Huawei has officially launched the Mate XT Ultimate, a groundbreaking smartphone that introduces a unique “trifold” design, allowing it to collapse across two hinges from a 10.2-inch tablet-sized display down to a 6.4-inch phone. Priced at $2,800 (19,999 yuan), this device is one of the boldest moves yet in foldable technology, boasting an in-between foldable configuration of 7.9 inches, and even an optional folding keyboard.
Unlike traditional foldable phones from competitors like Samsung and Google, the Mate XT Ultimate’s trifold design is its defining feature, marking a significant leap in smartphone innovation. Huawei Consumer Group Chairman Richard Yu described the product during its unveiling as “a piece of work that everyone has thought of but never managed to create.”
Launching just hours after Apple’s iPhone 16 event, Huawei’s Mate XT appears to be timed for maximum attention in the global smartphone market. With the U.S. imposing sanctions that have hindered Huawei’s access to critical chip technologies, the Mate XT Ultimate is seen as a defiant move by the Chinese tech giant to maintain its competitive edge.
For its steep price, the Mate XT Ultimate offers top-tier specs: 256GB of storage, with upgrade options, 16GB of RAM, a robust 5,600 mAh battery, a 50-megapixel main camera, and dual 12 MP ultrawide and periscope cameras. The device is relatively lightweight at 298 grams and incredibly slim at just 3.6 mm when fully unfolded. Its display is a 120 Hz LTPO OLED, promising stunning visuals and smooth performance. The phone also incorporates AI-powered features in its software and camera, aligning with trends seen in other flagship devices.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Mate XT Ultimate is how well its innovative hinge mechanism will perform over time. Huawei has dubbed its hinges “Tiangong” after China’s space station, claiming they support both internal and external folding. The hinges are crafted from composite laminate and use non-Newtonian fluid components for durability.
Despite its cutting-edge features, the Mate XT Ultimate will likely remain exclusive to the Chinese market. According to The Verge, the phone has already garnered 3.7 million pre-orders through Chinese retailer Vmall, even before the price was officially announced.
As Huawei pushes the boundaries of smartphone design, the Mate XT Ultimate represents a bold vision for the future of mobile technology, albeit at a premium price.
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