Recently, a reviewer had the opportunity to extensively test one of the most advanced Android smartphones on the market—the HUAWEI Mate XT Ultimate Design. Over several weeks, this cutting-edge device accompanied them through various scenarios, from international flights to daily routines. Despite its astronomical price tag of €3,500, the phone offers a unique tri-fold experience. However, the review highlights both its remarkable engineering and notable shortcomings, making it a challenging recommendation for everyday users.
The HUAWEI Mate XT represents a significant leap in smartphone design with its innovative tri-fold feature. This phone features three distinct displays: a compact 6.4-inch cover screen, a versatile 7.9-inch folding display, and an expansive 10.2-inch tablet-sized panel. Its durability has been tested under regular use, proving surprisingly resilient despite concerns about its hinge mechanism. The phone's slim profile when unfolded sets it apart from competitors, offering a sleek aesthetic that appeals to tech enthusiasts. Additionally, the OLED panels deliver vibrant visuals across all configurations, enhancing both productivity and entertainment experiences.
Battery performance on the Mate XT is commendable given its large screens. Equipped with a 5,600mAh battery, it managed to last impressively during a 12-hour flight, retaining 27% charge upon landing. This endurance is partly attributed to the phone's limited refresh rate of 90Hz, which conserves power without significantly impacting user experience. Such optimizations ensure that even with demanding usage patterns, the Mate XT remains functional throughout the day.
Despite these strengths, several drawbacks hinder the Mate XT's appeal as an everyday device. Firstly, its reliance on outdated software—Android 12 paired with EMUI—raises compatibility issues and limits access to essential services like Google Play Store. Moreover, the processor performance lags behind contemporary standards, affecting multitasking capabilities and gaming performance. Camera quality also presents mixed results; while the primary lens captures detailed images, secondary lenses struggle under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Lastly, lacking water resistance further diminishes its practicality for outdoor use.
In conclusion, the HUAWEI Mate XT stands out as a pioneering achievement in mobile technology, showcasing what future devices could become. Although its groundbreaking tri-fold functionality captivates audiences and redefines smartphone possibilities, numerous compromises arise from its premium pricing and certain technical limitations. Ultimately, unless you're a dedicated tech aficionado willing to overlook practical concerns, this device may not align perfectly with mainstream consumer needs. Nevertheless, its introduction paves the way for exciting advancements within the industry, inspiring other manufacturers to explore similar innovations.