Huawei Mate XT Ultimate
QR 10,192
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is an innovative device that comes in three variants, each offering different storage capacities.
The 256GB model is priced at QAR 10,192, the 512GB version costs QAR 11,247, and the top-tier 1TB model is available for QAR 12,303.
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 10.2-inch tri-foldable LTPO OLED, 2232 x 3184 pixels |
Processor | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 |
Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.4-f/4.0) + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto |
Front Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) |
Battery | 5600 mAh, 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging |
Operating System | HarmonyOS 4.2 |
Release Date and Availability
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate was first unveiled on September 10, 2024, in China. It became available for pre-order in Qatar on September 20, 2024, with official sales starting on October 1, 2024.
The device is available in two color options: Dark Black and Rui Red. Customers can purchase the Mate XT Ultimate from authorized Huawei retailers across Qatar, including major electronics stores and Huawei’s official online store.
Design and Display
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate stands out with its unique tri-fold design. When fully unfolded, it boasts a large 10.2-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2232 x 3184 pixels. This expansive screen offers a tablet-like experience, perfect for multitasking, watching videos, or working on documents.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions.
In its folded state, the device transforms into a more compact form factor with a 6.4-inch cover display. This outer screen allows users to perform quick tasks without unfolding the device.
The middle configuration, with two panels unfolded, provides a 7.9-inch display, offering a balance between portability and screen real estate.
Camera System
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate features a versatile triple camera setup. The main camera boasts a 50MP sensor with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0, allowing for excellent low-light performance and depth-of-field control. This is complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5.5x optical zoom for detailed long-range photography.
For selfies and video calls, the device is equipped with an 8MP front-facing camera. The camera system is backed by Huawei’s advanced AI algorithms, enabling features like night mode, portrait mode, and AI scene recognition.
Performance and Battery
At the heart of the Mate XT Ultimate is the Kirin 9010 chipset, built on a 7nm process. This powerful processor, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensures smooth performance even with demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. The device comes with three storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, all utilizing fast UFS 4.0 technology.
To power this advanced hardware, Huawei has included a 5600 mAh battery. The device supports 66W wired fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. It also features 50W wireless charging capabilities and reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility.
Software and Connectivity
The Mate XT Ultimate runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. This software is designed to take full advantage of the tri-fold form factor, offering seamless transitions between different screen configurations and optimized multitasking capabilities.
In terms of connectivity, the device supports 5G networks, ensuring fast data speeds where available. It also includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments and device pairing.
Comparison with Other Foldable Phones
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate enters a growing market of foldable smartphones, each with its unique approach to flexible display technology. When compared to its predecessors like the Huawei Mate XS 2 and Mate X5, the Mate XT Ultimate stands out with its tri-fold design, offering more screen real estate and versatility.
The Mate XS 2 and X5, while impressive in their own right, feature a single-fold design that doesn’t quite match the expansive display options of the XT Ultimate.
In the broader foldable phone market, the Mate XT Ultimate competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While these devices offer excellent build quality and refined software experiences, they still utilize a single-fold design. The XT Ultimate’s tri-fold approach gives it a unique advantage in terms of screen size and flexibility of use.
Other players in the foldable market, such as Oppo with its Find N series and Motorola with its Razr line, focus on different form factors.
The Oppo Find N3 Flip and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, for instance, adopt a clamshell design that prioritizes compactness when folded. While these devices excel in portability, they can’t match the expansive display area offered by the Mate XT Ultimate.
In terms of performance, the Kirin 9010 chipset in the Mate XT Ultimate holds its own against competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in many flagship foldables. However, the true differentiator lies in the XT Ultimate’s ability to transform from a standard smartphone to a small tablet, offering unparalleled versatility in the current market.
Price-wise, the Mate XT Ultimate sits at the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting its innovative design and advanced technology. While it may be more expensive than some single-fold competitors, the additional screen real estate and unique form factor could justify the premium for many users seeking the most advanced foldable experience available.
User Experience and Practicality
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate offers a unique user experience that sets it apart from traditional smartphones and even other foldables.
When fully unfolded, its 10.2-inch display provides a tablet-like experience, ideal for productivity tasks, content consumption, and creative work. This large canvas allows for comfortable multi-window use, making it possible to run three apps side by side without feeling cramped.
In its folded state, the device functions as a standard smartphone, with the 6.4-inch cover display handling everyday tasks efficiently. This versatility allows users to adapt the device to their current needs, whether it’s quick message checks or immersive gaming sessions.
