Huawei Mate XT Review: A Foldable Powerhouse with Stunning Design, Performance, and Innovations

Huawei Mate XT Review: A Foldable Powerhouse with Stunning Design, Performance, and Innovations


Introduction

Huawei has continued its legacy of pushing boundaries in smartphone design with the release of the Huawei Mate XT, a flagship foldable device that redefines what smartphones can do. Combining cutting-edge foldable technology with powerful hardware and software innovations, the Mate XT offers a seamless blend of style, performance, and functionality. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional seeking a versatile device, or someone who appreciates luxury in a phone, the Mate XT might just be the device you’ve been waiting for. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the Mate XT's specifications, highlight its unique features compared to older models, and provide pricing information in USD.


Design and Build

Huawei Mate XT Review


Huawei has once again demonstrated its expertise in foldable technology with the Mate XT, delivering a premium device with a sleek, ultra-modern design. The Mate XT features a foldable display that extends into a tablet-sized screen when unfolded, providing a versatile experience for both entertainment and productivity.

When folded, the phone maintains a compact form, with a 6.6-inch display on the front and a smooth glass back. Unfolding the device reveals a stunning 8-inch OLED display that transforms the device into a mini-tablet. The build quality is exceptional, with a durable hinge mechanism that feels smooth and sturdy.

  • Dimensions (folded): 161.3 x 74.6 x 11 mm
  • Dimensions (unfolded): 161.3 x 145.2 x 5.4 mm
  • Weight: 295 grams
  • Build Quality: Aluminum frame with glass front and back, foldable OLED display
  • Colors: Cosmic Black, Space Silver
  • Water/Dust Resistance: No official IP rating, but designed to withstand daily use

The foldable design is Huawei's answer to those seeking a larger screen without the need to carry a separate tablet. The hinge mechanism has been improved from previous models to ensure a smoother folding experience, reducing the visible crease on the display.


Display

The Huawei Mate XT's display is one of its most striking features. The foldable OLED screen provides a massive 8-inch viewing area when fully extended, making it ideal for multitasking, watching videos, and working on documents. The display is bright, sharp, and vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent contrast levels, thanks to OLED technology.

  • Screen Size (unfolded): 8 inches
  • Resolution: 2200 x 2480 pixels (~413 ppi)
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Brightness: 1000 nits (peak brightness)
  • Folded Display: 6.6 inches (front), 6.4 inches (back)
  • Features: HDR10+, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, always-on display

Huawei has also incorporated Dynamic Display Switching, which automatically adjusts the display size depending on whether the phone is folded or unfolded. This feature optimizes the viewing experience, whether you're using the Mate XT for simple tasks like texting or more complex tasks like video editing.


Performance

Huawei Mate XT Review


Powering the Huawei Mate XT is the Kirin 990 5G chipset, offering flagship-level performance with integrated 5G capabilities. The Kirin 990 5G is built on a 7nm process, delivering fast performance and power efficiency. Whether you're gaming, running multiple apps, or editing videos, the Mate XT handles everything effortlessly.

  • Processor: Kirin 990 5G, 7nm+ architecture
  • CPU: Octa-core (2x Cortex-A76 at 2.86 GHz, 2x Cortex-A76 at 2.36 GHz, 4x Cortex-A55 at 1.95 GHz)
  • GPU: Mali-G76 MP16
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage Options: 512GB (expandable via NM card up to 256GB)
  • Operating System: HarmonyOS 3.0 (based on Android, but without Google services)

The Mate XT's performance is bolstered by its 12GB of RAM, making multitasking smooth and responsive. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing resource-intensive games, or working on multiple documents simultaneously, the Mate XT won’t miss a beat.


Camera

Huawei is renowned for its camera systems, and the Huawei Mate XT is no exception. Featuring a quad-camera setup developed in collaboration with Leica, the Mate XT ensures stunning photography and videography capabilities. The primary camera excels in all lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses provide versatility for various shooting scenarios.

  • Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.9, PDAF, OIS
  • Telephoto Camera: 12MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS
  • Ultra-Wide Camera: 16MP, f/2.2
  • TOF 3D Depth Sensor: For enhanced portrait shots and AR features
  • Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.0

Video Recording capabilities are top-notch, with support for 4K video at 60fps, along with features like super slow-motion at 960fps, and advanced AI-enhanced image stabilization for shake-free videos. Huawei's Night Mode has been further improved, allowing users to capture detailed and vibrant photos even in low-light conditions.


Battery Life

With a foldable display and powerful hardware, the Huawei Mate XT packs a 4,500mAh battery, which provides enough juice for a full day of moderate use. Huawei has also included its industry-leading 66W SuperCharge technology, allowing the device to charge from 0 to 85% in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is supported at 50W, making it one of the fastest wireless charging speeds available on the market.

  • Battery Capacity: 4,500mAh
  • Wired Charging: 66W SuperCharge
  • Wireless Charging: 50W fast wireless charging
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage
  • Charging Time: 0 to 85% in 30 minutes

Thanks to the efficient Kirin 990 5G chip and Huawei's battery optimizations, the Mate XT delivers impressive battery life, even when using the foldable display extensively.


Connectivity and Other Features

The Huawei Mate XT is future-proofed with 5G connectivity, offering fast download speeds and reliable network performance. In addition to 5G, the Mate XT supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, ensuring a wide range of connectivity options for users.

  • 5G Capabilities: Yes, with support for SA/NSA networks
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster speeds and lower latency
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 with improved range and stability
  • Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted) and 3D face unlock
  • Other Features: NFC, Dual SIM, USB-C 3.1

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive and quick to unlock the device. Additionally, the 3D face unlock feature has been enhanced for more accurate and secure recognition, even in low-light conditions.


Price and Availability

The Huawei Mate XT is a premium device, and its pricing reflects its advanced technology and features. The foldable phone is available in a single configuration with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage.

  • Price (512GB model): $2,499

While the price may seem steep, it’s important to consider that the Mate XT is not just a smartphone – it’s a device that combines the functionality of a tablet with the portability of a phone.


What’s New Compared to Older Models?

The Huawei Mate XT stands out from its predecessors, particularly the Mate Xs and Mate X2, in several key areas:

  1. Display Improvements: The Mate XT offers a larger and more refined foldable display with a higher refresh rate (120Hz) and better brightness, compared to the 90Hz panel in the Mate X2.
  2. Camera Enhancements: The camera system has seen significant improvements, particularly in the areas of low-light performance and video stabilization. The inclusion of a TOF 3D sensor adds depth and precision to portrait shots.
  3. Performance Boost: The Kirin 990 5G chipset delivers faster performance and better 5G integration compared to the older Mate X2, which featured the Kirin 9000.
  4. Battery and Charging: The Mate XT offers faster charging speeds and improved battery life, thanks to the 66W SuperCharge technology, a notable upgrade from the 55W charging in previous models.
  5. Build Quality: The new hinge mechanism is more robust and less prone to wear, offering a smoother folding experience with reduced creasing in the display.

Conclusion

The Huawei Mate XT is a testament to Huawei's innovation in the foldable smartphone space. With its stunning design, powerful performance, and versatile features, the Mate XT is more than just a smartphone – it's a next-gen device that blurs the line between phone and tablet. The improved camera system, cutting-edge 5G connectivity, and ultra-fast charging make it an ideal choice for users who want the best in mobile technology.

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