Huawei's Mate XT, the world's first trifold smartphone, has finally been released, and we got our hands on it. After 24 hours of using the device, we're excited to share our first impressions of this innovative phone. With a price tag of around $4,000, the Mate XT is not for the faint of heart, but its unique design and features make it an engineering marvel.

The Mate XT boasts a 6.4-inch display that can be unfolded into a 7.9-inch square shape, and further into a 10.2-inch tablet-like form. The three segments attach magnetically when closed, and while it may take some getting used to, the process of opening and closing the phone is surprisingly satisfying. However, the phone's thickness and weight may be a concern for some users, and the exposed display on the right edge may be prone to scratches and fingerprint smudges.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Mate XT is its software. As it doesn't have official support for Google Mobile Services, users won't have access to the Google Play Store or Google apps out of the box. However, with the help of open-source tools like Aurora Store and microG, it's possible to sideload Android and Google apps, essentially providing a regular Android experience. While this workaround is available, it's unclear how long it will remain viable, and whether Huawei will continue to support Android apps in future software updates.

In terms of performance, the Mate XT is a mixed bag. While it's perfect for streaming, some apps struggle to make use of the full display. Multitasking is also limited, with only two apps supported in split-screen mode, and a third app available as a "Floating Window" that can get in the way of other apps. Despite these limitations, the Mate XT feels like an engineering marvel, and its unique design and features make it an exciting device to use.

As we continue to use the Mate XT over the next week, we'll be exploring its capabilities and limitations in more depth. One of the biggest questions is whether the phone is worth its hefty price tag. While it's certainly an impressive device, its limitations and uncertainties surrounding its software future may make it a hard sell for some users. Stay tuned for our full review to find out if the Mate XT is a game-changer or a novelty that's not quite ready for prime time.

In the meantime, the Mate XT represents an exciting step forward in smartphone innovation. As foldable phones continue to evolve, devices like the Mate XT will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobile technology. Whether or not the Mate XT is a success, it's clear that Huawei is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with smartphone design, and that's something to be excited about.