24 Hours with the World’s First Trifold Phone: A Game-Changer or a Luxury Item?
As I sat down to spend 24 hours with Huawei’s Mate XT, the world’s first trifold smartphone, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. With a price tag of just under $4,000, this phone is a luxury item that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. But is it worth the hefty price tag?
The Unnatural Feeling of Opening
The first thing that struck me was the unusual way of opening the phone. With three segments that fold in different directions, it takes some getting used to figuring out where to push and pull. I spent most of my adjustment period worrying about snapping the phone in half, but once I got the hang of it, the process became surprisingly satisfying.
The Pros and Cons of the Design
The Mate XT’s design is undoubtedly unique, with a 6.4-inch display that can be used as a regular phone, a 7.9-inch square shape that resembles other foldables, or fully opened into a 10.2-inch tablet. However, this design comes with some drawbacks. The phone is thicker and heavier than your average phone, and the permanently exposed display on the right edge means scratches and fingerprint smudges are an inevitability.
Software: A Mixed Bag
One of the biggest concerns with the Mate XT is its lack of official support for Google Mobile Services. This means no Play Store and no Google apps out of the box. However, sideloading apps is easier than ever, and with the help of open source tools like Aurora Store and microG, I was able to get every Android and Google app I tried up and running. But will this setup work forever? Only time will tell.
Multitasking: A Bit Basic
The Mate XT’s multitasking capabilities are a bit basic, with a split-screen mode that only supports two apps at a time. If you want to use a third app, you’ll have to resort to an awkward “Floating Window” that gets in the way of something else.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer or a Luxury Item?
After 24 hours with the Mate XT, I can confirm that it’s an engineering marvel. Whether it’s a phone anyone should drop four grand on is what I’ll spend the next week figuring out. The Mate XT is a luxury item that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices, but its high price tag and limited software support make it a tough sell for most people.
Actionable Insights
- If you’re willing to sideload apps, the Mate XT can provide a regular Android experience.
- The phone’s design is unique, but it comes with some drawbacks, such as a thicker and heavier build.
- Multitasking capabilities are a bit basic, but the phone’s display is perfect for streaming.
Summary
The Mate XT is a game-changing phone that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. With its unique trifold design and ability to provide a regular Android experience, it’s a luxury item that’s worth considering. However, its high price tag and limited software support make it a tough sell for most people. Whether it’s worth the investment is what I’ll spend the next week figuring out.