Huawei Mate XT: The World’s First Tri-Fold Phone – A Revolutionary Experience

All right, you’ve heard of flip phones, and you’ve heard of folding phones, but technology never slows down. Enter the world’s first tri-fold phone: the Huawei Mate XT. I’d heard about this groundbreaking device and seen a few videos online, but it was a Huawei phone, which means it was initially available only in China.

Knowing I wouldn’t be able to use it daily, I didn’t want to get too caught up in the hype. But the concept intrigued me—what is it like to use? What are the creases like? What are the trade-offs? How practical is it to carry a tri-fold phone? And why is it called a “tri-fold” when it only technically folds twice? I needed answers.

So, I reached out to dbrand, asking, “Can you help me find a contact to purchase one?” They’re always able to work their magic, and they did. I imported the phone, and now I’m here to share the tri-fold experience with you.

Huawei Mate XT When Closed: A Regular Phone Experience

When the Huawei Mate XT is closed, it looks like a regular, reasonably-sized 6.4-inch phone. It’s actually pretty sleek. The screen is bright, has a 90Hz refresh rate, and the bezels are thin and evenly spaced around the device, even on the edges. Interestingly, the right side of the phone curves around, so the software adjusts to create a fourth bezel.

In terms of thickness, it’s definitely thicker than a normal phone. But here’s the thing—each segment of the phone is incredibly thin, measuring just about four millimeters. When closed, the total thickness adds up to 13 millimeters, which isn’t much thicker than other foldable devices like the Samsung Z Fold 6.

The power button/fingerprint reader combo, along with the volume buttons on the right side, are slightly shifted back from the center. It’s not a dealbreaker; it’s still completely usable. The screen’s exposed edges make it vulnerable when placed in a pocket or bag, but overall, the experience is solid for a regular-sized smartphone—think 8 out of 10.

The Mate XT in Tablet Mode: A Small Tablet Experience

When you open the Mate XT for the first time, it transforms into a small tablet mode. The 7.9-inch screen is comparable to other folding phones, like the Pixel Fold or Samsung Z Fold. The aspect ratio is almost square, and the screen looks great, but let’s be honest—this mode isn’t the full potential of the device. Why stop halfway when you can fold it again for greatness?

The first crease, when the phone is partially unfolded, is impressively small and hardly noticeable. The bezels are thin, and the screen is responsive. The phone also has a neat trick—since the main camera is on the back, you can take selfies using the rear camera while previewing the shot on the 6.4-inch front screen. The camera setup is impressive with flagship-level triple lenses. The display’s brightness and 90Hz refresh rate make it enjoyable to use, but the phone does feel a little unbalanced when holding it in one hand due to its thickness.

The Full Tri-Fold Experience: A 10.2-Inch Display

Now, let’s talk about the real magic: the final fold, which opens up the phone to reveal a full 10.2-inch screen. This massive OLED display has a 3,184 x 2,232 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and incredibly thin bezels. When fully unfolded, this is essentially a full-sized tablet that fits in your pocket—something no other device offers.

While the screen is stunning, it’s surprising how thin the device becomes once fully opened. Holding a 10-inch tablet with such thin bezels feels disorienting at first, but it’s a marvel of design. The two creases, one folding inward and the other outward, are surprisingly small and barely noticeable during use.

Software and Usability

The software adapts well to the tri-fold design. When you unfold the phone, the UI stretches across all three panels, with smooth animations. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to fold it, and the device will notify you if you’re doing it incorrectly, guiding you to fold it the proper way.

The learning curve to folding and unfolding the phone quickly does exist, but it’s worth noting that the tri-fold design offers a seamless experience. The fact that a 10-inch tablet can fit in your pocket is enough to make this a groundbreaking device.

Cases and Accessories: Protection for Your Tri-Fold

As with any phone, cases are essential for protection. The Huawei Mate XT comes with a case that covers the back and part of the exposed screen when the phone is closed. This case also has a kickstand, which lets you prop the phone up at various angles for video viewing. Additionally, the case can rotate to expose the wireless charging coils, allowing you to charge the device wirelessly.

For those who like to live dangerously, you can unfold the phone and use it as a built-in kickstand, but be cautious—the screen can get scratched if you do this too often.

Flagship-Level Performance

Despite its thin design, the Huawei Mate XT packs flagship-level specs. It’s powered by the Kirin 9010 chip and offers up to 16GB of RAM and a terabyte of storage. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens. The 5,600mAh battery is distributed across the device, offering 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

The Price of Innovation

Currently, the Huawei Mate XT is available in China, and the high-end model with 1TB of storage costs around $3,000-$3,500. While expensive, this price is in line with some of the top-tier foldable phones on the market.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Tri-Fold Phones

The Huawei Mate XT is an incredibly innovative device. It’s the first tri-fold phone, combining the portability of a phone with the size of a tablet. The technology inside is cutting-edge, and the experience of using a 10-inch tablet in your pocket is unparalleled. However, there are trade-offs, such as battery life and the lack of an IP rating for dust or water resistance.

Despite these minor weaknesses, the Huawei Mate XT is a groundbreaking device that pushes the boundaries of mobile technology. It’s a glimpse into the future of smartphones, and I can’t wait to see where this technology goes next.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll catch you in the next one. Peace!