Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The world of smartphones has always been evolving, but occasionally, a device comes along that pushes the boundaries of what we know and expect from our handheld gadgets. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is one such device, hailed as an “engineering marvel” and leaving tech enthusiasts in awe. In this review, we delve deep into the design, performance, features, and overall experience of using Huawei’s tri-fold wonder.

Introduction

Before its official release, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate had already garnered massive attention. With pre-orders crossing a staggering 1 million within 24 hours of its announcement and reaching 7 million shortly thereafter, the hype was real. Priced around 2.5 lakh INR, this device is not just another smartphone; it promises a revolutionary design and experience, unlike anything the industry has seen before.

Huawei’s ambition with this model is clear — it seeks to shake up the entire smartphone industry. With the Mate XT Ultimate, Huawei has delivered a product that is not just innovative but is also ready to compete with the best of the best. Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out from the crowd.

Unboxing: A Premium Experience

The unboxing experience of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is an event in itself. The device arrives in a large box, emphasizing its premium nature. Being a Chinese variant, some of the text and materials are in Chinese, but the excitement of opening the box transcends language barriers. Inside, you’ll find:

• A car charger with two ports (USB Type-A and Type-C).
• An 88W charging brick.
• A pair of TWS earbuds, presumably the Freebuds 5, which come free with the package.
• A soft, sleek case.
• Two charging cables: a Type-C to Type-C and a Type-A to Type-C.
• A SIM card tool and a few extras, including ear tips for the TWS earbuds.

Everything about this unboxing screams luxury, from the well-crafted accessories to the high-end finish of the device itself. Once the Mate XT is unboxed, you are greeted with the phone’s tri-fold display — a technological feat that makes you stop and marvel.

Design Features of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate’s design is where it truly shines. The tri-fold form factor is not something you see every day. While many foldable phones in the market boast dual folds, the Mate XT goes one step further, introducing an additional fold that transforms the phone into a mini-tablet.

When folded, the device has a compact 6.4-inch display, which is already quite generous. Unfold the first layer, and the screen expands to 7.9 inches. But the real magic happens when you open the final fold, revealing a massive 10.2-inch display. This transformation from a phone to a tablet within seconds is mind-blowing and sets the Mate XT apart from its competitors.

At just 3.6mm thin when fully unfolded, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is a marvel of engineering. To put this into perspective, the Google Pixel Fold measures around 5.2mm in thickness. Despite the Mate XT’s size and functionality, Huawei has managed to keep it impressively slim.

However, the weight of the device is a point of contention. At 308.7 grams, it’s noticeably heavier than other smartphones, and you can feel the heft when handling it. While this might be a drawback for some, it’s important to remember that this is not just a phone — it’s also a tablet. The trade-off in weight is a necessary compromise for the unique form factor and expansive display.

Display: Three Displays, One Device

The display technology in the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is nothing short of stunning. As mentioned, the device offers three different screen sizes depending on how it’s folded: 6.4 inches, 7.9 inches, and a full 10.2 inches. The main display boasts a resolution of 3K when fully unfolded, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals that are perfect for watching videos, playing games, or multitasking.

What sets the Mate XT apart from other foldable phones is the absence of creases on the screen. In many foldables, the fold line is often visible and can detract from the viewing experience. Huawei has managed to reduce this issue, making the folds less noticeable and ensuring a smooth, seamless display when the device is unfolded.

The front display, when the phone is folded, is a 6.4-inch FHD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it may not offer the 120Hz refresh rate found in some flagship phones, the 90Hz still provides a smooth and fluid experience for most users. The intermediate 7.9-inch display supports 2K resolution, while the fully expanded 10.2-inch screen delivers an impressive 3K resolution.

Watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web on the Huawei Mate XT is an immersive experience, thanks to the vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and sharp details across all three display sizes.

Performance of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

Huawei has equipped the Mate XT Ultimate with its in-house Kirin 9010 chipset. While it may not be the most cutting-edge processor available, it still offers solid performance across the board. On the AnTuTu benchmark, the Kirin 9010 scores around 1 million points, which puts it on par with MediaTek’s Dimensity 8200 chipset. However, this does mean that the Mate XT’s performance, while good, may not be as fast as some flagship devices from other manufacturers.

In day-to-day tasks like browsing, multitasking, and media consumption, the Mate XT performs admirably. The transition between the different display sizes is seamless, and Huawei has optimized the software to handle these changes without any hiccups.

However, the device’s performance falters slightly when it comes to gaming. While Genshin Impact runs smoothly, other popular games like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) tend to crash after a while. This is due in part to the fact that the Mate XT is a Chinese variant and lacks support for Google services, which can cause issues with some apps and games.

That said, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is more than capable of handling most tasks you throw at it, and the novelty of the tri-fold design more than makes up for the occasional hiccups in performance.

