Since bringing home the Huawei Mate XT from MWC 2025, I’ve been on a fascinating adventure with this tri-fold device. This isn’t another ordinary smartphone—it’s a glimpse into what mobile technology becomes when designers think beyond conventional boundaries.

Designer: Huawei

The Physical Experience

The Mate XT draws the eye with its intricate design details when you pick it up. At 298 grams, it has a substantial presence in hand—a reminder that you’re holding something different. For context, that’s about 77% heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro (168g) and significantly weightier than the Google Pixel 9 Pro (187g). The folded thickness of 12.8mm also distinguishes it from the ultra-thin devices we’ve grown accustomed to, with most premium smartphones measuring between 7-9mm.

What’s impressive is how quickly this initial impression gives way to appreciation. The red vegan leather back provides an excellent grip that makes handling the device feel secure despite its weight. The textured surface creates just the right amount of friction against my palm, preventing any sense of precariousness during use.

The hinges deserve special mention. They move with a deliberate, smooth resistance that inspires confidence. Each transformation between configurations feels engineered rather than merely assembled. The hinges hold their position at any angle, allowing for customized viewing positions that adapt to different situations and environments.

Within days, what initially registered as “heavy” has transformed into what I now perceive as “substantial”—a subtle but important shift in perspective that reflects how quickly we adapt to new physical experiences.

Three Screens, Three Possibilities

The magic of the Mate XT lies in how it transforms between three distinct experiences.

In its folded state, the phone has a tall, narrow 6.4-inch screen that works wonderfully for quick interactions. This display size matches many popular smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S23, creating a familiar experience for texting, calling, and checking notifications. This configuration remains perfect for on-the-go use when walking or standing.

The middle configuration—partially unfolded to 7.9 inches—has become my go-to for many daily activities. This size sits between standard smartphones and small tablets like the iPad Mini (8.3 inches), striking a perfect balance for reading articles, browsing social media, and responding to emails. The text becomes more comfortable to read without the device becoming unwieldy. This “book mode” feels natural when relaxing on the couch or during my commute.

Fully unfolded to 10.2 inches, the Mate XT transforms into something magical. This size rivals the standard iPad (10.9 inches) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (11 inches), but with a key difference—the 16:9 aspect ratio creates a genuinely immersive tablet experience. Unlike the more square-ish aspect ratios of most tablets, this configuration is perfectly suited for media consumption. Netflix shows fill the screen beautifully without the letterboxing common on iPads. Web pages display their desktop layouts rather than their cramped mobile versions. Spreadsheets become actually usable rather than exercises in patience.

Yes, there are creases where the screen folds—visible particularly under direct light. But their visual presence fades remarkably quickly from conscious awareness. My focus naturally shifts to the content rather than the medium, with the creases becoming just another characteristic of the display rather than a distraction.

The Best Device Is the One You Have With You

There’s a well-worn adage in photography: “The best camera is the one you have with you.” This simple truth acknowledges that technical superiority means nothing if a device is left at home when an opportunity arises. I’ve come to believe this principle extends perfectly to computing devices—the best tablet is the one you actually have when you need it.

During a recent trip back from Barcelona, I noticed a passenger across from me struggling to watch a movie on his phone. As we talked, he shared his amazement at the Mate XT’s transformative nature. He explained that he had left his tablet at home, realizing he didn’t need to carry it for a long-haul trip. Meanwhile, I unfolded my Mate XT to its full 10.2-inch glory and enjoyed an immersive viewing experience on a device that had been in my pocket moments before.

The value of the Mate XT isn’t that it’s the best smartphone or tablet in isolation—dedicated devices still hold advantages in their specialized categories. Its true value lies in being good enough at both roles while always being available. The tablet you left at home because it was too cumbersome to carry offers zero utility, while the folding device in your pocket transforms to meet the need at hand.

This “always available” factor changes how I approach productivity and entertainment. I no longer plan device usage around anticipated needs (“Should I bring my tablet today?”) but instead respond to opportunities as they arise. A surprise 30-minute wait becomes a chance to review a document comfortably. A delayed flight becomes an opportunity to watch an episode of a show with proper screen real estate. This is 100% clear to me, especially when spending the day with my daughter at her tennis match, where having a flexible device makes all the difference.

The Mate XT eliminates the opportunity cost of choosing which devices to carry. It’s one of the best everyday carry devices, extending beyond the physical universe by adapting seamlessly to different needs. Like a multi-tool, it may not be as specialized as individual implements, but its remarkable versatility ensures it’s always present when needed.

The Beginning of an Ongoing Experience

Using the Huawei Mate XT has changed how I think about mobile devices. Instead of switching between a phone and a tablet, I’ve found myself relying on one device that adapts to whatever I need in the moment. The tri-fold design makes everything seamless, whether I’m responding to messages, getting work done, or unwinding with a show.

Once noticeable, its weight becomes part of the experience, reinforcing the sense that this is something different—something substantial. The creases fade into the background as the content takes center stage. The true value isn’t found in any one configuration but in the seamless transition between them. It’s about having the right tool in your pocket without compromise.

The Mate XT doesn’t demand that you choose between a phone and a tablet—it simply adapts, ready for whatever the day brings.