Recently, Huawei made a splash in the tech world by unveiling the world’s first dual-folding, triple-screen foldable device.
The highly anticipated brand has finally landed in China, offering eager fans a taste of what’s in store. We managed to get our hands on the latest release for a brief yet thrilling test drive this week. Is the Mate X’s sleek design enough to make it a standout smartphone?
That dual-folding design
Paul Jones / Android Authority
It’s self-evident that the Mate XT’s innovative dual-folding design is its most compelling selling point. The device features a 10.2-inch dual-folding OLED display that can be transformed into a 7.9-inch screen, similar to traditional foldable phones. With a simple second fold, the Mate XT transforms seamlessly into a smartphone boasting a spacious 6.4-inch display screen. When folded, the telephone measures just 12.8mm in thickness, surprisingly slimmer than its predecessor yet slightly thicker than its precursor.
When put into practice, we found that unfolding the Mate XT yielded a seamless user experience, with the folding mechanics boasting a satisfying tactile response. While closed, the gadget had a familiar foldable aesthetic; upon unfolding, it transformed into a seamless, intuitive device reminiscent of a sleek tablet. The device’s slender profile makes it convenient to carry and store.
When closed, the HUAWEI Mate XT bears a resemblance to other foldable phones on the market, a testament to its sleek and innovative design.
The foldable tips the scales at 298 grams, but its weight doesn’t quite register as significant compared to the more svelte 257-gram model. Although we’ve only used the device for less than half an hour thus far, we can’t rule out the possibility that our mileage may vary significantly over a longer period of usage.
Clearly, a pair of hinges necessitates the presence of two show creases, leaving no room for doubt. Although we only briefly handled the device, these creases appeared to be similar in nature to those found on many other foldable phones. If persistent creases on foldable phones bother you, the Mate X won’t be a game-changer.
HUAWEI Mate XT specs
Paul Jones / Android Authority
The majority of the remaining triple-screen foldable phones are typically manufactured by Huawei. The Kirin 5G chip relies anonymously, likely drawing from the Kirin 9010 powering the P30 Pro series; consequently, this device appears to trail behind in terms of raw processing power.
The Mate XT comes equipped with a robust 5,600mAh battery, supporting rapid charging via its 66W wired port, as well as convenient 50W wireless power replenishment options. Despite initially being impressed with the unfolded display screen, we often marvel at its endurance.
The Huawei device also boasts a highly effective triple rear camera system in most cases. We’ve secured a cutting-edge camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel variable aperture primary sensor capable of achieving an impressive f/1.4 to f/4.0 aperture range, alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a versatile 5.5x zoom periscope camera boasting 12 megapixels. Notably, this foldable phone boasts a pioneering variable-aperture camera, granting users unparalleled creative control over depth-of-field effects and focus capabilities. With an impressive 8-megapixel camera nestled within a discreet left-aligned punch-hole cutout, capturing stunning selfies and crystal-clear video calls becomes a seamless experience.
Shouldn’t you consider adding the Mate XT to your tech wish list instead?
Paul Jones / Android Authority
Given the limited exposure we’ve had to the Mate XT, it’s premature to draw final verdicts on its performance and capabilities. Notwithstanding the business’s inaugural foray into triple-screen foldable technology, a certain sense of guarded enthusiasm prevails. While we’ll likely find this technology beneficial for people seeking an enormous display that fits within their budget constraints?
While we harbor concerns about durability, the lack of protection surrounding the foldable display does little to alleviate our anxiety about accidental damage. Despite its unassuming appearance, it somehow resembles a futuristic concept from a sci-fi film.
The Mate X has finally landed in China, but we’ll have to wait and see when it becomes available globally. It’s great that this event will have a significant turnout, and we’re thrilled about its expansive scope.
While the device may seem reasonably priced at first glance, with a starting price tag of 19,999 yuan ($2,835) in its domestic market, you shouldn’t bank on an affordable option just yet. A price tag of over $3,000 appears to be a substantial investment for Europe and other regions.
