Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Review: A Bold Leap Forward!

Let’s face it, folding phones are still new territory for most of us, but Huawei Mate XT Ultimate feels like something from the future. If you’re the type that loves to stay ahead of the curve, you’re in the right place.

Introduction:

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate isn’t just another smartphone – it’s a bold entry into the world of foldable tech, blending cutting-edge design with powerhouse performance. This device takes a unique approach to mobile computing by combining the portability of a smartphone with the functionality of a tablet, all wrapped up in a sleek, foldable package.

So, why did I decide to give it a go? Simple – curiosity. Foldables are the next big thing, and I wanted to see if this innovation could change how I interact with my tech. My goal? To find out if the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate could deliver not just as a phone, but as an all-in-one device that meets my needs for work, entertainment, and everything in between.

Features of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate packs some impressive features that make it stand out as a foldable phone and a productivity and entertainment powerhouse. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this device pop:

1. Foldable 8-Inch Display

• Description: The Mate XT Ultimate transforms into a stunning 8-inch OLED screen from a compact phone into a mini-tablet.
• How It Works: You can easily switch between phone mode (when it’s folded) and tablet mode (when it’s unfolded). The display is bright, vibrant, and super responsive.
• Usefulness: This screen is a game-changer for multitasking. I can comfortably run two apps side-by-side, whether taking notes while watching a video or browsing and messaging simultaneously.
• Effectiveness: The transition between the folded and unfolded screens is smooth, though a few apps still need some fine-tuning for this unique form factor. Overall, it’s incredibly handy for productivity on the go.

2. Kirin 9000 Chipset with 5G

• Description: Powered by the Kirin 9000 chip, this phone is built for speed, efficiency, and connectivity, especially with its 5G capabilities.
• How It Works: Whether it’s downloading large files or streaming content in 4K, the Mate XT Ultimate handles it all effortlessly. The 5G speeds make a huge difference in download times and online gaming.
• Usefulness: For anyone who needs fast, reliable performance (think content creators, gamers, or heavy multitaskers), this chip does the job. It’s also a future-proof feature with 5G expanding rapidly.
• Effectiveness: The phone’s performance is stellar. No lag, even with multiple apps running or heavy tasks like video editing.

3. Multi-Camera System

• Description: The phone comes with a versatile camera setup, featuring a 50 MP main lens, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras.
• How It Works: The camera’s AI automatically adjusts settings based on the scene, whether you’re shooting in low light, capturing ultra-wide landscapes, or zooming in for close-ups.
• Usefulness: For me, the camera system is perfect for snapping everything from quick candid shots to detailed landscapes. The photos are crisp, colors are rich, and night mode is genuinely impressive.
• Effectiveness: It’s an incredibly flexible camera, ideal for anyone who wants great shots without messing with manual settings. The telephoto lens could use a bit more sharpness on zoomed-in shots, but overall, it’s very effective.

4. 4500mAh Battery with 66W Fast Charging

• Description: The Mate XT Ultimate is equipped with a large 4500mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging, ensuring you don’t have to stay plugged in for long.
• How It Works: The battery lasts all day under regular use, and when you do need to charge, the 66W fast charger can bring it back up to 85% in around 30 minutes.
• Usefulness: This is a lifesaver for people like me who are always on the move and rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. No more carrying around a portable charger.
• Effectiveness: It’s incredibly effective. You can top up your battery during a short break and be good to go for hours, and the battery life on standby is also impressive.

5. Huawei App Multiplier

• Description: A unique feature that lets you run two instances of the same app on each side of the screen when unfolded.
• How It Works: Imagine having two chat windows from the same app open at once, side by side. Or comparing documents without switching between apps.
• Usefulness: This is a productivity booster. I often use it to compare data or multitask more efficiently without constantly flipping between apps.
• Effectiveness: Works brilliantly for supported apps, but not all apps are optimized for this feature yet. However, when it works, it feels like a true multitasking powerhouse.

6. Software Customization and EMUI

• Description: The Mate XT Ultimate runs on EMUI, Huawei’s custom interface. It offers deep customization options for icons, gestures, and layouts.
• How It Works: You can easily tweak how your home screen looks, change gestures, and personalize your experience to fit your style. EMUI also brings features like split-screen multitasking and floating windows for added convenience.
• Usefulness: For those who like a personalized experience, this is a fun way to make the phone feel truly yours. Plus, the UI is generally intuitive and smooth.
• Effectiveness: The interface is fluid and offers plenty of room for customization, though some users may miss access to Google services, which can be a drawback depending on what apps you use.

