Huawei Mate XT Review: The World's First Tri-Fold Smartphone

The Huawei Mate XT revolutionizes mobile technology as the first tri-fold smartphone. Instead of focusing on its high €3500 price tag, let's explore its unique design, innovative construction, and the future of smartphones.

Design and Dimensions

The Mate XT earns its premium status with the Ultimate Design designation. It features high-quality materials, including durable faux leather on the back and a glossy metal frame. Available in red-gold and black-champagne, it exudes a luxurious feel.

When folded, the device is 12.8mm thick, slightly bulkier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (12.2mm) and OnePlus Open (11.7mm), but the difference is negligible. Weighing 298 grams, it is noticeable but remains comfortable to use.

The standout feature is its tri-fold mechanism, allowing it to expand into a 10.2-inch tablet with a 16:11 aspect ratio. This format is ideal for both media consumption and productivity. The hinges feel solid, though a reassuring click when opening would be welcome.

Display

The Mate XT offers three display modes: 6.4", 7.9", and 10.2", making it versatile for different tasks. The 3K OLED display delivers crisp visuals, but its 90Hz refresh rate is lower than the 120Hz standard in flagship devices. However, navigation remains smooth and responsive.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Kirin 9010 processor, the Mate XT lags behind newer Apple A18 and Snapdragon 8 Elite chips. However, EMUI 14.2 is well-optimized, ensuring smooth performance in everyday tasks and most games. Graphics-intensive games may experience frame rate drops.

Due to sanctions, Google services are absent. However, the open-source microG platform enables access to most Google apps. Professional Google Workspace accounts may face setup challenges.

Camera

Despite its ultra-thin body, Huawei has incorporated a 5.5x periscope zoom lens. The cameras perform at a level comparable to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, even surpassing them in video recording. The main sensor captures sharp images, though occasional oversharpening occurs. The ultra-wide camera also delivers solid results.

The selfie camera is underwhelming, but thanks to the foldable design, the main camera can be used for high-quality selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

The Mate XT houses a 5600mAh battery, providing a full day of use. It supports 66W fast wired charging and 50W fast wireless charging, ensuring quick recharging.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate XT is a bold step into the future of mobile technology. It is not just a smartphone but a concept showcasing new possibilities for multitasking, entertainment, and productivity. Despite its high price and the lack of Google services, it sets a new standard in the foldable device industry.