Huawei’s First 3 Folding Phones: Innovation Unveiled

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate: The Tri-Fold Revolution and Future of Foldable Phones

The world of smartphones experienced a seismic shift when Huawei commercially launched the Mate XT Ultimate on April 30, 2025. At a price point of approximately $3,300 (Rp52.9 million), this device isn’t just another smartphone; it’s the first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, a groundbreaking innovation poised to redefine mobile technology.What potential trends will this set to other smartphone manufacturers and users alike?

Unveiling the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate: A Trifold Design Pioneer

After making its initial debut exclusively in China and Malaysia, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate surprised the tech world by entering the Indonesian market. The device features a unique Z-fold mechanism, transforming from a compact 6.4-inch smartphone to a 10.2-inch tablet. This leap in design showcases Huawei’s resilience and innovation in the face of geopolitical pressures.

did You Know? The Huawei Mate XT ultimate boasts an advanced Precision Hinge System, ensuring smooth and precise folding, tested for over 200,000 folds.

the Kirin 9010 Chip: Powering the Future of Mobile

At the heart of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate lies the kirin 9010 chip, a 5G-enabled powerhouse developed by HiSilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei. This chip not only provides formidable processing power, rivalling other flagship chipsets, but also underpins the Huawei pura 70 series. With a focus on endurance, energy efficiency, and AI capabilities, the Kirin 9010 ensures that the Mate XT Ultimate delivers extraordinary performance daily.

Pro Tip: Optimize battery life by adjusting screen brightness and limiting background app refresh. The Kirin 9010’s efficiency combined with smart usage extends battery performance substantially.

Camera Capabilities: Redefining Mobile Photography

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is equipped with a complex triple-camera system. The primary 50 MP camera features a variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0) that allows users to adjust the lens opening based on lighting conditions. Paired with PDAF and OIS, this camera guarantees sharp, stable images. Complementing the main camera is a 12 MP ultra-wide lens and a 12 MP telephoto periscope camera with 5.5x optical zoom. An 8 MP front camera caters to video calls and selfies. Can this camera compete with other flagship phones?

• Main Camera: 50 MP,variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0), PDAF, OIS
• Ultra-Wide: 12 MP
• Telephoto Periscope: 12 MP, f/3.4,5.5x optical zoom
• Front Camera: 8 MP

HarmonyOS 4.2: An Independent Ecosystem

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system developed as an alternative to android. Notably, it lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS), meaning no pre-installed Google apps like YouTube or Gmail. Rather, Huawei offers AppGallery, its official app store, providing curated local and global alternatives for HarmonyOS users. How will the smartphone work with Apple and Android system users?

Geopolitical Tensions and Huawei’s Resilience

Huawei’s launch of the Mate XT Ultimate is inextricably linked to ongoing geopolitical dynamics. Since 2019, the U.S. government has imposed technological sanctions on Huawei, restricting access to Google services and prohibiting the use of U.S.-based technology in its supply chain. Rather of succumbing to these pressures,Huawei has used them as a catalyst for innovation,with the Mate XT serving as a testament to its ability to thrive amid global technological embargoes.

The Mate XT’s market launch coincided strategically with the iPhone 16 global launch in September 2024,signaling that Huawei remains a formidable competitor. While other brands navigated the foldable segment cautiously, Huawei took the led with a tri-folding design.

Multitasking and User Experience: A New Paradigm

The huawei Mate XT Ultimate addresses the growing need for efficient multitasking. Its 10.2-inch screen allows users to run up to three applications together, offering a superior split-screen experience. This design is a boon for professionals, content creators, and students seeking enhanced productivity on the go.

Did You Know? When partially folded, the Mate XT’s 7.9-inch screen mode is ideal for reading digital books or making video calls while taking notes.

The design isn’t merely a gimmick; it provides a functional and intuitive user experience.Whether folded for pocket-pleasant portability or fully extended as a 3K-resolution tablet, the Mate XT adapts to various use cases.This design evolution aims to redefine how we work, learn, and communicate via mobile devices.

Real-World Endorsements: Rio Haryanto’s Outlook

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate even captured the attention of Indonesian F1 racer Rio Haryanto, who praised its sleek, portable design and flexible document-viewing capabilities. Rio noted that the Mate XT consolidates the functions of tablets, laptops, and small cameras into a single device, making it ideal for presentations, online meetings, and video consumption. What other celebrity endorsers will follow?

Pro Tip: Explore the AppGallery for productivity apps tailored to the Mate XT’s multitasking capabilities. Optimize workflows by leveraging the split-screen and multi-window features.

The Future of Foldable Phones: Huawei’s Vision

Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate marks a notable leap in the foldable smartphone category, challenging market leaders like Samsung and Apple. This tri-fold design sets a new direction for users seeking a versatile device that functions as both a tablet and a smartphone. While challenges remain, such as the price and the limitations of the app ecosystem due to the absence of GMS, the eager market reception in China and Huawei’s innovative approach suggest a promising future.

only time will tell if it really is the future of how users use tablets andsmartphones in one.

Comparative Analysis: Huawei Mate XT Ultimate vs. Competitors

To better understand the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate’s position in the market, let’s compare it with key competitors:

Feature	Huawei Mate XT Ultimate	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold	Apple (Rumored Foldable)
Folding Type	Tri-Fold	Inward Fold	Rumored inward Fold
Screen Size (Unfolded)	10.2 inches	7.6 inches	~8 inches (Rumored)
Operating System	HarmonyOS 4.2	Android	iOS (Rumored)
Google Services	No	Yes	Yes
Unique Selling Point	Tri-Fold Design, Advanced Precision Hinge System	Established Brand, Mature Foldable Tech	Ecosystem Integration, Brand loyalty

This table highlights the key differences and unique advantages of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, especially its innovative tri-fold design.How will the competitors step up to compete?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Huawei Mate XT ultimate?

