The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, the world’s first tri-fold phone, is finally available outside of China after months of anticipation.
Priced at around $3,600, this foldable marvel challenges the idea that tablets still have a place in a world where mobile devices can do more.
Here’s why this tri-fold phone might be the next big thing in mobile computing.
A Technological Marvel in Design
The first thing that stands out about the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is its design. At 3.6mm thick when fully unfolded and 12.8mm when folded, it’s impressively slim, despite its tri-fold configuration.
The weight of 298g is noticeable when folded, but once unfolded, the device truly shines with its sturdy hinges and satisfying magnetic clicks. The inward-folding crease is less noticeable compared to other foldables, adding to the phone’s premium feel.
A Bigger, Better Screen
One of the most significant upgrades of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is its display. The phone features three screens—6.4-inch, 7.9-inch, and a whopping 10.2-inch when fully unfolded.
This extra screen real estate makes a noticeable difference, especially for tasks like watching videos or multitasking. The 10.2-inch screen with a 16:11 aspect ratio is a major improvement over the boxier displays of traditional foldables, making video consumption feel more natural and immersive.
The display quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors and a sharp 2232 x 3184 resolution. While the phone maxes out at a 90Hz refresh rate (as opposed to the 120Hz seen in some other high-end devices), it still offers a smooth and fluid experience with its LTPO OLED panel.
Performance and Software
The Mate XT Ultimate is powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9010 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. In my brief time using the device, I didn’t notice any stutters or lag. The phone transitions seamlessly between screen modes, which is essential for a tri-fold design.
However, the software—EMUI 14—feels a bit outdated compared to other modern mobile operating systems. While it functions adequately, it’s not as polished as Google’s Android or iOS, and the absence of Google apps out of the box might be a deal-breaker for some. However, there are ways to install Google apps, though it requires a bit of effort.
The Camera and Battery Life
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate comes with a triple-camera setup: a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP periscope camera with 5.5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The photos are decent but don’t quite match the performance of Huawei’s flagship slab phones, likely due to the constraints of fitting large sensors into a slim form factor.
Battery life could be a concern, especially when using the phone in three-screen mode. The Mate XT Ultimate features a 5,600mAh battery with support for 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, but heavy use could still drain it quickly.
The Price and Final Thoughts
At €3,499 (around $3,660), the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is a luxury device, but for that price, you’re getting an experience that combines a smartphone, a book-style foldable, and a tablet.
The improved video consumption and multitasking experience make it a worthy contender in the foldable phone space, especially for those who need more screen space but don’t want to carry a tablet.
Source: zdnet.com
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