The trifold Huawei Mate XT sure can make an unforgettable first impression. Unfolding it to its full 10.2-inch size almost feels like a miracle of technology.
So I just had to compare it to Samsung's new Galaxy Fold 8 that I have been using in the past three weeks.
The Fold 8 opens to a big, nearly 8-inch mini tablet size itself, but if you ever had any doubts that the Mate XT will be substantially bigger, just look at the photo above. The difference is surprisingly massive.
But do you really need such a giant screen in your life? I used both side by side, and I think I have the answer.
Screen size questions
Image by PhoneArena
I also wonder how often I really need that additional display space. The 7.6-inch screen on the Fold 8 is already big enough and most importantly, humanly sized, in the cozy, familiar size of a very thin book. I don't find myself asking for a bigger screen while reading, browsing or gaming.
The Mate XT sure gives you more area for large documents and some extreme set-ups with three-app multitasking, but let's be honest — neither of these is even close to truly replacing my laptop.
Once you get into the productivity space of typing a longer article, complex image editing, bigger spreadsheets or desktop software, I quickly hit a wall with foldable phones. I just need a keyboard and a mouse for all of that, or risk losing stupid amounts of time trying to swipe my way through an Excel sheet.
Recommended For You
So this puts the Fold 8 in what I think is the sweet spot: considerably bigger than a normal phone, but not pretending to be a laptop.
One thing you notice when you start actually carrying both these phones in your pockets is the weight difference. The Fold 8 almost disappears in a pocket — it's short and weighs only 201g. The Mate XT is a stark contrast, weighing a bit more than 300 grams with its screen protector. That makes the Huawei trifold nearly 100 grams heavier, and that's without putting a case on it.
When closed, the Fold 8 is also super thin, measuring just 9.7 mm. Compare this to 12.8 mm for the Mate XT. That is a huge differences.
All these are differences you actually notice every time the phone goes into your pocket and you feel the weight every time you use it.
Durability concerns
Image by PhoneArena
I am also just not convinced that a first-gen trifold technology has the durability required for multi-year use.
The tricky part of every foldable phone is the hinge and the crease, and it took Samsung seven years to master this. Trifolds like the Mate XT just don't feel as sturdy and durable.
After all, such phone need to bend not once, but twice, and in the case of the Mate XT, you have the screen and one hinge completely exposed! Admittedly, the Samsung Trifold has a more sensible approach as its screen folds inward and is not as exposed to the elements, but the hinge concerns remain.
Also, is it even possible to have the latest advancements with Flex Titanium on a tri-fold design? It could be, but it will take time to implement.
In their current state, the Fold 8 features IP48 water and large particle resistance rating, while water and dust resistance are NOT supported on the Mate XT.
It costs how much?
Image by PhoneArena
There is a kind of hope in the air that foldable phones will eventually get cheaper.
But what is this hope based on? The Fold 8 costs $1,900 and the price hasn't budged in the seven years since the launch of the original Samsung Fold, which was priced at... $1,980.
And the Huawei Mate XT costs an even more absurd €3,499. That is used car price territory.
Remember that phones are also not devices that you baby. They go with you everywhere, and occasionally they break. Can you even fix a trifold? And what would be the cost of that? The answer depends a lot on the trifold design, but the answers typically range from "unfixable to hard to repair" and prices for repairs go from "expensive to maybe just buy a new phone for that money".
Final words
Image by PhoneArena
As I said at the start, trifolds are an absolute show-stopper. Show one to your non-techie friends and the reacion will be an instant "wow".
But having the ability to shock someone with an idea does not automatically mean that idea is practical. Nor does it guarantee it will ever catch on.
The Fold 8 is lighter, less expensive and much simpler. It's designed for human hands and comfort. Trifolds have proven that you can have a 10-inch tablet in your pocket, but with the Fold 8, I'm wondering if I really need that.
Gear up for back to school with OtterBox!
Get ready for back to school with OtterBox phone and tablet cases, AirPods accessories, and more. From everyday bumps and drops to the occasional accident, OtterBox helps keep your tech protected with options ranging from rugged to sleek and stylish.
Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: