Huawei recently revealed the Mate XT Ultimate Design, a triple-folding smartphone design that offers the compactness of a phone with the screen size of a tablet. Despite the excitement around its design, the phone faces significant obstacles.
The primary concern for early users has been durability. The phone’s central hinge can create a black line down the middle of the display after just weeks of use, while other owners have reported that their screens are extremely vulnerable to scratches and damage. “It’s cool, but if just my fingers can scratch my phone I’m not sure if I can use it, even if I can multitask,” said senior Jatin Kodavatiganti. “For a phone that price, I expect a device that can be used daily.”
However, this only scratches the surface of the problems associated with the Mate XT. As seen in many dismantling videos, the hinges – a key component of the design – are vulnerable to trapping dirt and dust, which can damage the phone from within.
Performance is another major drawback. Although Huawei claims the Mate XT is a high-end device, it is relatively underpowered compared to other phones in all its markets. The phone struggles to handle heavy applications like games, limiting its appeal for professionals and students, even with its high price. “I would honestly consider it as a concept more than as a product. If it can’t run games or apps smoothly, I’m not sure it’s worth the hype,” explained senior Reetham Gubba. “If they can drop the price and increase quality, maybe, just maybe, it has a chance in the US market.”
Arriving in the US market is still a distant dream. Huawei, the phone’s Chinese parent company, faces sales restrictions in several regions, including the United States. This was due to the security concern ban it faced, as an executive order from 2019 prevents it from working with any US companies.
Still, the Mate XT’s design holds promise for productivity enthusiasts. With a tablet-sized screen that folds down to fit in a pocket, it could be a game-changer for users who need extra screen space. If Huawei can fix all its major flaws, the Mate XT can potentially reshape the smartphone market.
