Huawei has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone design with the launch of its Mate XT, the world's first commercially available tri-fold device. This engineering marvel transforms from a standard smartphone into a tablet, but comes with an eye-watering price tag and potential durability concerns.
Three devices in one
The Mate XT's unique selling point is its ability to adapt to three distinct form factors:
- A traditional 6.4-inch smartphone when fully folded
- A 7.9-inch mini-tablet with one unfold
- A spacious 10.2-inch tablet when fully extended
This versatility aims to provide users with the ultimate all-in-one mobile device, potentially replacing the need for separate phones and tablets.
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| The Huawei Mate XT in action: showcasing its tri-fold capabilities for smartphone, mini-tablet, and tablet use |
Impressive specs, astronomical price
Huawei hasn't skimped on the internals, offering configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. However, this cutting-edge technology comes at a premium:
- 16GB/256GB: ¥19,999 (~$2,810)
- 16GB/512GB: ¥21,999 (~$3,090)
- 16GB/1TB: ¥23,999 (~$3,370)
To put this in perspective, the top-end Mate XT costs more than four PlayStation 5 Pro consoles or a decent used car in some markets.
Durability and repair concerns
While the Mate XT's 3.6mm thickness when unfolded is impressive, it raises questions about long-term durability. The addition of a second hinge introduces another potential point of failure compared to traditional foldables.
Perhaps more concerning are the astronomical repair costs:
- Screen replacement: ¥7,999 (~$1,125)
- Motherboard replacement (1TB model): ¥10,699 (~$1,500)
For context, a brand new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 retails for ¥7,999 in China – the same price as replacing the Mate XT's screen.
Software adaptation
Huawei's HarmonyOS appears to handle the tri-fold form factor well, with apps dynamically adjusting to the different screen sizes. However, the lack of Google services due to ongoing trade restrictions may limit its appeal in some markets.
Is tri-fold the future?
The Mate XT is undoubtedly a technological showcase, but its practicality and value proposition remain questionable. While offering unparalleled versatility, consumers must weigh this against the steep price, potential fragility, and limited availability outside China.
For now, the Mate XT stands as a fascinating glimpse into a possible future for mobile devices, but one that may be out of reach for most consumers.