Huawei is on the verge of unveiling the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, potentially called the Huawei Mate XT. This unique device has appeared in leaks on multiple occasions, most recently with a clearer image posted on Weibo, though the design remains somewhat ambiguous. The image shows the phone from the side, showcasing a single folding point and a fingerprint scanner, with a noticeable camera bump on the thicker bottom part. While it is unclear how the tri-fold mechanism will function, the design looks quite slim for such a complex form factor.
The Mate XT is rumoured to boast 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, likely leveraging LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage technology. As for the price, it is expected to launch at CNY16,888 (approximately $2,374), much lower than the earlier rumoured $4,000 price tag.
Huawei’s official announcement for the phone is set for September 10, 2024, giving tech enthusiasts a short wait to confirm all the specifics. The tri-fold design is a fresh concept in the foldable phone market, raising curiosity about its practical functionality and durability for everyday use.
The Good
- Innovative Design: Huawei’s Mate XT, with its tri-fold feature, represents a significant leap in mobile technology. Introducing this novel design pushes the boundaries of what foldable phones can achieve, allowing Huawei to stay at the forefront of smartphone innovation.
- Increased Multitasking Potential: A tri-fold design could offer a much larger screen, which might be beneficial for users looking to improve productivity on the go. It could allow for enhanced multitasking capabilities, such as running multiple apps side by side with ease.
- Technological Advancement: The Mate XT’s high-end specs, like 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, coupled with advanced storage technology (LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0), point towards an impressive, future-proof device. This high-powered hardware could translate into smooth performance, making it appealing to tech enthusiasts and heavy users.
- Increased Competition in Foldable Market: By introducing a tri-fold phone, Huawei is stepping up competition in the foldable phone market, which could encourage other smartphone manufacturers to innovate, thereby offering consumers more options and potentially driving down prices in the long run.
- Reduced Price from Initial Rumours: While the phone remains expensive at approximately $2,374, it’s far less than the previously rumoured price of $4,000, making it more accessible to those interested in purchasing a cutting-edge device.
- Brand Reputation: Huawei continues to solidify its reputation for innovation by releasing products like the Mate XT. This could strengthen the brand’s standing, especially in markets where foldable devices are gaining traction.
The Bad
- High Price Point: Despite the reduced price from initial rumours, the $2,374 price tag remains prohibitively expensive for the average consumer. It limits accessibility, ensuring that only a niche group of enthusiasts and professionals will be able to afford the device.
- Unproven Durability: While foldable phones are already prone to concerns about durability, the tri-fold mechanism introduces additional complexity. The Mate XT’s design, with potentially more moving parts and hinges, could be more vulnerable to wear and tear, raising doubts about long-term durability.
- Lack of Detail on Functionality: Despite the excitement surrounding the tri-fold concept, Huawei hasn’t provided clear details on how the folding mechanism will work or how practical the phone will be for everyday use. The lack of visible hinges in the leaked images adds to the uncertainty.
- Battery Concerns: As the Mate XT could have a larger screen due to the tri-fold design, it raises questions about battery life. Without significant battery innovations, the device might struggle to maintain adequate power throughout the day.
- Size and Portability: While foldable phones are designed to offer larger screens without increasing device size, a tri-fold model could still be bulky. The thicker bottom part seen in leaked images might affect portability, making the phone less pocket-friendly.
- Potential Software Issues: The software experience for foldable phones remains a challenge. Given the novelty of the Mate XT’s design, there may be software optimisation issues, particularly concerning apps that don’t scale well to different screen sizes or the folding format.
- Limited Market Appeal: The Mate XT, with its unique design and high price point, is likely to appeal to a small segment of users. Mass-market consumers may not see the value in a tri-fold device, especially with cheaper alternatives in the foldable market.
The Take
Huawei is once again making waves in the tech world with its upcoming Mate XT, a highly anticipated tri-fold smartphone set to be unveiled on September 10, 2024. Leaks surrounding this device, particularly a recently shared image on Weibo, have sparked significant interest. However, the image only shows the phone from the side, revealing little about its full design, and creating speculation about the functionality of the tri-fold mechanism. Despite this, it is clear that Huawei is attempting to push the boundaries of smartphone design with the Mate XT.
The Mate XT appears to have a single folding point, which raises questions about how the tri-fold feature will work. Typically, a tri-fold design would require two hinges, allowing the device to fold into three sections. The leaked image only shows one hinge, making it difficult to fully grasp how the phone will operate. That said, the phone looks surprisingly slim for a device with such an intricate design, leading some to speculate that Huawei has engineered a sleek and elegant solution.
Additionally, the Mate XT features a fingerprint scanner on the side, and a noticeable camera bump at the thicker bottom part of the phone, where the camera module is located. While this design choice adds to the phone’s bulk, it may also indicate a powerful camera setup—though the exact specifications have not yet been revealed.
Under the hood, the Mate XT is expected to pack 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage technology, which should deliver top-notch performance and speedy data access. This level of hardware positions the Mate XT as a high-end device aimed at users who demand fast, reliable performance for multitasking, gaming, and other demanding applications.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Mate XT is its price. Initial rumours suggested that the device could be priced at an astronomical $4,000, but more recent reports indicate that it will cost around CNY16,888 in China, which equates to approximately $2,374. While this is still a premium price, it is significantly lower than the original speculation, making the device more affordable—though still out of reach for many consumers.
The Mate XT’s tri-fold design is undoubtedly the most exciting feature, representing a bold step forward in foldable phone technology. Foldable phones have been gaining traction in recent years, but no manufacturer has yet produced a commercially available tri-fold device. If Huawei can pull this off successfully, it could open up new possibilities for smartphone design and functionality, allowing users to enjoy even larger screens without compromising portability.
However, several concerns remain about the Mate XT, particularly in terms of durability. Foldable phones are inherently more fragile than traditional smartphones due to their folding mechanisms, and adding a third fold could increase the likelihood of mechanical failures. It is unclear how durable the Mate XT will be, especially with daily wear and tear, and potential customers will be looking closely at the durability tests once the device is officially launched.
Another potential issue is battery life. Larger screens typically require more power, and a tri-fold device could quickly drain the battery if Huawei hasn’t implemented significant battery innovations. Users will need to see how the Mate XT handles power consumption, particularly during heavy use.
Moreover, the software experience on foldable phones remains a challenge, and a tri-fold device presents even more complications. Apps and interfaces will need to adapt to various screen sizes and orientations, and if the software isn’t optimised, users could experience bugs or a subpar experience when transitioning between different modes of use.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the Mate XT could still carve out a niche market for itself, appealing to tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and professionals who prioritise multitasking and productivity. If Huawei can address concerns about durability, battery life, and software, the Mate XT might become a standout device in the foldable phone market.
Overall, the Mate XT is a fascinating glimpse into the future of smartphones. It’s an ambitious device that reflects Huawei’s continued commitment to pushing the envelope in mobile technology. With its official launch just days away, all eyes will be on Huawei to see if the Mate XT lives up to the hype and whether it can deliver a product that is both innovative and practical.
