Huawei has once again pushed the boundaries of mobile technology with the introduction of the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world’s first triple-foldable phone. This innovative device is priced at a hefty $2,800, catering to those seeking cutting-edge technology coupled with a premium design.
Innovative Triple-Folding Mechanism
The Mate XT Ultimate Design stands out due to its unique triple-folding mechanism, employing a dual-hinged system that allows the device to fold in a ‘Z’ shape. This groundbreaking design offers users versatility in how they interact with their phone, enabling various usage modes for different scenarios.
When fully collapsed, the OLED display measures 6.4 inches, functioning as a standard single-screen device perfect for everyday tasks. When expanded to its full extent, the screen size increases to an impressive 10.2 inches with a resolution of 2,232 x 3,184. For those looking for something in between, the phone can be partially unfolded to reveal a 7.9-inch display.
Key Specifications
The Mate XT Ultimate Design packs an array of advanced features:
- Cover screen: 6.4 inches
- Dual screen: 7.9 inches
- Triple screen: 10.2 inches
- Camera: 50-megapixel primary camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and 12-megapixel periscope telephoto camera
- Battery: 5,600 mAH
- Storage: Options include 16GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 1TB
- Special features: Triple folding design, AI features, satellite communication, stylus support, keyboard attachment
Design and Functionality
The Mate XT Ultimate Design not only boasts impressive technical capabilities but also offers a luxurious and elegant appearance. When folded, it resembles a regular phone, but its dual- and triple-screen modes set it apart. The flexible materials used in its construction allow the display to bend smoothly in both directions.
The device features gold trim, pinstriping, and red leather, topped off with a “Designed and Crafted by Huawei” badge. These elements contribute to a premium feel that is sure to appeal to those looking for both functionality and style in their mobile devices.
Market and Availability
Despite its high price tag, the Mate XT Ultimate Design has already attracted significant attention, garnering over four million preorders in China without requiring a deposit. Priced starting at 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,809) for the 256GB storage model, this device is unlikely to become a mainstream product. However, Huawei aims to maintain its leadership in the foldables market, which IDC predicts will reach 25 million devices by the end of 2024.
Competition and Market Share
Huawei has taken the top spot in the global foldables market with a 27.5% market share, surpassing Samsung’s 16.4%. The lack of AI features in the latest iPhone 16 series in China presents additional challenges for Apple. Moreover, Apple’s first foldable phone is not expected to hit the market until at least 2025, giving Huawei more time to solidify its dominance in this sector.
Industry Insights
The concept of a triple-folding phone is not new. Samsung and TCL have previously showcased trifold display concepts, but none have been released or mass-produced until now. The Mate XT Ultimate Design signifies a leap forward in the foldable phones category, showcasing the progress made by Huawei in this realm.
Conclusion
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design represents a significant innovation in the foldable phone market. Its unique triple-screen experience, coupled with state-of-the-art features and luxurious design, makes it an attractive option for those willing to invest in the latest technology. While its high price may deter some, it underscores Huawei’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in the foldables market.
Source: CNET/Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design
What Others Say About the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate
Design and Durability
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design features a unique tri-fold design, allowing it to unfold into a full-size tablet and fold into a traditional phone. The device is impressively thin, measuring 3.6 mm when unfolded and weighing 298 grams.
“The tri-fold feature isn’t the only standout aspect of the new Huawei smartphone. The rear is also a design element to marvel at.”
– DesignBoom
The design incorporates a slim rod structure between the hinges to minimize space and a durable hinge system constructed from a composite laminate with non-Newtonian fluid components, ensuring zero-gap folding.
Display and Screen-to-Body Ratio
The Mate XT Ultimate features a single flexible LTPO OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and support for 10 billion colors. The display adjusts to different resolutions depending on the folding configuration, with a 92% screen-to-body ratio.
“The display also features a composite, laminated structure using a non-Newtonian fluid and the industry’s largest double-impact-resistant glass material.”
– GSM Arena
The display measures 10.2 inches when fully unfolded, 7.9 inches when folded in half, and 6.4 inches when folded into a compact bar-style phone.
Camera and Battery
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has a large camera module on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The device also boasts a 5,600 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities.
“The cameras support 5.5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom, allowing users to take panoramic photos of glaciers, lakes, and seas even if they seem up close.”
– CNET
The battery is divided into three sections, one per display, each 1.9 mm thick, ensuring a slim and powerful design.
Price and Availability
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is priced at CNY 19,999 ($2,800/€2,550) for the 256 GB version, CNY 21,999 ($3,100/€2,800) for the 512 GB version, and CNY 23,999 ($3,400/€3,100) for the 1 TB model. It is available for pre-order in China.
“The base version starts at 19,999 yuan, roughly $2,800, and goes up to 23,999 yuan, or $3,370, for the highest storage variant.”
– CNET
The high price tag and limited availability outside China make it a niche product, targeting a specific market segment.
AI Features and Operating System
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, which includes AI features such as voice-to-text, automatic split-screen, real-time document translation, and photo retouching. The device also supports satellite communication for areas with limited signal coverage.
“The AI also supports photo editing, which can extend the background of a picture or remove objects from photos when the user desires.”
– DesignBoom
The AI features and satellite communication capabilities enhance the device’s utility in various scenarios, making it a versatile tool for users.
Market and Competition
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is positioned as a luxury device, targeting a niche market. Despite its high price, it has garnered significant pre-orders, reflecting the company’s leadership in the foldable phone market.
“Huawei has achieved the leadership position in the worldwide foldables market, according to a second quarter report from IDC.”
– CNET
The device’s launch underscores Huawei’s commitment to innovation and its ability to compete with major players in the smartphone market.
References
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Tech Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design |
| Manufacturer | Huawei |
| Price | $2,800 |
| Cover Screen | 6.4 inches |
| Dual Screen | 7.9 inches |
| Triple Screen | 10.2 inches |
| Resolution | 2,232 x 3,184 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel primary camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, 12-megapixel periscope telephoto camera |
| Battery | 5,600 mAH |
| Storage | 16GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1TB |
| Special Features | Triple folding design, AI features, satellite communication, stylus support, keyboard attachment |
| Materials | Gold trim, pinstriping, red leather |
| Preorders | Over 4 million in China |
| Market Position | Top spot in global foldables market with a 27.5% share |
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