Huawei Mate XT Review: Tri-fold Titan Makes a Bold Entry

In A Nutshell 

The Huawei Mate XT is touted as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, boasting storage options from 256GB to a whopping 1TB.

With a starting price of ¥19,999 (about S$3,600), the device has already garnered an impressive 5 million pre-orders (No deposit required) in China alone, signaling a strong market interest ahead of its 20th September 2024 sales launch.

Design 

This device introduces a dual-hinged, triple-screen ability to fold into a compact "Z" shape, offering versatile usage configurations. It's not just functional; it's stylish too, with a back panel adorned in either sleek black or vibrant red leather.

Build 

When folded, the Mate XT maintains a thickness comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 at 12.8mm, but it slims down to just 3.6mm when fully opened. Weighing in at 298 grams, it’s about as heavy as a small can of soup—substantial yet manageable.

Display 

The OLED display on the Mate XT is nothing short of a marvel. In its most compact form, it measures 6.4 inches, similar to a standard smartphone.

Partially unfolded, it expands to 7.9 inches—on par with a Samsung Z Fold6 or an iPad mini.

Fully extended, it reaches an impressive 10.2 inches, akin to a full-sized iPad. The resolution maxes out at 2,232 x 3,184, ensuring crisp, clear visuals no matter the configuration.

Color Options 

Simplicity rules here, with just two choices: classic black or striking red.

Camera  

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel main, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel periscope camera.

Selfie takers aren’t forgotten, with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera neatly housed in a punch-hole design.

Battery Life 

Huawei isn’t skimping on power, either. The Mate XT comes equipped with a robust 5,600mAh battery, supporting speedy 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Operating System

It runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s latest iteration of its custom OS, designed to offer a smooth, intuitive user experience.

Pricing

- ¥19,999 (S$3,600) for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage
- ¥21,999 (S$4,000) for 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
- ¥23,999 (S$4,400) for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage

Con

Despite its innovations, the Mate XT has its drawbacks.

• It can't use Android, limiting app availability and user customization.

• The cost of repairs is also steep—with the motherboard alone costing up to S$1,960, and the screen replacement at S$1,796.

• Additionally, its high price tag means you could get four PS5 Pros or two iPhone 16 Pro Maxes for the same cost.

• Lastly, it's only available in China, which might be a dealbreaker for international tech enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate XT is a trailblazer in the smartphone world with its tri-fold design and high-end features. It's a device that demands attention—and a considerable investment.

If you're in China and your wallet allows, this could be the tech masterpiece for you.

For others, it might be a marvel to admire from afar, at least until Huawei decides to take it global.