Huawei Mate XTs Review: A Stronger Triple-Fold at ¥2000 Less – The Start of Practical Foldables?

A year has passed, and once again, the world’s second mass-produced triple-fold smartphone is from Huawei. The original Mate XT “Extraordinary Master” brought enormous attention to Huawei’s foldable lineup, proudly carrying the title of the world’s first triple-fold and becoming a phenomenon nicknamed the “Moutai of electronics” and the “cyber memorial scroll.” Despite being a first-generation product, it delivered a surprisingly mature experience, though it lacked the killer applications to truly differentiate the triple-fold format from traditional dual-fold devices. In 2025, Huawei introduced the Mate XTs “Extraordinary Master,” lowering the entry price by ¥2,000, adding HarmonyOS 5.1, and offering two new colors. This shift reflects Huawei’s intent to reposition the product, making the triple-fold more accessible while retaining its high-end appeal. Unlike its predecessor, which was often locked away in display cabinets, the Mate XTs is widely available in Huawei stores, signaling a shift from luxury showcase to practical premium device. After extended testing, it’s clear that the Mate XTs is more refined, more versatile, and better suited for daily use. The refinements are subtle yet impactful: a smoother and more consistent hinge system, a flatter screen with reduced creasing thanks to embedded hinge design and industry-leading UTG glass, and support for the M-Pen 3 stylus, which makes writing, sketching, and even presentation control more enjoyable, although the lack of built-in storage for the pen remains an inconvenience. Smaller touches, such as reinforced charging ports, add to the sense of durability and polish. While the screen refresh rate remains at 90Hz to balance efficiency, the device overall feels more premium and thoughtfully designed. Charging efficiency has dramatically improved, with a full charge now achieved in just 49 minutes compared to 78 minutes on the Mate XT, thanks to better power management and thermal control. The new Kirin 9020 chipset also brings stronger performance, enabling smooth gameplay even in demanding titles like Genshin Impact at high settings, while maintaining good thermal performance and taking full advantage of the expansive unfolded display. On the imaging side, Huawei has equipped the Mate XTs with upgraded RYYB sensors on the main and ultra-wide cameras, supported by the Maple Red Original Color lens. This combination improves low-light performance significantly while maintaining natural color reproduction and avoiding harsh over-sharpening. Whether capturing complex night scenes, food under artificial lighting, or fast-moving pets, the Mate XTs delivers sharp, true-to-life results, while customizable color palettes borrowed from the Pura 80 series give users more creative freedom. The biggest leap, however, comes from HarmonyOS 5.1, which redefines the Mate XTs as a true pocket-sized PC. Features such as Free Multi-Window enable desktop-like multitasking, with PC-grade apps running in resizable windows for productivity that rivals a tablet or laptop. Triple-window multitasking allows scenarios like comparing products across e-commerce platforms, planning trips with maps and bookings simultaneously, or working across chat, notes, and browsers without switching back and forth. This is where the Mate XTs finally delivers its “killer app”: blending the portability of a smartphone with the productivity of a PC. The transformation from novelty to utility is undeniable. Where the Mate XT was once a status symbol with sky-high premiums and limited availability, the Mate XTs is now widely accessible, priced more reasonably, and positioned as a functional high-end device. Huawei has turned the triple-fold into something more than a luxury showcase—it is now a practical powerhouse that bridges smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Until competitors catch up, the Mate XTs stands as the benchmark for what a triple-fold can be: refined, efficient, and genuinely useful in everyday life.