Overall, each feature of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is designed to enhance both functionality and user experience. While not every aspect is flawless (looking at you, app compatibility), it certainly excels in key areas like display, performance, and battery life, making it a solid choice for anyone craving innovation in a smartphone.

Performance of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate

When it comes to performance, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate delivers in a big way, with its speed and reliability setting it apart in the foldable space. Here’s my hands-on evaluation:

Speed and Reliability

The Kirin 9000 chipset powering this device is a beast. Whether I’m multitasking between heavy apps, streaming videos in 4K or gaming, it handles everything without breaking a sweat. The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth transitions, even when I have multiple apps open in the background. There’s no noticeable lag or stutter, even when pushing the phone to its limits. The 5G connectivity also adds another layer of speed when browsing, downloading large files, or participating in online gaming.

The reliability of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has been top-notch. During the weeks I’ve used it, there haven’t been any crashes or freezes. The phone’s overall performance remains consistent, which is crucial for someone like me who juggles multiple tasks throughout the day.

Workload Handling

This phone fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Whether I’m editing documents, browsing the web, or managing social media, the Mate XT Ultimate meets all my needs. The foldable display gives me ample space to work on, especially with the split-screen functionality, which is a game-changer for productivity. I often have emails on one side and a browser or note-taking app on the other, and the phone handles it all effortlessly.

When it comes to media consumption, the large, vibrant display and reliable performance make watching videos or editing photos a breeze. The battery life keeps up well, even with demanding tasks, which is essential when I’m out all day without easy access to a charger.

Issues and Limitations

As good as it is, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate isn’t without its minor quirks. The foldable screen can feel a bit delicate, and while I haven’t had any major issues, I’m always conscious of avoiding scratches or creases. It’s a bit more high-maintenance compared to traditional phones.

Another limitation is in the app compatibility department. Not all apps are optimized for the foldable experience, and there have been times when apps don’t scale properly or have a bit of a hiccup transitioning between folded and unfolded modes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does interrupt the otherwise fluid experience.

Lastly, the lack of Google services could be an issue for some users. Huawei has done a good job building alternatives, but if you rely heavily on Google apps, you might feel the absence. That said, I’ve been able to adapt fairly easily using the AppGallery and alternative solutions.

In summary, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate performs brilliantly in most areas, especially when it comes to speed, multitasking, and handling a heavy workload. It’s reliable, fast, and perfect for users who want power and flexibility in a foldable package. While there are some minor limitations, none are dealbreakers for me. It’s a top performer, especially for early adopters of foldable tech.

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate vs Competitors

Here’s a comparison table between the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate and some of its top competitors in the foldable smartphone market:

Key Takeaways:

• Display: The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate offers the largest display among competitors, making it ideal for users who prioritize screen real estate.
• Performance: Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold edge out Huawei slightly with their newer chipsets and higher RAM.
• Battery & Charging: The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate stands out with its 66W fast charging, far surpassing the competitors’ charging speeds.
• Camera: Huawei holds its own with its 50MP main camera, although the Google Pixel Fold brings Google’s top-tier computational photography into play.
• Google Services: A notable disadvantage of Huawei is the lack of Google services, which can be a dealbreaker for users heavily reliant on Google’s ecosystem.
• Durability: While all foldables require some care, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold provide better durability features, including water resistance.

Each phone has its strengths, but the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate excels in display size, battery charging speed, and design. However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 may be the better choice for those who want a balance of features, Google services, and durability.

What could be better?

Not every gadget is flawless, and the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has its quirks. The folding screen? While stunning, it might need a little extra TLC to avoid scratches or creases. And while Huawei has nailed a lot, there are still some software adjustments needed, especially for the folded/unfolded transitions. Small stuff but hey, it’s gotta be mentioned.

Final Thoughts?

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate isn’t for everyone, but if you want a phone that makes people stop and stare, this is it. It feels like you’re carrying the future in your pocket, and honestly, something is thrilling about that.

Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Specifications