The foldable smartphone market has seen immense growth, and Huawei has always been at the forefront of this innovation. With the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, set to release on September 20, 2024, the company has redefined the foldable smartphone experience. This comprehensive review delves into the Mate XT Ultimate’s design, performance, camera quality, and much more, offering a well-rounded evaluation of Huawei’s upcoming flagship.
Key Features at a Glance
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
- Display: 10.2-inch Tri-foldable LTPO OLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Kirin 9010 (7nm)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Battery: 5600 mAh with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Main Camera: 50MP triple camera setup with periscope telephoto lens
- Selfie Camera: 8MP wide-angle lens
- Price: Approximately €2,550
1. Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate boasts a unique tri-foldable design that enhances its usability and portability. When unfolded, it reveals a massive 10.2-inch LTPO OLED screen, ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. The build quality is exceptional, with a sleek profile when folded (12.8mm thick), and an ultra-thin design when unfolded (only 4.8mm thick).
Huawei has carefully considered both form and function. The aluminum frame adds durability while keeping the weight to a manageable 298g, making it one of the lightest foldable phones in the market. It also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to seamlessly switch between two networks.
Colors:
- Red
- Black
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure access to the device, while additional features like BDS Satellite Calling and NFC-SIM support provide cutting-edge communication capabilities.
2. Display: A Visual Delight
At the heart of the Mate XT Ultimate is its impressive 10.2-inch LTPO OLED display. With a resolution of 2232 x 3184 pixels, it offers a crystal-clear viewing experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate makes navigation and gaming smooth and responsive, ensuring a lag-free experience across the board.
The device features dual displays:
- Cover display (6.4 inches, 1008 x 2232 pixels)
- Foldable main display (7.9 inches, 2048 x 2232 pixels)
This tri-foldable mechanism allows you to use the phone in a tablet-like mode for immersive tasks or fold it into a compact form for quick phone calls and everyday use.
3. Performance: Power-Packed Kirin 9010 Chipset
Huawei has equipped the Mate XT Ultimate with the Kirin 9010 chipset, a 7nm powerhouse that offers top-tier performance. The octa-core processor (with a mix of high-performance Taishan Big and Mid cores, as well as efficient Cortex-A510 cores) is designed to handle intensive tasks like gaming, photo editing, and 4K video recording with ease.
The 16GB of RAM ensures flawless multitasking, even when running resource-hungry applications. You can expect smooth transitions between apps, with no signs of slowdowns, regardless of whether you’re using the device for work or entertainment.
The Maleoon 910 GPU enhances gaming performance, providing console-level graphics on a mobile platform. Games run at high frame rates with rich visuals and minimal stuttering.
4. Storage Options: Abundant Choices
The Mate XT Ultimate comes in three storage variants:
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
Unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot for further expansion, but the available storage should be more than enough for most users. From storing large files to downloading multiple apps, users will rarely find themselves running out of space.
5. Camera: A Photographer’s Dream
The camera setup on the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is nothing short of spectacular. Its triple camera system includes:
- 50MP wide camera with a variable aperture of f/1.4 to f/4.0 for improved low-light performance.
- 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5.5x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects in crisp detail.
- 12MP ultrawide lens offering a 120-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots.
The inclusion of PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures that your photos are sharp, and the 4K video recording delivers stunning videos with great clarity and dynamic range.
Selfie Camera:
The 8MP front-facing camera does a solid job of capturing detailed selfies and can also record in 4K for high-resolution video calls or content creation.
6. Battery Life: Endurance Redefined
With a 5600mAh Si/C battery, the Mate XT Ultimate promises impressive battery life despite its large screen and power-hungry features. The 66W wired charging option can recharge the battery to 50% in just 20 minutes, while 50W wireless charging offers fast wireless charging for those who prefer a cable-free experience.
Additionally, it supports 7.5W reverse wireless charging, so you can easily charge your other gadgets, such as wireless earbuds or smartwatches, directly from the phone.
7. Software: HarmonyOS 4.2
Running on HarmonyOS 4.2, the Mate XT Ultimate delivers a smooth and feature-rich user experience, especially for users in China. Huawei’s custom OS integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem, including Huawei Watch, FreeBuds, and more. The user interface is fluid, with plenty of customization options to tweak it to your liking.
However, it’s important to note that HarmonyOS is not Android, and some users outside China might miss access to Google services like the Play Store. Nonetheless, Huawei’s own AppGallery has grown significantly, offering a wide range of applications.
8. Connectivity: Always Connected
The Mate XT Ultimate supports a wide range of connectivity options:
- 5G SA/NSA ensures blazing fast network speeds.
- Wi-Fi 6 provides faster wireless internet connectivity.
- Bluetooth 5.2 ensures stable connections to wireless devices.
Other notable features include:
- USB Type-C 3.1 for fast charging and data transfer.
- Infrared port for remote control capabilities.
- GPS and multiple satellite positioning systems for precise location tracking.
9. Price and Availability
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is expected to be priced at approximately €2,550. This premium price point reflects the cutting-edge technology packed into the device, from its foldable design to its flagship performance capabilities.
While this is on the higher end of the smartphone price spectrum, those looking for the latest in foldable technology and top-tier performance will find the Mate XT Ultimate to be a worthy investment.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Worth It?
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of what a foldable smartphone can do. Its tri-fold design, combined with top-of-the-line performance, exceptional camera setup, and long battery life, make it a perfect companion for power users who need versatility and portability in one package.
While the lack of Google services may be a dealbreaker for some, those immersed in Huawei’s ecosystem will appreciate the seamless integration offered by HarmonyOS 4.2. The phone’s €2,550 price tag may be steep, but it justifies the cost with its groundbreaking technology, robust performance, and premium design.
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Specifications Table:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.2-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 2232 x 3184 pixels |
| Processor | Kirin 9010 (7nm) |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (No card slot) |
| Main Camera | 50MP (wide), 12MP (periscope telephoto), 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP wide |
| Operating System | HarmonyOS 4.2 |
| Battery | 5600mAh with 66W wired, 50W wireless charging, 7.5W reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C 3.1, Infrared, GPS |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 156.7 x 73.5 x 12.8 mm |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 156.7 x 219 x 3.6-4.8 mm |
| Weight | 298g |
| Colors | Red, Black |
| Price | Approximately €2,550 |
By offering an expansive look at the device, this review provides all the key details a potential buyer would need to make an informed decision.
