Huawei Mate XT Review A Pioneering Trifold Phone Not Yet Worth Buying

Huawei’s Mate XT marks a significant milestone as the world’s first trifold smartphone, blending the functionalities of a phone, foldable, and tablet into one device. Released initially in China and now available in limited markets, this device is more a technological showcase than a consumer-ready product.

At nearly $4,000, the Mate XT is prohibitively expensive and lacks native Google app support, which remains a major drawback for many users outside China. Additionally, it supports only 4G connectivity and has no official IP rating, raising concerns about its durability and resistance to water and dust.

Despite these limitations, the Mate XT impresses with its versatile form factor. When fully closed, it functions as a standard 6.4-inch smartphone. Unfolding once reveals a 7.9-inch foldable display, and unfolding fully transforms it into a 10.2-inch tablet, ideal for media consumption and multitasking.

The device’s battery life is commendable, powered by a 5,600mAh battery that can last a full day under typical usage. However, the exposed flexible screen edges are vulnerable to scratches and damage, and the dual-hinge mechanism introduces additional points of potential failure.

Software-wise, the Mate XT offers unique multitasking capabilities, allowing up to three apps to run simultaneously with one in a floating window. However, the multitasking experience is not flawless, with occasional app reloads and limitations in fully opening three apps at once.

Huawei’s Mate XT is less about immediate consumer adoption and more about pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. It signals a future where foldables and trifolds could become mainstream, provided software ecosystems and hardware durability improve significantly.

For developers and tech leaders, the Mate XT presents a glimpse into the evolving challenges of app compatibility, multitasking, and user experience on multi-fold devices. Preparing apps to leverage these new form factors will be critical as the market matures.

In conclusion, while the Huawei Mate XT is not a practical purchase today due to its cost, software limitations, and durability concerns, it is a pioneering device that sets the stage for future innovations in foldable smartphone technology.