HUAWEI blends fashion, engineering at Manila launch of Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, and FreeClip 2

• Actor Jericho Rosales during the launch of Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, and FreeClip 2.

HUAWEI introduced its latest devices in the country on February 19, turning The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati into a runway-inspired showcase built around the theme “Technology x Fashion.”

The lineup is led by the HUAWEI Mate X7, alongside the MatePad 11.5 S 2026 and the FreeClip 2. The event combined product demonstrations with a stylized presentation that highlighted design, materials, and everyday use cases.

The Mate X7 was presented as the brand’s newest flagship foldable, with emphasis on durability and imaging. According to HUAWEI, the device is built with a 360-degree protection structure that covers the inner and outer screens, hinge, and frame using aerospace-grade materials. It carries IP59 and IP58 ratings for water and dust resistance, with claims of tolerating hot water up to 80°C and fresh water depths of up to two meters.

Actor Jericho Rosales, who appeared at the event, shared his impressions of the device.

“What really stood out to me about the HUAWEI Mate X7 is its durability that exceeds my expectations,” he said. “Foldable phones are often seen as fragile because of their folding mechanism, but the HUAWEI Mate X7 boldly proves that perception wrong.”

On photography, Rosales added, “I love how it lets me capture scenes exactly how I see them.”

The Mate X7 features a 50MP Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, a 50MP Telephoto Macro Camera, and what HUAWEI describes as a True-to-Colour Camera system. The company says the device supports up to 17.5 EV dynamic range for shooting in complex lighting conditions.

Wrapped in vegan leather, the foldable opens into an 8-inch display. It supports Live Multitask, allowing up to three app windows simultaneously. HUAWEI said users can access Google apps and download additional services through the HUAWEI AppGallery, including local apps such as GCash, BPI, BDO, Facebook, YouTube, and Angkas. It runs on a 5600mAh battery with support for 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The MatePad 11.5 S 2026, meanwhile, was positioned as a portable productivity device. Content creator CK De Leon demonstrated its use for writing, editing, and multitasking.

“This flexibility lets me answer emails with its HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, sketch ideas with the HUAWEI M-Pencil 3rd Gen, edit content, and upload or post with the HUAWEI Bluetooth Mouse,” she said.

The tablet runs PC-Level WPS Office 3.0, which supports advanced math functions and document insertion. It can be paired with the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, M-Pencil Pro, and a Bluetooth Mouse through NearLink technology.

“One thing I value most is portability without sacrificing power. That’s why this device has become part of my daily workflow. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 is a 4-in-1 Better Than Ever Productivity Tablet—tablet, keyboard, mouse, and pencil in one system,” De Leon said.

The device features a 2.8K PaperMatte Display with a 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by an 8800mAh battery with 40W fast charging support.

Completing the launch was the FreeClip 2, an open-ear audio device designed with what HUAWEI calls an Airy C-Bridge structure. Internet personality Kerwin King discussed its fit and comfort during workouts and long use.

“No matter how hard I move while working out or how long I wear it while I’m working, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 really does not budge and always feels comfortable,” he said.

The earbuds are built with a shape-memory alloy and liquid silicone. HUAWEI said they are powered by an NPU AI Processor and Dual-Diaphragm Driver, with a three-microphone call noise cancellation system. The device carries an IP57 rating and offers up to 38 hours of battery life, with up to nine hours of listening time on a single charge.

The HUAWEI Mate X7 is priced at P 119,999 and is available for pre-order from February 19 to 26 via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. 

HUAWEI said pre-order customers may receive bundled items valued at up to PHP 45,998, including a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5, trade-in tokens, and a one-time accidental screen damage protection valid for one year. Select bank payment options may also provide discounts of up to PHP 10,000, subject to terms and conditions.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 will be available from February 19 to March 22 through online platforms and retail stores, with prices ranging from P29,999 to P31,999 depending on configuration. 

Early bird vouchers are offered on select platforms, with additional bundled accessories for pre-order customers, including the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, M-Pencil (3rd Gen), Bluetooth Mouse, and PC-level WPS Office, according to HUAWEI.

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 is priced at P9,999 and is available via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Early bird vouchers are also being offered on selected platforms, subject to availability and platform-specific terms.