After spending 24 hours with the revolutionary Huawei Mate XT, also known as the world’s first trifold smartphone, I can confidently say that the excitement hasn’t faded.

Having experienced the Mate XT twice before — once shortly after its launch last September and then in February after its release in global markets — I’m finally ready to dive deep into this extraordinary piece of technology. Brace yourself, because trying to own this innovation will require a cool $4,000!

During my week-long trial with my SIM card in the Mate XT, I’m eager to explore life with triple the display space, even without the usual support from Google Mobile Services. After just one day, I’m excited to share my impressions and some stunning photos.

Three Ways to Use the Mate XT!

This smartphone is unique in its functionality, offering three modes: a standard 6.4-inch phone, a square 7.9-inch form, or fully expanded into a gigantic 10.2-inch tablet. Adjusting to this device initially felt a bit awkward — with each segment folding in a distinct direction, I found myself nervous about damaging it. However, once I figured out the mechanics, I discovered the joy of using it!

It does take two hands to open the phone; the three segments magnetically attach when closed, and they feel surprisingly sturdy. However, I wouldn’t trust it to withstand a seat if someone were to plop down on it! One downside is that part of the display remains exposed on the device’s right edge, making it prone to scratches and fingerprints.

Comfort Meets Dimensions!

While the Mate XT is undoubtedly thicker and heavier than your typical smartphone, it’s more comfortable to handle than expected. Interestingly, it’s still slimmer and lighter than most 10-inch tablets; it’s all about perspective! You might not notice at first glance, but the body gradually tapers, showcasing Huawei’s engineering skills. One side, housing the USB-C port, is slightly thicker.

Software Support: A Bit of a Trade-Off!

Now, let’s tackle the software issue: the Mate XT doesn’t support Google Mobile Services. This means no Play Store or Google apps out of the box. However, sideloading these apps has become more manageable, albeit requiring some time and patience. With open-source tools like Aurora Store and microG, I successfully installed most apps, but I unfortunately couldn’t get Google Wallet to work, meaning I’ll miss out on NFC payments.

I'm uncertain how long this workaround will be feasible. The Mate XT currently operates on HarmonyOS 4.2, which retains some Android characteristics. Yet, Huawei is gradually moving to HarmonyOS Next, which might not support Android apps at all, raising questions about future compatibility.

Multitasking and Display Performance!

As with any Android tablet, the experience varies significantly by app. While streaming is seamless, social media apps like Instagram are left puzzled by the spacious display. Multitasking also leaves room for improvement; the split-screen feature only accommodates two apps at once, and if you want to add a third, it’ll have to be in a Floating Window, which can clutter your screen.

After one day, I can say the Mate XT is nothing short of an engineering marvel. The real question remains: is it worth a whopping four grand? That’s what I aim to determine over the coming week!