by Thinus Ferreira
At an eye-watering recommended retail price of R70 00, Huawei has launched its concertina-like Huawei Mate XT in South Africa that takes the "flip-phone" design rebirth another step further by folding in three.
The Huawei Mate XT priced at R69 999, or from cellular operators for roughly R3000 over 36 months and the Huawei Mate X6 priced at R45 000, or from cellular operators at roughly R1600 over 36 months, can now be bought in South Africa.
The big question however is: Do you really need a phone that flips open like a Chinese paper fan?
According to the maker, the dual-SIM Mate XT that comes in red or black, is "an inventive device that is set to redefine the way South Africans work, play and stay connected".
Huawei says the Mate XT has an "advanced precision hinge system". The device "achieves seamless synergy between the hinge and screen through meticulous mechanical calibration and extensive testing with micron-level digital twin models".
The phone that has a has a 5600mAh battery comes with "multidirectional folding" - which means the three parts can fold both inwards and outwards.
But why on earth three screens in what seems to be a new flip-phone arms race?
"The Huawei Mate XT offers three views in one experience," says Huawei.
"In single screen mode, it excels at efficient information processing. In dual-screen mode, it's ideal for effortlessly browsing news and emails."
"The triple-screen mode is perfect for both entertainment and productivity, delivering an immersive user experience."
