Huawei has just unveiled its ambitious new device, the Mate XT Ultimate, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, which aims to redefine how people view foldable technology. Launched just hours after Apple debuted its iPhone 16 during its much-anticipated event, this announcement marks another bold stride from the Chinese tech giant amid fierce competition and U.S. sanctions. The phone, priced starting at approximately $2,800, is being touted as the device of the future, integrating high-end specifications with innovative folding capabilities.
The Mate XT Ultimate captures attention with its unique ability to transform from a tablet-sized screen to something easily pocketable. Specifically, it features three distinct display configurations: when fully extended, it boasts a 10.2-inch display; folding once gives you a 7.9-inch view; and for traditional phone use, it compacts down to 6.4 inches. This seamless transition between sizes is facilitated by Huawei’s advanced hinge technology, referenced during their launch as the "Tiangong" system. Richard Yu, Huawei's consumer group chairman, expressed his excitement for the device, stating, "It’s a piece of work everyone has thought of but never managed to create. I have always had the dream to put our tablet in my pocket, and we did it."
Alongside the impressive display options, the Mate XT Ultimate is equipped with competitive hardware. It boasts the Kirin chipset, 16GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB. A significant battery life is ensured with its 5,600mAh capacity. The device also incorporates advanced AI features for translation and photography, providing users with intelligent sharing and editing capabilities. Currently, it offers pre-orders via Chinese retailers like Vmall, with over 3.7 million requests reportedly noted before any pricing details were even disclosed.
Beyond performance, the Mate XT Ultimate also promises durability. Huawei claims the device's hinges can withstand substantial wear, allowing for continuous flexing without damage — but only time will tell if these claims hold under regular use. A notable aspect of this device is its pricing: the entry-level model starts at 19,999 yuan, which converts to roughly $2,800, nearly three times the cost of the base model iPhone 16. For customers seeking the 1TB model, they’ll need to shell out up to 23,999 yuan, or $3,370.
Despite the steep price tag, consumer interest appears high, but there are concerns surrounding the device’s long-term availability outside China, especially considering U.S. sanctions. Since its restrictions, Huawei’s access to high-grade semiconductors has been stifled, complicate its international expansion plans. Nevertheless, the company made headlines last year when it launched the Mate 60 Pro, which managed to surprise analysts by utilizing advanced chips made by SMIC, marking Huawei's resilience against the sanctions it faces.
This launch follows Huawei's pattern of releasing products directly alongside Apple's announcements. This strategy not only positions Huawei's products as serious contenders but also aims to reclaim some market share lost to competitors, particularly after Apple fell out of China’s top five smartphone vendors. Analysts have noted this strategic timing serves to draw attention away from Apple's offerings, coinciding with consumer excitement surrounding the iPhone updates.
Functionality-wise, the Mate XT is built for multitasking. The phone allows for use of its three displays simultaneously, making it suitable for various tasks including video calls and professional presentations. Even as new generations of smartphones flood the market, consumer reactions remain mixed; some users are still hesitant about long-term reliability and functionality of tri-fold screens.
The phone features three ultra-thin battery packs housed within each of its panels, raising curiosity about energy efficiency as well as charging needs. Fast charging capabilities are also included, which is standard among flagship devices today, and the Mate XT boasts impressive camera specs with three rear cameras: 50-megapixel main, accompanied by two 12-megapixel ultra-wide and periscope lenses for advanced photography.
Huawei's marketing campaign surrounding the Mate XT Ultimate cleverly focuses on conceptualizing it as "the next big thing" for tech-savvy and affluent users alike. The combination of its foldable design and specifications positions it squarely against existing flagships such as Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy series, though its luxury pricing might limit mainstream consumer adoption. Potential users may find themselves torn between the cutting-edge technology of the Mate XT and the familiar ecosystem offered by brands like Apple.
Despite the advancements made by Huawei, many experts are cautious about the long-term adoption of tri-fold technology, citing the fragility concerns common with other foldable devices, as well as user desire for traditional phone designs. Huawei's deliberate choice of launch timing reflects its proactive efforts to remain competitive, but its future success will hinge on how consumers respond to their tri-fold phone. Will users flock to the Mate XT Ultimate based on budget, functionality, and brand loyalty? Only time will tell as this device enters the market and faces real-world scrutiny.
Still, Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate certainly has captured significant attention, marking another observational moment on the competitive battlefield of smartphones. Amidst technological innovations and ever-evolving consumer expectations, Huawei is evidently committed to pushing boundaries, determined to make its mark globally, regardless of the hurdles it must still overcome.
