Huawei launched the Mate XT Ultimate, the world’s first tri-fold phone, after successful preorders in China. The device features a transformative design, boasting a 10.2-inch display that offers enhanced functionality and video experience compared to traditional foldables. Measuring 3.6mm thick when unfolded, it packs impressive hardware including a Kirin 9010 chipset, 16GB RAM, and a strong camera setup. However, the software feels outdated, lacking native Google apps. Battery life may be a concern during heavy use, and the phone is priced at over $2,800, making it a premium device that bridges the gap between phone and tablet.
Huawei unveiled the world’s first tri-fold device, the Mate XT Ultimate, in its home market late last year. A global release seemed improbable, but after smashing preorder records even before its price was made public, it officially launched internationally in February.
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The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate redefines the expectations of smartphones by incorporating a 10.2-inch display that fits into your pocket – all while being slimmer than many modern foldable models. After over a month of use with this tri-fold device, I’ll share what sets it apart from other book-style foldables available today.
The design is a feat of technology
In a world where new phones often fail to generate excitement, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate stands out. Despite knowing what to expect after the unboxing, I was delighted when I first held it and transformed it into a slab-phone configuration.
On day one, I utilized it for browsing, multitasking, gaming, exploring Google app installations, and simply enjoying the novelty of folding and unfolding it.
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In terms of specifications, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate measures just 3.6mm when fully unfolded and expands to 12.8mm when folded. For comparison, Samsung’s previous Galaxy Z Fold 5 is thicker at 13.4mm, while the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 hasn’t improved much on Huawei’s tri-fold.
When folded, its heft at 298g is noticeable, but as you unfold it, its true brilliance emerges. The construction feels premium, featuring a crease that’s less pronounced than many existing foldables, and both hinges are robust. There’s also a satisfying magnetic snap when transitioning to single-screen mode.
The screen is more expansive than ever – and I’m thrilled about it
I find myself unfolding the Huawei Mate XT more often than traditional book-style foldables, not just due to the novelty but because of its practicality. It features a 6.4-inch display with a 1008 x 2232 resolution, a 7.9-inch screen at 2048 x 2232 pixels, and a remarkable 10.2-inch display with a resolution of 2232 x 3184. This third display is a significant upgrade and addresses my primary concern about book-style foldables.
When the Mate XT Ultimate is fully expanded, it provides a genuinely expansive screen experience. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold tend to have distracting black borders when displaying 16:9 videos on their inner screens, making their usefulness close to that of the cover screen. I often only unfold these models for multitasking, preferring the cover display for media, but Huawei’s tri-fold changes that perspective.
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The 10.2-inch display on the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate features a 16:11 aspect ratio, which boasts superior capabilities over the boxy formats of book-style foldables for video playback. I’ve enjoyed watching 16:9 YouTube videos (there are various methods to install Google applications) and found the experience excellent, reminiscent of the display on a MacBook Air with a 16:10 ratio.
Although it’s premature to determine how frequently I’ll utilize the Mate XT Ultimate in three-screen mode, I’m confident that it will exceed my initial expectations. The single-screen option is excellent for texting and calls, the dual-screen configuration enhances multitasking, but the tri-screen mode is where Huawei’s tri-fold truly excels, offering a more seamless video viewing experience.
The display is both sharp and vibrant, although it maxes out at 90Hz instead of 120Hz. However, it utilizes an LTPO OLED panel that presents rich colors and features 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming to minimize eye strain.
Some additional details worth noting
Though Huawei has not officially disclosed the chipset, the Mate XT Ultimate is reportedly powered by the in-house Kirin 9010, along with 16GB of RAM and options for up to 1TB of storage. The benchmark results appear promising, but what’s more significant is that the day-to-day performance is seamless. Navigating between screen modes feels smooth, with neither stuttering nor lag so far.
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However, the software feels a bit dated. The global variant operates on EMUI 14 instead of the China-exclusive HarmonyOS. While it’s functional, it lacks the refinement I would anticipate. Furthermore, it does not come with Google apps, yet there are methods to install them, like using the Play Store. Securing apps like Google Maps and others requires some patience and a willingness to customize, but it can be done.
On its back, the Mate XT Ultimate hosts a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, accompanied by a 12MP periscope lens granting 5.5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view. From my preliminary tests, while the photos are decent, they don’t quite reach the quality of Huawei’s flagship flat phones, which is understandable given the challenges of fitting larger sensors into such a slim device.
One concern that arises is battery longevity. The phone is equipped with a 5,600mAh battery supporting 66W wired and 50W wireless charging; however, prolonged use in three-screen mode may deplete it more quickly than anticipated.
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To facilitate video consumption in three-screen mode, Huawei includes a case that matches the phone’s color and comes with an integrated kickstand. This makes it convenient to prop the phone up on a stable surface without needing additional accessories, and I find it to be one of the most thoughtful extras I’ve used.
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate carries a hefty price tag, with its price in China exceeding $2,800. In Europe, it will retail for 3,499 euros (roughly $3,660). This investment secures you not just a smartphone, but also a book-style foldable and a tablet-like experience, providing an excellent platform for video consumption.
I plan to continue using it extensively in the upcoming months, but I can already identify its unique advantages and understand why a tri-fold design might surpass a traditional book-style foldable—or any smartphone for that matter.
This article was initially published on February 17, 2025, and updated on April 2, 2025.