The Mate XT Ultimate is the first — and still only — foldable phone with three screen segments.
Huawei is pushing the boundaries of foldable smartphone technology once again with the global launch of its highly anticipated Mate XT. Initially released in China in September 2024, the world’s first trifold smartphone is now making its way to international markets. However, cutting-edge innovation comes at a cost—the Mate XT carries a staggering price tag of €3,499 (approximately $3,660).
While the device boasts impressive engineering and a futuristic form factor, potential buyers will have to contend with Huawei’s ongoing lack of Google app support, a drawback that continues to impact its appeal in Western markets.
A True Engineering Marvel: Huawei’s Unique Trifold Design
The Mate XT introduces a revolutionary dual-hinge folding display, offering three versatile screen configurations:
- Compact Mode: A 6.4-inch display when the phone is fully folded, making it easy to carry and use one-handed.
- Tablet Mode: A massive 10.2-inch screen when fully unfolded, transforming the device into a tablet-like experience ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and gaming.
- Hybrid Mode: A 7.9-inch display when partially unfolded, providing a middle ground between phone and tablet usage.
One of the most striking features of the Mate XT is its ultra-thin profile—just 3.6mm thick when fully opened. This makes it the thinnest foldable on the market in its expanded state, beating even the upcoming Oppo Find N5, which, while thinner when shut, lacks the complexity of a triple-folding mechanism.
Flagship-Grade Performance and Battery Life
Packing a powerful 5,600mAh battery, the Mate XT ensures all-day battery life despite its expansive display. It supports both wired and wireless charging, ensuring users can top up their device conveniently. The phone is powered by 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, making it a powerhouse for productivity, gaming, and content creation.
On the camera front, Huawei continues to deliver excellence. The rear camera setup includes:
- A 50-megapixel main sensor, capturing sharp and vibrant photos.
- A 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, perfect for landscape shots and group photos.
- A periscope zoom lens, allowing high-quality telephoto shots.
The Google App Dilemma: A Major Drawback?
Despite its impressive hardware, the lack of Google apps and services remains a significant disadvantage for international users. The Mate XT currently runs on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, though it has yet to be upgraded to HarmonyOS Next, the company’s latest Android-free iteration. Without access to the Google Play Store, users must rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party app stores, which might not offer the same seamless experience as Android devices from Samsung or Google.
First Impressions: A Blend of Sturdiness and Complexity
Having tested the Mate XT shortly after its initial release in China, it’s evident that Huawei has mastered the art of foldable durability. The device feels surprisingly sturdy, considering its delicate design. However, its unique trifold mechanism takes some getting used to—each segment folds in a different direction, which can feel a bit unintuitive at first. That said, this minor learning curve is a small tradeoff for the groundbreaking functionality it offers.
Global Availability: Where Can You Buy It?
Huawei unveiled the Mate XT at a launch event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the beginning of its international rollout. However, Huawei remains tight-lipped about its global availability. The company has confirmed that the UK and US won’t be getting the Mate XT anytime soon, as stated by Huawei UK PR specialist Elliot Mulley-Goodbarne in an interview with The Verge. Other markets remain uncertain, though the phone is expected to hit select regions in Asia and Europe first.
Huawei’s Expanding Ecosystem: More Than Just a Foldable
Alongside the Mate XT, Huawei introduced a range of new devices, strengthening its ecosystem. These include:
- FreeArc Open-Ear Earbuds: A premium audio experience with an open-ear design for comfort and awareness.
- Band 10 Fitness Tracker: Huawei’s latest wearable, designed to keep up with active lifestyles.
- MatePad Pro 13.2: A high-end tablet featuring a matte OLED display, perfect for creatives and professionals.
Final Thoughts: Is the Mate XT Worth It?
The Huawei Mate XT is an engineering marvel that pushes the boundaries of smartphone design. Its trifold display, ultra-thin form factor, powerful specs, and premium build quality make it a dream device for tech enthusiasts and early adopters. However, the steep price and lack of Google services make it a tough sell for mainstream users outside of China.
For those willing to embrace Huawei’s app ecosystem and invest in a next-gen foldable, the Mate XT offers a glimpse into the future of smartphones. But for users who rely heavily on Google’s ecosystem, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Oppo Find N5 might be more practical choices.
Would you be willing to pay a premium for Huawei’s trifold innovation, or does the absence of Google support make it a dealbreaker? Let us know in the comments!
