Huawei has introduced the Mate XT, the world first triple-folding phone promising an innovative user experience that transforms a phone into a tablet. While the concept is astonishing and the device features impressive design elements deeper exploration reveals some challenges that make it less practical for the average consumer. This article dives into the Huawei Mate XT from its remarkable hardware design to the compromises it Necessery.
Unboxing the Huawei Mate XT
Upon unboxing, it is clear that Huawei aims to deliver a premium experience. The box includes Huawei FreeBuds 5, an 8W car charger, a 66W mains charger, USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to USB-A cables alongside earbud tips, a set of paperwork and a stylish carbon fiber case. Huawei wants to impress with the initial unboxing and catering to fans willing to invest in a first-generation product.
The Design: A New Era for Foldable Phones
The Huawei Mate XT builds on foldable phone concepts by introducing a third screen transforming the phone into a near-tablet experience when fully unfolded. This additional fold addresses a common issue with foldables: previous designs allowed for only a slight increase in display size making them less practical for widescreen content. Huawei’s triple-fold design creates a more expansive display, more similar to an iPad for perfect for media consumption or multitasking.
The Mate XT's engineering is impressive. When folded, the phone measures only 12.8mm thick, narrowly surpassing Samsung’s foldables, which achieve 12.1mm. When fully unfolded, the device measures an astonishing 3.6mm thinner than many flagship smartphones. This design feat allows Huawei to maintain the multi-screen functionality without significantly increasing bulk.
Performance and Everyday Usability
The Mate XT operates as a typical foldable phone in its single-fold state allowing users to switch between the outer and inner screens. However, once the third screen is deployed. it unlocks additional functionalities including advanced multitasking and dual-screen photo previews. The device carbon fiber case, equipped with a rotating stand thats enables various configurations to allowing users to prop up the phone at different angles. With these added functions, the Mate XT feels more like a multi-tool than a standard smartphone.
Camera and Build Quality
Huawei paid special attention to the Mate XT’s camera design. The cameras are encircled by a gold accent ring crafted from 80 layers of stacked steel. a feature reminiscent of Damascus knives, making each phone unique. Despite being foldable, the Mate XT delivers high-quality photos on par with other premium foldables.
However, this extra functionality comes at a cost. At nearly 300 grams, the Mate XT is notably heavy especially when folded. The added metal for the hinges makes it less comfortable for prolonged one-handed use. Moreover, Huawei’s hinges require careful handling as the front screen folds outward. while the rear screen folds inward adding a potential breakage risk if mishandled.
The Problematic Software and Limited App Support
The U.S. trade ban imposed in 2019 still restricts Huawei from accessing certain American technologies including Google services. Although Huawei has made strides with its HarmonyOS users looking to run Google apps will need to use third-party solutions like the Gbox app. Gbox attempts to spoof Google services by posing as a Samsung Galaxy device but this workaround is less than ideal.
Huawei’s hardware advancements are undeniable. but the software limitations may deter international buyers. Navigating Google services through these third-party apps can feel cumbersome and potentially insecure. especially for users accustomed to seamless integration on other Android devices.
The Limits of Huawei’s Chip Technology
The U.S. ban has impacted Huawei’s chip development freezing the company’s chip technology at 7nm—the level reached with the P30 Pro in 2019. While Huawei has refined these chips over time. they cannot compete with the 5nm and even 3nm technology that competitors like Apple and Samsung employ. This lag in chip technology results in lower efficiency and impacts high-performance tasks like gaming.
Testing on resource-heavy games such as Call of Duty: Warzone reveals that the Mate XT struggles, often crashing on loading screens or displaying subpar performance. Less demanding applications may perform better. but the device inability to handle top-tier games at full capacity is a drawback.
Battery Life: Adequate for a Phone, Lacking for a Tablet
The Mate XT boasts a 5,600mAh battery. which is decent by smartphone standards. However, when compared to tablets. this capacity falls short. The large screens and triple-fold design mean the device draws significant power during multitasking or media playback necessitating more frequent recharging.
Huawei’s 66W mains charger helps offset this battery limitation. but considering the Mate XT’s high power consumption users might still find themselves in need of a charger more often than with traditional tablets.
Repair Costs and Build Durability
Huawei’s triple-fold screen, a unique and delicate component, comes with high repair costs. Replacing the screen could cost as much as $1,000 making it one of the most expensive repairs for a smartphone. Given the device’s vulnerability to scratches and hinge strain, especially since the front screen folds outward, the Mate XT may require users to handle it with extra care.
Despite Huawei’s attempt to minimize creases. the Mate XT still shows faint folding lines. Each hinge consumes space impacting display smoothness. The Mate XT’s hinge quality may not fully meet users’ expectations for seamless displays, a common limitation across the folding phone industry.
Is the Huawei Mate XT Worth It?
For users looking for innovation, the Huawei Mate XT stands out as a significant leap in foldable technology. However, the challenges that accompany its novelty—its weight, delicate folding mechanisms, software limitations, and limited chip technology—make it less practical than it first appears. While Huawei may lead the foldable market with design, its hardware and software limitations make the Mate XT a less ideal choice for daily use.
The Huawei Mate XT will likely pave the way for future advancements in foldable technology, inspiring other companies like Samsung and Xiaomi to experiment with new designs. However, the current iteration may be better suited for tech enthusiasts than mainstream consumers. Huawei’s pivot towards design and innovation to maintain relevance in the smartphone market has produced an exciting device but with a high entry barrier and usability challenges.
For the average user, investing in a traditional bar phone might still provide a better, more balanced experience. While Huawei’s Mate XT is indeed groundbreaking, its limitations make it a better fit for those willing to trade practicality for a glimpse at the future of foldable phones.
TechspecInsight