Huawei has made a bold move in the tech world by launching its highly anticipated Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, just hours after Apple’s iPhone 16 series launch in Cupertino. The Mate XT’s innovative design is unprecedented in the smartphone market, offering a device that can fold twice, transforming from a tablet into a phone-sized device. This breakthrough sets Huawei apart in the competition, especially as the Mate XT is the first commercially available tri-fold smartphone.
Available in sleek Red and Black colour options, the Mate XT is set to hit the market on September 20, coinciding with the iPhone 16 series’ release in China and several other countries. Huawei’s daring timing places it directly in competition with Apple’s newest offerings, drawing attention to the contrasting approaches of these tech giants. While Apple has chosen to enhance its established iPhone design, Huawei has ventured into new territory with its tri-fold innovation, demonstrating its commitment to leading the foldable phone market.
The Mate XT boasts a 10.3-inch foldable OLED display, offering a large screen for users who prefer more viewing space. When folded twice, it fits neatly into a phone-like form factor, making it highly versatile. This design is more than just a gimmick; it provides users with a dynamic experience that adjusts depending on their needs, whether for productivity or entertainment. Huawei has been teasing the tri-fold smartphone design for a while, and by being the first to market, the Mate XT has become a trailblazer in foldable technology.
Priced at 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,800 or Rs 2,35,000), the Mate XT is positioned as a premium device, reflective of its cutting-edge features. The phone also comes in two higher configurations: 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage priced at 21,999 yuan, and a 1TB version priced at 23,999 yuan. While the launch is currently limited to China, with sales starting on September 20, Huawei has not yet confirmed plans for an international release. However, given the global interest in foldable smartphones, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mate XT makes its way to other markets in the future.
The Mate XT is packed with features that support its unique design. In addition to its impressive 10.3-inch display, it is powered by a 5,600mAh battery, which supports 66-watt fast charging, ensuring users won’t have to worry about running out of power too quickly. The battery life is crucial for a device like this, especially considering the power required for its larger screen and advanced features.
The camera setup on the Mate XT is another standout aspect of the phone. It features a triple-camera system that includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel periscope lens capable of 5.5x optical zoom. This camera array provides flexibility for users who enjoy mobile photography, offering options for everything from wide-angle shots to detailed zoomed-in photos.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mate XT’s design is its triple-foldable display. Using two hinges, the screen folds into a Z-shape, creating three distinct display areas. This allows users to partially unfold the screen for multitasking or specific uses, making it highly adaptable to different scenarios. Whether it’s watching a video while responding to messages or working on a document while browsing the web, the Mate XT provides a new level of functionality.
Although Huawei’s announcement comes shortly after Apple’s, the Mate XT represents a different direction in the smartphone industry. While foldable smartphones have been growing in popularity, Huawei’s triple-foldable design pushes the envelope further. The ability to transform the phone’s form factor multiple times sets it apart from other foldable phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, which only folds once. This additional folding mechanism allows for more flexibility in how the device is used.
However, the success of the Mate XT will depend not only on its innovative features but also on how the market responds to its high price point and availability. With a price tag that exceeds many high-end smartphones, it will appeal primarily to tech enthusiasts and early adopters who are willing to invest in the latest technology. Still, Huawei’s timing and the unique appeal of the Mate XT could help it capture attention in a highly competitive market.
In a year where Apple has focused on refining its established product lines, Huawei’s Mate XT launch signals its determination to challenge the status quo and offer something new and exciting. As the first tri-fold smartphone to be made available commercially, the Mate XT might pave the way for further developments in the foldable phone market, pushing other manufacturers to innovate in their designs as well.
While the Mate XT is only launching in China initially, it’s likely that Huawei’s global audience will be eager to get their hands on the device. For now, all eyes are on September 20, when Huawei will officially release the Mate XT to the Chinese market. As consumers compare it with Apple’s iPhone 16 series, the question remains whether Huawei’s daring innovation will give it an edge in the ongoing competition between the two tech giants.
With this release, Huawei is positioning itself at the forefront of smartphone innovation, challenging the market to think differently about what a smartphone can do. Whether the Mate XT will catch on globally remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Huawei is making a bold statement in the tech world with its tri-fold smartphone.