and Capable
The Huawei Pocket 2’s camera system won’t disappoint photography enthusiasts. Under varied lighting circumstances, the 50MP primary sensor generates crisp, colorful photos that are packed with detail and have an exceptional dynamic range. With its 3x optical zoom, the 8MP telephoto lens allows you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing clarity, while its 12MP ultrawide lens provides a distinctive viewpoint for group or landscape photos. With Huawei’s spectral sensor, you can reproduce colors more accurately and get true-to-life images. Don’t forget the 10.7MP front camera, which excels at selfies and vibrant video calls.
Battery and Charging: Designed for Busy Days
The 4520 mAh battery powering the Huawei Pocket 2 reliably lasted me through a full day of intense usage. Even power users should get through the day without worry. And when you do need to top up, 66W fast-wired charging gets you back in action quickly. The Huawei Pocket 2 even boasts 40W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up compatible earbuds or other accessories on the go—talk about convenience!
Unique Features: Standing Out from the Crowd
Let’s explore what makes the Pocket 2 special:
- Satellite Messaging: No signal? No problem. The Pocket 2 can send basic text messages via the Beidou satellite network. This innovation is invaluable for those who venture off the grid and could even be a lifesaver in emergencies.
- SuperStorage: Huawei’s proprietary storage compression technology frees up valuable space.
- Advanced Flex Mode: The Pocket 2 takes advantage of its hinge for convenient hands-free video calls
Pros
- Beautiful and durable design
- Large, vibrant foldable display
- Excellent performance
- Versatile cameras
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
- Unique and useful features
Coins
- Expensive
- HarmonyOS might limit app selection compared to Android
- Some bulkiness when folded
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Huawei Pocket 2?
The Huawei Pocket 2, with its sophisticated appearance and state-of-the-art technology, is a remarkable folding smartphone. The Huawei Pocket 2 is a serious competitor if you’re ready to pay more for the newest and finest. It’s an elegant and useful option because of its distinctive features, sturdy construction, and long-lasting battery.
