Huawei Mate XT Review

Introduction

• Foldable devices have matured over the years, evolving into reliable products.
• Previous models struggled with display issues when watching videos due to awkward aspect ratios.

OPPO Find N2 Preference

• Previously favored for its balance between compact design and functional displays.

The Issue with Previous Foldables

• Outer displays were often too narrow or inner displays had large black bars when watching videos.

Introduction to Tri-Fold Design

• Initially perceived as a gimmick, the tri-fold design is now seen as optimal for media consumption.
• Huawei's Mate XT represents the first mass-produced tri-fold phone, setting a pioneer path for future developments.

Design and Build

• The Mate XT weighs around 300g, noticeably heavier than standard phones but offers both phone and tablet experiences.
• Features a slim and lightweight design; 12.8mm thick when folded and 3.6mm when unfolded.
• The tri-fold mechanism ensures seamless transitions, relying on Huawei's well-designed "Tian Gong" hinge.

Display Experience

• Provides a 16:11 aspect ratio with a 10.2-inch display for minimal black bars in videos.
• PPI of 381 and refresh rate of 90Hz.
• Screen scratch protection with special case design.

User Experience

• Supports fluid transitions between apps/screens using Huawei's HarmonyOS.
• Dual-screen capability suited for multitasking.
• Some apps still have optimization issues, though improvements are noted.

Camera and Photography

• Not intended to rival flagship phone cameras but offers solid performance for a foldable.
• Features include 10-step variable aperture and up to 4K/60fps video recording.
• Contains issues such as noise in previews and awkward large-screen photography.

Battery and Charging

• Houses 5600mAh battery, offering respectable life and supports fast wired and wireless charging.
• Optimal charging when the device is unfolded.

Cost and Value Proposition

• Priced around $2800, its multifunctionality offers both convenience and novelty.
• Provides an alternative to carrying separate phone and tablet—streamlined and connected.

Conclusion

• While expensive, the Mate XT shows promise in foldable technology.
• More competition could reduce costs, making foldable phones more mainstream.
• Encourages viewer engagement and social media sharing to promote adoption.