Huawei has once again pushed the boundaries of mobile technology with the official launch of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design in China. The world’s first dual-folding, triple-screen phone has been making waves online, with numerous unboxing and hands-on videos showcasing its impressive features. As foldable smartphones continue to evolve, the Mate XT stands out for its slim design, innovative functionality, and groundbreaking display technology. But how does it stack up in real-world use? Let’s dive into the details of what the Huawei Mate XT offers and how it performs in day-to-day scenarios.

One of the standout features of the Huawei Mate XT is its incredibly slim profile. When shipped, the device arrives in its unfolded position, measuring just 3.6mm (around 0.14 inches) at its thinnest point. This is significantly slimmer than Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which measures 5.1mm (0.2 inches) when unfolded. Once the Mate XT is folded, it reaches a thickness of 12.8mm (0.5 inches), which is slightly thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 10.1mm (0.39 inches) but comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 12.1mm (0.48 inches).

The Huawei Mate XT's slim design is incredibly appealing to users who prioritize a sleek and portable device. Its compact size, combined with its impressive functionality, ensures that this foldable phone remains practical without sacrificing innovation. Its lightweight design enhances usability, especially compared to the bulkier foldables on the market today.

Huawei Mate XT Specifications

The Huawei Mate XT and Samsung both offer powerful desktop-like experiences, transforming their foldable phones into mobile workstations. These modes enable users to turn their devices into full-fledged desktops, but they differ in terms of functionality, user experience, and flexibility.

Huawei Mate XT Desktop Mode vs. Samsung DeX

Huawei’s Desktop Mode and Samsung’s DeX (Desktop Experience) are similar in principle, as both provide a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display. With the Huawei Mate XT, the feature is enabled via HarmonyOS 3.0 and can be accessed either wirelessly or with a USB-C to HDMI connection to a monitor. In comparison, Samsung DeX works on a range of Samsung devices and offers both wired and wireless options for connecting to an external screen.

However, Huawei's Desktop Mode particularly shines when using the Mate XT's dual-folding, triple-screen capabilities. This allows users to multitask not only on the external monitor but also across the device’s own expansive screens. For instance, you could run multiple apps on the Mate XT’s internal screens while simultaneously managing larger tasks on a connected external display. Samsung’s DeX also supports multitasking, but it’s limited to either the external display or the device’s screen, not across multiple displays at once.

Multitasking Capabilities

With Huawei’s Desktop Mode, the Mate XT turns into a productivity powerhouse, leveraging its 12GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor to manage multiple tasks seamlessly. Users can run apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Photoshop on a connected monitor while still having access to messaging or video apps on the foldable screens. This desktop experience feels similar to using a full computer, especially when you connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for enhanced navigation.

Samsung DeX offers a comparable experience, allowing apps to run in a windowed or full-screen format, mimicking a PC-like environment. However, the key difference with the Huawei Mate XT is the fluidity of multitasking across three screens. This gives the Mate XT a unique edge over the Samsung DeX for users who need to juggle more apps at once. For instance, business users or content creators can work on spreadsheets on the external screen, edit images on the Mate XT’s internal display, and check emails on the secondary screen—all at the same time.

Connectivity and Performance

Both Huawei’s Desktop Mode and Samsung DeX support wireless connections to compatible smart TVs and monitors, providing users with a clean and cable-free workspace. That said, Samsung DeX is compatible with a broader range of devices, including smart TVs that support Miracast, whereas Huawei’s wireless desktop mode tends to work better with Huawei’s own displays or newer models of smart screens.

Performance-wise, both systems deliver robust performance when paired with their respective flagship devices. The Huawei Mate XT, equipped with 12GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, performs admirably in desktop mode, especially for tasks requiring significant multitasking or graphical power. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 and 6 models running DeX are powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chips, giving both devices solid computing capabilities.

While both Huawei’s Desktop Mode and Samsung’s DeX offer versatile desktop-like experiences, Huawei Mate XT distinguishes itself with its triple-screen functionality, giving users more options to multitask and split their workflow across various screens.

With the Huawei Mate XT being significantly larger with 3 screens, you won't necessarily need to attach it to a monitor to get work done on the go.

The Huawei Mate XT's triple-screen display takes multitasking to a new level. According to hands-on reviews from sources like Gizmochina, the Mate XT allows users to view multiple app windows simultaneously, which can be resized into various custom configurations. This feature is particularly useful for power users, multitaskers, and professionals who rely on their phones for productivity.

With its dual-folding design, the Mate XT transitions seamlessly between different screen modes, enabling users to switch between single-screen and dual-screen setups depending on their needs. The ability to adjust window sizes, align apps side-by-side, and customize the display layout makes this phone ideal for anyone who needs flexibility in their workflow.

User Experience with App Resizing and Customization

The app resizing feature is a game-changer in real-world use. Users can quickly adjust their screen layouts to fit multiple tasks without compromising on clarity or ease of use. Whether you're browsing the web, checking emails, or editing documents, the Mate XT’s fluid transitions between screens provide a smooth and immersive experience. The ability to resize windows is particularly beneficial when juggling multiple apps, making it easier to manage tasks without needing to switch back and forth between them.

Moreover, the dual-folding mechanism enables users to set up different screen orientations, whether they prefer using the phone folded or unfolded. The overall experience of multitasking is seamless, offering a desktop-like experience that far surpasses what most smartphones can currently deliver.

Right now, the Mate XT is only sold in China. If you can get ahold of the device, it'll set you back about SGD $3600. Currently, the phone is sold out, and you'll be put on a waitlist if you pre-order. Of course, after you get your hands on the device, you'll want to baby it. The repair cost for a damaged motherboard is going to set you back 2k and 1.8K if you damage the screen.

At the product launch, Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, added a dynamic touch to the presentation by pulling a foldable keyboard from his jacket pocket. This keyboard, specifically designed for the Huawei Mate XT, has received the prestigious "DESIGN FOR HUAWEI" (DFH) certification. Its sleek, magnetic design allows it to fold compactly, making it convenient to carry in pockets or bags. Weighing just 126 grams and with a thickness of 11mm , the keyboard offers both portability and elegance for users on the go.

The BOW keyboard is crafted with a durable leather surface designed to resist slips, scratches, fingerprints, and stains. Its minimalist design features chocolate keycaps and an integrated touchpad on the right side, enhancing usability. When unfolded, the keyboard measures 33.5 cm in length and 8.14 cm in width , making it ideal for extended productivity sessions. With a battery life of over 20 hours , the BOW keyboard ensures long-lasting performance.

One of the standout features of the BOW Folding Smart Touch Bluetooth Keyboard is its ability to automatically connect to nearby devices, including those running HarmonyOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and iOS . However, iOS users should note that the touchpad function is not supported on their devices. Priced at 299 yuan, the BOW keyboard will be available for purchase starting September 20 at 10:08 AM on Huawei’s official online store.

The DFH certification is part of Huawei's commitment to providing high-quality, compatible accessories for its consumers. By releasing this innovative keyboard alongside the Huawei Mate XT, Huawei continues to emphasize its dedication to mobile productivity, offering a seamless and versatile experience for users.