The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design: A Revolutionary Foldable Phone
Huawei has always been known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone design, and their latest innovation, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design, is no exception. This tri-fold phone has created an immense buzz in the tech world, even more so than other high-profile releases, including the latest iPhone. With over 7 million bookings before its global release, this device is clearly generating significant excitement. In this article, we will explore the features of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design and discuss whether the phone lives up to the hype.
Unboxing: A Premium Experience
When you first unbox the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, it’s clear that you’re dealing with something unique. The packaging itself is large and comes with several accessories that make the experience feel luxurious. Inside the box, you’ll find an 88W car charger with dual USB Type-A and Type-C ports, which is a nice addition for users on the go. Huawei has also included a pair of TWS earbuds, which are the FreeBuds 5, adding further value to the unboxing experience.
Aside from the standard USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable, there is also a Type-A to Type-C cable, allowing for flexibility in charging options. The phone comes with a 66W wired charger that supports fast charging, making sure the large battery charges quickly. It’s clear that Huawei has thought about every detail to ensure a comprehensive unboxing experience.
Design and Build Quality: An Engineering Marvel
The highlight of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is, without a doubt, its foldable screen. While Huawei markets it as a tri-fold device, it technically has two folds, but the screen folds into three distinct sections. At its thinnest point, this phone is just 3.6mm thick, making it one of the slimmest foldable devices on the market.
Holding the phone in your hand, you immediately notice how dense it feels, weighing in at 308.7g. This is heavier than many traditional smartphones, but given the device’s unique folding mechanism and 10.2-inch display when fully opened, the weight is understandable. In fact, Huawei has essentially created a tablet-phone hybrid, making it a standout in the foldable phone market. When fully unfolded, the 10.2-inch display is comparable to many small tablets, and the engineering behind this form factor is truly impressive.
Display: Seamless Transitions Across Sizes
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate features a display that changes sizes seamlessly depending on how the phone is folded. When closed, it offers a 6.4-inch FHD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Upon unfolding, the display expands to 7.9 inches and becomes a 2K resolution screen. When fully unfolded, the screen reaches its maximum size at 10.2 inches with 3K resolution.
One notable feature is the lack of creases along the fold lines, a common issue in many foldable phones. Huawei has clearly worked hard to create a smooth folding mechanism. However, there are concerns about the durability of the screen, especially when the phone is used regularly or in more rugged environments. While Huawei has not officially provided an IP rating, users should be cautious about dropping or exposing the phone to dust and water.
Performance: Good, But Not Cutting Edge
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is powered by the Kirin 9010 chipset, which is Huawei’s in-house processor. Although it’s a decent performer, its 7nm architecture is not as advanced as other flagship chips on the market today. According to benchmarks, the Kirin 9010 performs similarly to the Dimensity 8200, which may feel a bit underwhelming given the phone’s premium price tag.
In terms of gaming, titles like Genshin Impact run smoothly, but users might experience crashes with other games like BGMI. The lack of full support for Google services outside of China is another downside, as it can create challenges for users who rely on Google’s ecosystem. Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which powers the Mate XT, is well-optimized, but certain apps may not work as seamlessly as they do on Android or iOS.
Battery and Charging: Efficient Power Management
One area where the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate excels is battery life. It is equipped with a 5600mAh battery, which is sufficient to power the large, power-hungry display. The phone supports 50W wireless charging and 66W wired charging, making sure you don’t have to wait long to power up your device.
Despite its large battery, the phone’s weight and form factor mean that it may not be the most portable option for everyday use. Nonetheless, for those who are drawn to the novelty and functionality of a large foldable device, the battery life and charging options will likely meet their needs.
Multimedia Experience: Great Display, but Limited by Software
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate offers a superb multimedia experience, especially when viewing content on the large 10.2-inch screen. The audio quality is also impressive, making it a great device for streaming video or listening to music. However, there are some limitations.
Because Huawei is still on the US Entity List, it cannot use Qualcomm chipsets or certain software features. This means that users may face some compatibility issues with streaming services like Netflix, which is only supported at L3 level on this device. As a result, users may not be able to enjoy full HD content on platforms like Netflix, which can detract from the overall multimedia experience.
Camera: Flagship-Level Photography
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The cameras perform well in most situations, providing sharp and detailed photos. There is also an 8MP front-facing camera, though the quality is not on par with some of the other flagship devices on the market.
However, the phone’s unique form factor makes it less convenient for traditional photography. The large size can make it awkward to hold, and users may struggle to capture certain shots with the same ease they would with a smaller, more compact device.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Worth It?
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is undoubtedly an engineering marvel. Its innovative dual-fold design and massive display set it apart from any other device currently available. For tech enthusiasts who value novelty and innovation, this phone is likely to impress. However, the hefty price tag of around 2.5 lakhs ($3,000) makes it a significant investment.
From a performance standpoint, the phone may not offer the best value for money. The Kirin 9010 chipset is not as powerful as competing chips, and the lack of Google services outside of China is a major drawback for many users. However, if you’re looking for a phone that will turn heads and push the limits of what’s possible in smartphone design, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate may be worth considering.
In summary, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is more of a novelty and engineering achievement than a practical, everyday device. It excels in display innovation and has set a new benchmark for foldable phones. Yet, for those seeking top-tier performance and software support, there may be better options available at a more reasonable price.