Huawei has introduced its latest innovation, the Mate XT Ultimate, the first-ever tri-fold smartphone. While Huawei remained tight-lipped about the chipset at the official launch, a hands-on experience at the event revealed the device is powered by the Kirin 9010 chipset. This powerful SoC is designed to deliver an exceptional user experience, even as Huawei faces global challenges in chipset development.
What is the Kirin 9010 Chipset?
The Kirin 9010 is an 8-core processor developed by SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), China’s largest chipmaker. The chipset comprises one 2.3 GHz Taishan Big core, three 2.18 GHz Taishan Mid cores, and four 1.55 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. The device also boasts a Maleoon 910 MP4 GPU, which is optimized for high-performance graphics and smooth multitasking.
Despite international restrictions and hurdles, Huawei’s Kirin 9010 stands tall, delivering performance comparable to MediaTek’s Dimensity 8200. This is particularly impressive given the limitations on Chinese companies regarding access to cutting-edge chip technologies.
Performance and Features: A $300 Phone in a $3,000 Body?
At first glance, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate seems like a game-changer in the foldable smartphone market. Its tri-fold design is unlike any other on the market, offering a futuristic look and premium feel. However, the Kirin 9010 chipset’s performance has drawn comparisons to the MediaTek Dimensity 8200, which is commonly found in much more affordable phones.
While this could lead some to question the steep $3,000 price tag of the Mate XT Ultimate, Huawei seems confident that the combination of innovation in design and reliable performance from the Kirin 9010 makes it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts.
Kirin 9010: A Familiar Face in Huawei’s Lineup
The Kirin 9010 is not new to Huawei’s lineup. It was first seen in the Pura 70 Ultra cameraphone, where it was lauded for its balance of power and efficiency. Built on a 7 nm process, known locally as N+2, the chipset shares the same foundation as the Kirin 9000s that powers the Huawei Mate 60 series.
This makes the Kirin 9010 a tried-and-tested option, particularly for those looking for a durable and high-performance device in the foldable smartphone space.
The Tri-Fold Display: A New Era of Smartphone Design
The Mate XT Ultimate introduces a new form factor to the market with its innovative tri-fold display. Unlike traditional foldable phones that offer two display panels, the tri-fold screen can be unfolded into a tablet-sized display, providing more screen real estate for users. This design makes it ideal for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.
However, while the hardware innovation is impressive, the question remains whether the Kirin 9010 chipset can deliver the performance needed to match the device’s cutting-edge design.
Is the Mate XT Ultimate Worth $3,000?
With a price tag hovering around $3,000, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is positioned as a premium product, but its performance, powered by the Kirin 9010, has raised some eyebrows. Comparisons to much more affordable devices, like those running on MediaTek Dimensity 8200, may leave potential buyers wondering if the tri-fold design and Huawei’s brand name are enough to justify the cost.
For those seeking cutting-edge design and innovation, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate might be a dream come true. However, for consumers who prioritize performance over aesthetics, the Kirin 9010’s similarity to chipsets found in $300 phones could be a dealbreaker.
Final Thoughts: Huawei’s Gamble on Innovation
The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate represents a bold step in the evolution of smartphones. With the Kirin 9010 chipset under the hood, it delivers solid performance, but not necessarily the type of groundbreaking power one might expect from a $3,000 device. Still, the tri-fold design and Huawei’s reputation for innovation might be enough to sway early adopters and tech enthusiasts who value design over raw performance.
While it remains to be seen how the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate will perform in the market, it’s clear that Huawei is pushing the boundaries of smartphone design, even in the face of adversity. The Kirin 9010 may not be the most powerful chipset available, but it holds its own in a world where innovation is increasingly hard to come by.
