Huawei Mate XT Review: Maybe A Tri-Fold Will Fix Me

Introduction

The Huawei Mate XT promises a revolutionary step in foldable phones. But does the tri-fold design truly address every issue and deliver an exceptional experience? I spent a week with this phone in India to find out.

Design and Features Review

Before we dive into the strengths of the Huawei Mate XT, it’s important to highlight that purchasing and using this device isn’t straightforward. Import prices to the U.S. can soar up to $5,000, and setting up Google services on Huawei’s HarmonyOS remains cumbersome. This poses significant challenges for international users.

Tri-Fold Design
The Mate XT transitions seamlessly from a phone to a tablet and even a wide-screen display. It combines inward-folding trends with Huawei’s earlier outward-folding style. Though the creases are visible, they don’t significantly impact the user experience.

Real-World Usage
Throughout my trip to Delhi, I tested the Mate XT in various scenarios:

• One-handed mode: Navigating Google Maps, scanning boarding passes, and checking social media.
• Book mode: Expanding the screen to read Lonely Planet insights about the destination.
• 10-inch screen mode: Perfect for binge-watching shows or multitasking on the go.

Performance and Software

Beyond its impressive design, the Mate XT offers noteworthy features:

• 5600 mAh Battery: Under heavy usage, including video streaming, reading, and web browsing, it lasted 21 hours, with 13 hours of screen time.
• Wireless Charging: Huawei impressively integrated this feature despite the device’s complex design.

Software Limitations
HarmonyOS still faces constraints, especially when using a keyboard and mouse. This limits the Mate XT’s potential as a true “pocket laptop.” We still need a software platform fully optimized for desktop experiences on such devices.

Camera and Indian Experience

The Mate XT captured stunning moments during my time in India. The images reflected the contrast between old and new, smog and vibrancy. Huawei exemplifies the concept of “Jugad” I encountered in Delhi—overcoming constraints through creativity and resourcefulness.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate XT represents continuous innovation. However, its high price and software limitations make it less accessible for everyday users. Yet, after experiencing its capabilities, I know I can’t return to conventional phones. I eagerly await a more refined version in the future.

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Author: Michael Fisher
Location: Mediatek Experience India Summit, Delhi

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