The tri-fold design, while innovative, does come with some practical considerations. At 298 grams, it’s heavier than most smartphones, which might be noticeable during extended use. The complex hinge mechanism also adds to the overall thickness when folded, potentially making it less pocket-friendly than slimmer devices.
Durability is another factor to consider. While Huawei has invested heavily in ensuring the reliability of the folding mechanism, the nature of foldable devices means they may be more vulnerable to wear and tear compared to traditional smartphones. Users will need to handle the device with care, especially when folding and unfolding.
The HarmonyOS 4.2 operating system is designed to take full advantage of the tri-fold form factor. It offers smooth transitions between different screen configurations and optimized app layouts that adapt to the current fold state. However, users coming from Android or iOS may face a learning curve, and some popular apps might not be available or fully optimized for HarmonyOS.
Camera Performance and Imaging Capabilities
The camera system on the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is a significant highlight, offering versatility and high-quality imaging across various scenarios. The main 50MP camera, with its variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0), excels in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. This adaptability allows for crisp, detailed shots with excellent dynamic range during the day, and impressive low-light performance in dimmer settings.
The 12MP ultra-wide camera provides a 120-degree field of view, making it ideal for landscape photography and group shots. It maintains good image quality and color consistency with the main camera, though some edge distortion may be noticeable in certain shots.
The 12MP telephoto lens with 5.5x optical zoom is a powerful tool for capturing distant subjects. It offers clear, detailed images at medium to long ranges, with digital zoom extending its reach further, albeit with some loss in quality at extreme zoom levels.
Huawei’s AI-powered camera software enhances the hardware capabilities, offering features like AI scene recognition, which automatically adjusts camera settings based on what you’re photographing. The night mode is particularly impressive, capable of capturing bright, detailed images in very low light conditions without excessive noise.
For video, the Mate XT Ultimate supports 4K recording at 60 fps, with good stabilization for smooth footage. The device also offers various creative video modes, including time-lapse and slow-motion options.
The 8MP front-facing camera, while not as high-resolution as the rear cameras, produces good quality selfies and is more than adequate for video calls. It also supports portrait mode with AI-enhanced background blur.
One unique aspect of the Mate XT Ultimate’s camera system is its flexibility in use. The tri-fold design allows for creative camera angles and self-portrait setups, with the ability to use the main cameras for high-quality selfies by partially folding the device.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5600 mAh battery in the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is designed to keep up with the demands of its large, power-hungry display. In typical use, which might include a mix of browsing, social media, video watching, and some light gaming, the device can last through a full day. However, heavy use of the large unfolded display, particularly at high brightness levels, can drain the battery more quickly.
Huawei has implemented several power-saving features in HarmonyOS 4.2 to help extend battery life. These include adaptive refresh rate technology, which can lower the screen refresh rate to conserve power when high refresh rates aren’t needed, and AI-powered app hibernation to reduce background power consumption.
The 66W wired fast charging is a standout feature, capable of charging the device from 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes, and to full in around 45 minutes. This rapid charging can be a lifesaver for users who need a quick power boost.
The 50W wireless charging option, while slower than wired charging, is still impressively fast for a wireless solution. It offers convenience for those who prefer cable-free charging, able to fully charge the device in about 1.5 hours.
The reverse wireless charging feature, while not particularly fast at 7.5W, is a useful addition. It allows the Mate XT Ultimate to serve as a wireless power bank for other devices like earbuds or smartwatches in emergency situations.
Connectivity and Network Performance
As a flagship device, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. Its 5G capabilities ensure fast data speeds and low latency in areas with 5G coverage, making it future-proof for the expanding 5G networks worldwide.
The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on a single device. This can be particularly useful for those who need to separate work and personal communications or for frequent travelers who need local SIM cards.
Wi-Fi 6 support provides fast and stable wireless internet connections, particularly beneficial when using the large unfolded display for data-intensive tasks like video streaming or large file downloads. The Bluetooth 5.2 implementation ensures reliable connections with wireless accessories, offering improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth versions.
NFC functionality enables contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices. However, it’s worth noting that some mobile payment services may not be available due to Huawei’s ongoing issues with U.S. sanctions.
The device also includes a USB Type-C 3.1 port, which supports fast data transfer and video output. This allows users to connect the Mate XT Ultimate to external displays, potentially using it as a portable workstation.
GPS capabilities are robust, with support for multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS. This ensures accurate location services and navigation across different regions.
Software Ecosystem and App Availability
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate runs on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. This software is designed to offer a seamless experience across different Huawei devices, from smartphones to tablets and smart home products. The OS is optimized for the tri-fold form factor, with features that take advantage of the different screen configurations.
