I Just Tried The Phone Science Fiction Has Promised Us For Years

While tech journalists were focused on a notable phone launch in the West, Huawei was breaking new ground with the launch of a new foldable phone in China. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is the world’s first ‘tri-fold’ foldable phone, combining the best features of Huawei’s previous foldable devices.

The Mate XT features a unique design that allows it to transform from a 6.4-inch smartphone to a 10.2-inch tablet when fully extended. The ‘Tiangong hinge’ provides a solid and smooth folding experience, addressing previous concerns about hinge durability.

The device boasts a thin profile and impressive display quality, with a 144Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors. It offers three form factors: a 6.4-inch phone mode, a 7.9-inch dual-screen mode, and a 10.2-inch tablet mode, making it versatile for different tasks.

Priced at CNY¥19,999 (approximately £2,135/$2,820) for the base model, the Mate XT is a premium device that has already garnered significant interest with over 6 million pre-orders. Huawei plans to release the device internationally in Q1 2025, potentially competing with other foldable devices on the market.

Despite the lack of native access to Google apps, the Mate XT’s innovative design and features could signal a new era for foldable phones. The device is geared towards enthusiasts who are willing to overlook the app limitations for the unique user experience it offers.

Note: The Huawei Mate XT featured in this article belongs to a Huawei representative and depicts non-standard apps and user experience elements not present on a retail device.