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone,featuring a unique design that transforms from a 6.4-inch smartphone to a 10.2-inch tablet.

What operating system does it use?

It uses HarmonyOS 4.2, huawei’s proprietary operating system.

Does it support Google services?

No, it does not support Google Mobile Services (GMS). It uses Huawei’s AppGallery rather.

What is the price of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate?

It is priced at approximately $3,300 (Rp52.9 million).

what are the main advantages of the tri-fold design?

The tri-fold design allows for efficient multitasking with the ability to run up to three applications simultaneously, providing a superior split-screen experience.

What are the potential long-term implications of the Mate XT Ultimate’s tri-fold design on the future of mobile computing, especially in terms of user interface adaptation adn software advancement?

Archyde Interviews: Dr. Anya Sharma on the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate – The Future of Foldable Phones?

welcome back to Archyde! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading technology analyst specializing in emerging mobile technologies. Dr. Sharma, welcome to the show!

Dr.Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Introducing the Huawei mate XT Ultimate

Archyde: Let’s dive right in. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has created quite a buzz. Can you give our audience a swift overview of what makes this device so revolutionary?

Dr. Sharma: Absolutely.The Huawei Mate XT ultimate is a game-changer. It’s the first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, transitioning from a compact 6.4-inch device to a 10.2-inch tablet. This innovative design sets a new bar for foldable technology, especially with all the other foldable phones currently available.

The Tri-Fold Design and User Experience

Archyde: The tri-fold design is certainly the headline feature. From a user experience viewpoint,what practical advantages does this offer?

Dr. Sharma: Primarily, it’s about versatility and multitasking. The 10.2-inch screen allows for running multiple apps together, substantially boosting productivity. Also, the design allows for varied uses; from a regular phone mode and a partially folded configuration for reading to a fully open tablet mode for intensive tasks.

HarmonyOS 4.2 and the App Ecosystem

Archyde: The device operates on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s own operating system. How does the lack of Google Mobile Services, and the use of AppGallery, impact the user experience?

Dr. Sharma: It’s a crucial factor to consider. While HarmonyOS has its merits,the absence of GMS means no native access to Google’s apps,such as YouTube or Gmail. Huawei’s AppGallery is steadily growing, offering alternatives, but the ecosystem isn’t as extensive as Android. Thus, the user needs to adopt another app store to accommodate its needs. This might potentially be another factor to consider on how quickly the device can get mass consumer adoption.

The Kirin 9010 Chip and Performance

Archyde: The Mate XT Ultimate is powered by the Kirin 9010 chip. How does this chipset perform,and what does it mean for the phone’s overall capabilities?

Dr. Sharma: The Kirin 9010 is a powerhouse. It provides excellent processing power, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. The chip also focuses on power efficiency, which is essential for a device with a large screen and demanding use cases.

Camera Capabilities and Competitiveness

Archyde: The camera system on the mate XT Ultimate features a variable aperture. How does it fare in terms of image quality and competitiveness with other flagship phones that currently exist?

Dr. Sharma: The camera system with its 50 MP main sensor, variable aperture, and various other lenses is quite remarkable. While camera performance competes with the top-tier flagship phones of this current era, it needs to be put through a series of tests to see if it provides the proper image rendering needed by the consumer.

Geopolitical Impact and Huawei’s Resilience

Archyde: Huawei has faced considerable geopolitical pressure. How has this impacted the development and release of the Mate XT Ultimate, and what does it say about the company’s resilience?

Dr. Sharma: The U.S. sanctions have definitely pushed huawei to innovate, leading to HarmonyOS and the Kirin chip. the Mate XT Ultimate is a testament to their ability to adapt,turning challenges into opportunities and continuing to compete in a very competitive market.

The Future of Foldable Phones

Archyde: Looking ahead, what trends do you see the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate setting for the future of foldable phones?

Dr. Sharma: I believe the tri-fold design is opening new possibilities. We could see other manufacturers exploring multi-folding mechanisms. The focus will shift more toward versatility, maximizing screen real estate while retaining portability. The focus on usability and a premium experience, will be another factor that will decide the product’s adoption.

Comparative Analysis and Market Position

Archyde: How does the Mate XT Ultimate stack up against competitors like Samsung and, perhaps, an Apple foldable?

Dr. Sharma: Huawei’s tri-fold design, along with its innovative hinge system, is a key differentiator. Samsung offers a mature foldable technology, but the Mate XT’s extra screen space could have an advantage. An Apple foldable, if it ever arrives, will likely leverage ecosystem integration. The market will need at least 1-2 years to determine which foldable form factor will dominate the market in the future.

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, do you have any final thoughts for our audience?

Dr. Sharma: The Mate XT Ultimate is a bold step forward, showcasing Huawei’s ingenuity. The price point and ecosystem limitations are hurdles, but its innovative design offers a compelling alternative. Only time will tell how it will go against its competitors.

Archyde: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Sharma! It was a very enlightening discussion.

Dr. sharma: It was my pleasure!

Archyde: And to our audience, what are your thoughts on the Huawei Mate XT ultimate? Do you think tri-fold phones are the future? Share your comments below!