One of the key strengths of HarmonyOS on the Mate XT Ultimate is its ability to adapt app interfaces and functionalities based on how the device is folded. For instance, when fully unfolded, apps can display more content or offer enhanced multitasking capabilities. The system also allows for smooth transitions between different fold states, ensuring a consistent user experience.
However, the app ecosystem remains a significant consideration for potential buyers. Due to ongoing U.S. sanctions, Huawei devices do not have access to Google Mobile Services, including the Google Play Store. Instead, users rely on Huawei’s AppGallery for app downloads. While AppGallery has grown significantly since its launch, offering many popular apps, it still lacks some key applications that users might expect, particularly those developed by U.S. companies.
To address this limitation, Huawei has implemented Petal Search, a tool that helps users find and install apps from various sources. This can include direct downloads from app developers’ websites or third-party app stores. While this expands the available app selection, it may require more effort from users compared to traditional app stores, and some apps may not be optimized for HarmonyOS or the Mate XT Ultimate’s unique form factor.
Despite these challenges, HarmonyOS offers several native apps and features that take full advantage of the tri-fold design. These include a robust file manager, a productivity suite compatible with common document formats, and Huawei’s own cloud services for backup and synchronization across devices.
Gaming and Entertainment Experience
The large, high-resolution display of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate makes it an excellent device for gaming and media consumption. When fully unfolded, the 10.2-inch screen provides an immersive gaming experience that rivals small tablets. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, while the powerful Kirin 9010 processor and 16GB of RAM handle even the most demanding mobile games with ease.
Many popular mobile games adapt well to the larger screen, offering more detailed graphics and easier-to-use controls. Some games even offer special modes or interfaces optimized for foldable devices, taking full advantage of the extra screen real estate.
For media consumption, the Mate XT Ultimate shines. The large OLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for watching videos or browsing photos. The device’s stereo speakers provide good audio quality, though for the best experience, users might want to use headphones or external speakers.
The tri-fold design allows for creative usage scenarios. For example, users can partially fold the device to create a stand, perfect for hands-free video watching. In this configuration, the device can also split the screen, showing video content on one part and comments or related information on another.
Productivity and Multitasking
One of the standout features of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is its potential for productivity and multitasking. The large unfolded display allows for comfortable use of productivity apps like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software. The extra screen space makes tasks like document editing or data analysis much more manageable compared to traditional smartphones.
HarmonyOS 4.2 includes robust multitasking features that take advantage of the tri-fold design. Users can run up to three apps simultaneously side by side, each occupying a section of the unfolded display. This is particularly useful for tasks that require referencing multiple sources or working across different apps.
The device also supports a desktop mode when connected to an external display. In this mode, the interface resembles a traditional desktop operating system, allowing for a more PC-like experience. This feature, combined with the device’s processing power, positions the Mate XT Ultimate as a potential laptop replacement for some users.
Build Quality and Durability
Given its complex tri-fold design, the build quality and durability of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate are crucial factors. Huawei has invested significantly in engineering a robust hinge mechanism that can withstand repeated folding and unfolding. The hinge is designed to hold the device steady at various angles, allowing for flexible use cases.
The outer body of the device is constructed from high-quality materials, including a combination of glass and metal. This gives the Mate XT Ultimate a premium feel, but also adds to its weight. At 298 grams, it’s noticeably heavier than traditional smartphones, which may take some getting used to.
The foldable display is protected by a layer of ultra-thin glass, which offers better durability compared to plastic screens found in some earlier foldable devices. However, it’s still more vulnerable to damage than traditional smartphone screens, and users need to handle the device with care.
Huawei has implemented a water-resistant coating on the device’s internal components, offering some protection against accidental spills or light rain. However, it’s worth noting that the Mate XT Ultimate doesn’t have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, unlike some non-foldable flagships.
Price and Value Proposition
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is positioned as a premium device, with pricing that reflects its innovative design and high-end specifications. In Qatar, the 256GB model is priced at QAR 10,192, the 512GB version at QAR 11,247, and the top-tier 1TB model at QAR 12,303. This pricing places it at the upper end of the smartphone market, even among other foldable devices.
For potential buyers, the value proposition of the Mate XT Ultimate depends largely on how much they value its unique tri-fold design and versatility. For those who can take full advantage of the large unfolding display for productivity, creativity, or entertainment, the device offers a compelling all-in-one solution that can potentially replace a smartphone and tablet.
However, the high price point, combined with the limitations of the HarmonyOS ecosystem, may give some consumers pause. Those heavily invested in the Google ecosystem or reliant on specific apps not available on AppGallery might find the transition challenging.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.