Huawei's Tri-Fold Mate XT Ultimate: A €3,499 Device That Bridges Phone and Tablet

BigGo Editorial Team
Huawei's Tri-Fold Mate XT Ultimate: A €3,499 Device That Bridges Phone and Tablet

Foldable technology takes a significant leap forward as Huawei introduces its groundbreaking tri-fold smartphone, pushing the boundaries of mobile device form factors. Initially launched in China, the Mate XT Ultimate is now making its way to global markets, offering an innovative solution that challenges conventional distinctions between smartphones and tablets.

Revolutionary Design and Display Technology

The Mate XT Ultimate showcases Huawei's engineering prowess with its unique tri-fold design, measuring just 3.6mm when unfolded and 12.8mm when folded. This makes it slimmer than traditional foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. The device features three distinct display modes: a 6.4-inch cover screen, a 7.9-inch dual-screen configuration, and an impressive 10.2-inch fully expanded display with a 16:11 aspect ratio. The LTPO OLED panel operates at 90Hz and incorporates 1440Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain.

Display Specifications:

  • Cover Display: 6.4-inch (1008 x 2232 pixels)
  • Dual-screen mode: 7.9-inch (2048 x 2232 pixels)
  • Full unfolded: 10.2-inch (2232 x 3184 pixels)

Performance and Hardware Specifications

Under the hood, the Mate XT Ultimate is powered by Huawei's proprietary Kirin 9010 chipset, complemented by 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The device houses a substantial 5,600mAh battery supporting 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging capabilities. For photography, it features a triple camera system with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP periscope lens offering 5.5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view.

Key Hardware Specs:

  • Processor: Kirin 9010
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: Up to 1TB
  • Battery: 5,600mAh
  • Charging: 66W wired, 50W wireless

Software Experience and Practical Usage

The global version runs on EMUI 14, which, while functional, shows some signs of dated design. While Google services aren't pre-installed, users can find workarounds to install essential Google apps. The device comes with a thoughtfully designed case featuring an integrated kickstand, enhancing the multimedia viewing experience when using the full 10.2-inch display mode.

Physical Dimensions:

  • Unfolded thickness: 3.6mm
  • Folded thickness: 12.8mm
  • Weight: 298g

Market Position and Value Proposition

Priced at €3,499 in Europe, the Mate XT Ultimate positions itself as a premium device for tech enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum screen real estate in a pocketable form factor. Despite its high price point, it offers unprecedented versatility by effectively combining three devices - a standard smartphone, a book-style foldable, and a compact tablet - into one innovative package.