Battery Features of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

Given the Mate XT Ultimate’s massive display, it’s no surprise that Huawei has equipped it with a hefty 5600mAh battery. The device supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring that you can juice up the battery quickly when needed.

Battery life is solid, with the Mate XT lasting a full day of use on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy usage. Of course, the battery drains faster when using the larger 10.2-inch display, but the fast-charging capabilities make it easy to top up when needed.

Wireless charging is another highlight, allowing users to charge the device quickly without the need for cables. This is especially convenient when using the Mate XT in its tablet form, as you can prop it up on a wireless charging stand and continue using it without interruption.

Camera Features of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate comes equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and another 12MP telephoto lens. On the front, there’s an 8MP camera for selfies and video calls, positioned on the left side of the unfolded display.

The camera performance is solid, with good detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy across most lighting conditions. The large 10.2-inch display also makes it easier to frame your shots and review photos immediately after taking them.

However, the camera’s placement on the unfolded display can feel a bit awkward, especially when trying to take selfies or video calls in full tablet mode. That said, the camera is still capable of capturing great photos and videos, making it a suitable option for most users.

Software: HarmonyOS on Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate runs on Huawei’s own HarmonyOS, which is optimized for the device’s tri-fold design. The software allows users to run multiple apps side-by-side, with support for split-screen and floating windows. This makes it easy to multitask, whether you’re browsing the web, watching a video, or replying to messages.

However, HarmonyOS does have its limitations, particularly for users outside of China. The lack of Google services is a significant drawback, as many popular apps and games rely on these services to function properly. While some apps can be sideloaded or used in a sandbox environment, this can be a cumbersome process, and not all apps will work as expected.

For users who rely heavily on Google services, this could be a deal-breaker. However, for those willing to work around these limitations, HarmonyOS offers a smooth and customizable user experience.

Multimedia Features of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is a multimedia powerhouse. The large 10.2-inch display is perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web, while the speakers deliver loud and clear audio. However, one limitation is the device’s support for L3 on Netflix, which means that you won’t be able to stream content in high definition on the platform. This is a minor drawback for binge-watchers but can be a significant limitation for those who enjoy watching content in the highest possible quality.

That being said, YouTube and other video streaming platforms work flawlessly on the Mate XT, and the device’s vibrant display and good audio make it a joy to use for multimedia consumption.

Durability Features of Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

One concern with foldable phones is their durability, and the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is no exception. While Huawei has done

a commendable job in designing the device’s tri-fold display, there are still some concerns about how well it will hold up over time.

The lack of any official IP rating means that the Mate XT is not water or dust-resistant, so users will need to be cautious when using the device in less-than-ideal conditions. Additionally, while the display appears to be durable, foldable screens are inherently more fragile than traditional displays, and the Mate XT is no different.

That said, Huawei has taken steps to improve the durability of the device, including reinforcing the hinges and using high-quality materials for the body. However, only time will tell how well the Mate XT holds up to everyday use.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is a device that pushes the boundaries of smartphone technology. Its tri-fold display, impressive engineering, and seamless user experience make it one of the most unique and innovative devices on the market today.

However, its high price point, weight, and limitations with Google services mean that it won’t be the right fit for everyone. For those willing to embrace the future of foldable technology and work around the limitations, the Huawei Mate XT offers a glimpse into what smartphones of the future could look like.

If you’re looking for a device that blends cutting-edge design with a versatile, expandable display, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is worth considering. But for those who prioritize practicality, performance, and a more traditional smartphone experience, there are more accessible options available at a lower price point.

FAQs on Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design:

1. What is the unique feature of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design?

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design features a revolutionary tri-fold display, offering three screen sizes: 6.4 inches, 7.9 inches, and a fully unfolded 10.2 inches.

2. How much does the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design cost?

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is priced around 2.5 lakh INR, making it one of the most premium foldable phones on the market.

3. Is the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate available globally?

As of now, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is primarily available in the Chinese market, and it may lack Google services in international markets.

4. What are the specifications of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate’s display?

The phone Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has three display configurations: 6.4 inches FHD (90Hz), 7.9 inches 2K, and 10.2 inches 3K resolution. It provides a seamless, high-quality viewing experience across all modes.

5. Does the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate support 5G?

Yes, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds and excellent network performance.

6. What processor powers the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design?

The phone is powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9010 chipset, delivering solid performance but not quite on par with the latest flagship processors.

7. What is the battery capacity, and does it support fast charging?

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has a 5600mAh battery and supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging for quick power top-ups.

8. Does the phone have water or dust resistance?

Unfortunately, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate does not have an official IP rating, meaning it is not water or dust-resistant.

9. Can I use Google services on the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate?

The phone does not come with pre-installed Google services due to restrictions, but certain apps can be sideloaded or used in a sandbox environment, though not all may function properly.

10. What are the main camera specifications?

The device features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto lens, offering versatile photography options.