The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has taken the smartphone world by storm as the first—and currently only—tri-foldable device on the market. Priced at a staggering €3,500, this cutting-edge device is not for the faint of heart. But is it a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, or just an overpriced gimmick? Let’s break it down.

What Makes the Mate XT Ultimate Special?

The Mate XT Ultimate boasts a 10.2-inch display when fully unfolded, offering an immersive experience that’s perfect for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. Its state-of-the-art mechanical design is a marvel of engineering, folding down to a 12.8mm thickness and weighing 298g. For comparison, Huawei’s own Mate X6 is thinner (9.9mm) and lighter (239g) but only offers a 7.93-inch inner display, which is 36% smaller in surface area.

The device also features an impressive camera system, making it a versatile tool for both productivity and creativity. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.

The Challenges Facing Huawei

As with all Huawei devices, the Mate XT Ultimate is held back by the company’s ongoing struggles with the global chip supply and its lack of access to US-based services like Google Play. This means users are limited to Huawei’s AppGallery and alternative app stores, which can be a dealbreaker for many.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

Currently, the Mate XT Ultimate has no direct competitors. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a 7.6-inch inner display in a body that’s 12.1mm thick and weighs 239g. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to be slightly thinner and lighter, but it still won’t match the Mate XT Ultimate’s screen size.

Samsung has teased a tri-fold device with a 9.96-inch internal display, but rumors suggest it will have a limited production run. Meanwhile, Oppo’s Find N5 is impressively slim at 8.9mm folded and weighs 229g, but its 8.12-inch internal display is still smaller than Huawei’s offering.

The Big Question: Is It Worth It?

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is undeniably a technological marvel, but its €3,500 price tag and lack of Google services make it a tough sell for many. For early adopters and tech enthusiasts, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the future of foldable devices. For the average consumer, however, it might be more of a luxury than a necessity.

What Do You Think?

We want to hear from you! Do you see the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate as the future of smartphones, or is it just an overpriced gimmick? Would you consider owning one, or are you waiting for more affordable and accessible alternatives?