In the ever-evolving smartphone industry, Huawei has taken a significant leap forward by introducing the Huawei Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. As foldable phones slowly gain mainstream acceptance, the Mate XT’s cutting-edge design, powerful specs, and premium features are positioning it as a game-changer. This innovative device is not only a technological marvel but also a bold statement of Huawei’s ambition to dominate the foldable market. Let’s explore what this revolutionary smartphone offers and how it stands apart from its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Honor Magic V3.
The World’s First Tri-Fold Phone: What's New?
Design and Display
At first glance, the most striking feature of the Huawei Mate XT is its unique Z-shaped folding design, enabled by two hinges. Unlike traditional foldable phones that fold once, the Mate XT folds twice, giving it the ability to transform between three different screen sizes, offering unparalleled versatility. The tri-fold mechanism allows the device to collapse into a 6.4-inch OLED smartphone, which is a manageable size for daily use. However, the real magic happens when it unfolds to reveal a massive 10.2-inch display, ideal for productivity, gaming, or media consumption.
For users who need something in between, the 7.9-inch option provides a middle ground, perfect for multitasking or watching videos while still maintaining portability. The OLED display, sourced from BOE, delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp images. With a 2232 x 3184 resolution and a 16:11 aspect ratio, the Mate XT offers an immersive visual experience that surpasses most foldable devices on the market today. Whether compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Honor Magic V3, the Mate XT’s larger screen real estate makes it a standout.
(Image Credit: Huawei)
Durability and Build
One of the primary concerns with foldable phones has always been durability, especially given the complexities of folding screens. Huawei has addressed this by incorporating ultra-thin glass to protect the display, which enhances durability without compromising on the sleek design. Despite the intricate tri-fold mechanism, the device remains surprisingly slim, measuring just 12.8mm when folded.
The craftsmanship of the dual-hinged design ensures smooth folding and unfolding, while the glass is resistant to scratches and other forms of damage. Users can rest assured that this device is built to withstand everyday wear and tear. Huawei’s engineering feats in maintaining a sleek form factor despite its sophisticated foldable technology make the Mate XT a testament to the company’s design prowess.
Battery and Charging
With a device as large and powerful as the Huawei Mate XT, battery life is crucial. Huawei has equipped the Mate XT with a 5600mAh battery, ensuring that users won’t need to worry about running out of power during extended usage. The phone also supports 66W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, so it can be quickly recharged in a matter of minutes.
The challenge with large-screen foldable devices is balancing battery consumption with performance, but Huawei has optimized the Mate XT to offer efficient power usage. The combination of a high-capacity battery and fast charging technology allows users to enjoy long hours of use without being tied to a charger. Whether fully unfolded for immersive experiences or used in its compact form, the Mate XT’s battery can handle it all.
(Image Credit: Huawei)
Performance and Chipset
Performance is another critical area where the Mate XT is expected to shine. While Huawei hasn’t officially confirmed the chipset, the Mate XT is widely believed to feature the Kirin 9010 5G processor. This processor, built on advanced AI capabilities, promises to deliver seamless multitasking, rapid data processing, and enhanced connectivity, especially in 5G-supported areas.
In addition to being a powerhouse for day-to-day tasks, the Kirin 9010 is expected to offer excellent support for AI-driven applications, making it easier to handle complex operations such as photo and video editing. The combination of 16GB of RAM ensures that the Mate XT can manage heavy workloads, whether users are switching between apps or running demanding software.
Another standout feature is the satellite communication capability, a first in Huawei's flagship smartphones. This feature allows the Mate XT to maintain connectivity in remote areas, making it a valuable tool for users who frequently travel or work in less connected regions.
Camera System
The Mate XT’s camera system is another area where Huawei has gone all out, aiming to provide a camera experience comparable to its best conventional smartphones. The device comes equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring a variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), which allows for greater flexibility in capturing both well-lit and low-light scenes. The 12MP ultrawide lens and 12MP periscope telephoto camera (with 5.5x optical zoom) round out the impressive rear camera setup, while the 8MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls with ease.
The inclusion of the periscope telephoto lens sets the Mate XT apart from many other foldable devices, which often compromise on camera quality to accommodate their folding designs. With zoom capabilities up to 120mm, users can capture high-quality photos from a distance without sacrificing clarity. For photography enthusiasts, the Mate XT’s camera system offers the same level of performance expected from Huawei’s premium flagship smartphones, ensuring that users won’t need to compromise on photo quality.
(Image Credit: Huawei)
Software and User Experience
Running on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, the Mate XT promises a smooth, intuitive user experience. HarmonyOS has been optimized to support the unique tri-fold design, making multitasking easier and more efficient. For instance, users can split the screen between apps or use multiple windows simultaneously, leveraging the device’s expansive display to boost productivity.
Huawei’s software also provides a range of productivity features, such as the ability to drag and drop files between apps, enhanced app management, and customizable multitasking tools. Whether you’re a business professional or a media enthusiast, the Mate XT’s software is designed to enhance the user experience, making it easy to switch between work and entertainment.
Additionally, the Mate XT comes with pre-installed productivity tools, including a foldable split keyboard, which can be used for tasks like document editing or note-taking. This feature, combined with its large display, makes the Mate XT an ideal tool for professionals who need to work on the go.
Final Verdict: Our Perspective on the Huawei Tri-fold Phone
The Huawei Mate XT is a groundbreaking device that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with foldable smartphones. Its innovative tri-fold design, combined with powerful performance and premium features, positions it as a true competitor in the foldable market. The Mate XT isn’t just a novelty—it’s a practical device that can meet the needs of both professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
(Image Credit: Huawei)
From its stunning display to its versatile camera system, Huawei has created a device that’s ready to take on the best from Samsung, Google, and Apple. While the Mate XT’s price tag may place it in the luxury smartphone category, its pre-orders exceeding 6.5 million signal that there is substantial demand for a device of this caliber.
With the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, Huawei is once again proving that it can innovate in ways that set new benchmarks in the smartphone industry. If the Mate XT’s global release goes as planned, it has the potential to dominate the foldable phone market and solidify Huawei’s position as a leader in mobile technology.
