The smartphone industry thrives on innovation, constantly pushing boundaries to redefine how we interact with our devices. From the early days of flip phones to the sleek slabs of glass we carry today, each leap has aimed to blend form, function, and futuristic appeal. Enter the tri-folding phone, a bold new chapter epitomized by Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate Design. As the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT has sparked fascination and debate. Its ability to morph from a 6.4-inch phone to a 7.9-inch foldable to a sprawling 10.2-inch tablet is nothing short of mesmerizing. But with a price tag hovering around $3,500-$4,000, limited software support, and first-generation quirks, the question looms: Would you buy a tri-folding phone? Let’s unpack the allure, the challenges, and the potential of this ambitious device to explore whether it’s a glimpse into the future or a flashy novelty.
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The tri-fold concept is inherently captivating. Unlike traditional book-style foldables, which open into a single larger screen, atri-fold smartphone like the Mate XT’s dual-hinge design unfolds like an accordion, offering three distinct screen sizes. Closed, it’s a familiar 6.4-inch smartphone, ideal for one-handed use. Partially unfolded, it becomes a 7.9-inch square-ish display, reminiscent of other foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Fully extended, it transforms into a 10.2-inch tablet with a 16:11 aspect ratio, perfect for immersive video consumption or multitasking. This versatility addresses a key limitation of book-style foldables, which often compromise on screen real estate or aspect ratios for video. The Mate XT’s 10.2-inch OLED display, with a resolution of 2232 x 3184, delivers vivid colors and sharp visuals, making it a compelling canvas for streaming, gaming, or productivity. The ability to carry a tablet-sized screen in your pocket is a tantalizing proposition, especially for professionals who juggle multiple apps or creatives who crave a larger workspace on the go.
Samsung has none, but Huawei has the Mate XT
Huawei’s engineering prowess shines in the Mate XT’s design. At just 3.6mm thick when fully unfolded and 12.8mm when closed, it’s remarkably slim for a device with two hinges. The 5,600mAh battery, likely segmented to fit the tri-fold smartphone structure, supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensuring decent endurance despite the power-hungry display. The camera system—a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP periscope—delivers impressive photo quality, though video performance lags behind competitors. The Kirin 9010 chipset, while capable for most tasks, is a 7nm processor, trailing behind the cutting-edge 3nm or 4nm chips in flagship devices from Apple or Qualcomm. Still, the hardware feels robust, with hinges that operate smoothly without the “crunchiness” found in some early foldables. The Mate XT’s build quality suggests Huawei has invested heavily in refining the mechanics of a tri-fold, making it feel less like a prototype and more like a polished product.
Yet, for all its hardware triumphs, the Mate XT stumbles in software and accessibility. Running HarmonyOS 4.2 in China and EMUI 14 (Android-based) globally, the device lacks official Google Mobile Services (GMS) support due to U.S. sanctions on Huawei. This means no pre-installed Google Play Store, Gmail, or YouTube, though workarounds exist to sideload these apps. However, the experience isn’t seamless, with quirks like inconsistent notifications or app compatibility issues. Multitasking, a key selling point for a device with three screen segments, is surprisingly limited. The Mate XT supports only two apps in split-screen mode, with a third relegated to an awkward floating window. This feels like a missed opportunity, as a 10.2-inch display begs for robust three-app multitasking. Additionally, the software’s transition to HarmonyOS Next, which abandons Android compatibility entirely, raises concerns about future app support. For users outside China, where Google services are integral to daily life, these limitations are a significant barrier.
The price is another hurdle. Starting at €3,499 (roughly $3,650) globally and climbing to nearly $4,000 in some markets, the tri-fold smartphone costs more than a high-end smartphone, laptop, and tablet combined. This premium reflects the cost of pioneering a new form factor, but it’s a tough sell when alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offer mature software ecosystems and 5G connectivity for half the price. Speaking of connectivity, the Mate XT’s 4G limitation is a head-scratcher in 2025, when 5G is standard in flagship devices. Durability also raises concerns. With no official IP rating for water or dust resistance and two hinges introducing additional points of failure, the Mate XT demands careful handling. Visible creases and a screen that doesn’t lie perfectly flat when fully unfolded further hint at first-generation growing pains.
Despite these drawbacks, the Mate XT’s appeal lies in its vision. It’s not just a phone; it’s a statement about where mobile technology could go. The tri-fold design solves real problems with book-style foldables, like awkward aspect ratios for video or limited screen size for productivity. Posts on X reflect this excitement, with users marveling at the engineering feat while acknowledging the steep price and software woes. Tech reviewers echo this sentiment, praising the Mate XT’s build quality and display while cautioning against its cost and lack of Google support. The device’s global launch in February 2025, after a China-exclusive debut in September 2024, signals Huawei’s confidence in its appeal, even if it’s currently a niche product.
So, would you buy a tri-folding phone like the Mate XT? The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re a tech enthusiast with deep pockets and a willingness to navigate software workarounds, the Mate XT offers a unique experience that no other device can match. Its ability to seamlessly shift between phone, foldable, and tablet modes is a glimpse into a future where devices are truly all-in-one. However, for most consumers, the Mate XT’s price, software limitations, and durability concerns outweigh its novelty. The lack of 5G, coupled with a mediocre chipset and unpolished multitasking, makes it feel like a proof-of-concept rather than a daily driver.
Looking ahead, the tri-fold form factor has undeniable potential. Competitors like Samsung are reportedly developing their own tri-fold devices, which could bring 5G, Google support, and refined software to the table. As hinge technology improves and costs decrease, tri-folds could become mainstream, offering a compelling alternative to traditional foldables. But for now, the Mate XT is a trailblazer best admired from afar. Its innovations are exciting, but the compromises are too significant for widespread adoption.
My verdict on buying Tri-Fold smartphone
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. Its tri-fold design, stunning display, and robust build quality make it a fascinating glimpse into the future of mobile devices. However, its exorbitant price, lack of Google support, 4G connectivity, and first-generation quirks make it a tough sell for most consumers. While the idea of a phone that unfolds into a tablet is enticing, the technology isn’t yet refined enough to justify the cost or compromises. For now, it’s wise to hold off on buying a tri-folding phone until future iterations bring improved durability, seamless software, and more accessible pricing. The tri-fold revolution is coming, but it’s not quite here yet.
