Huawei has officially unveiled the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, and it’s as groundbreaking as it is expensive. The device’s starting price of 19,999 yuan (about $2,809) for the 256GB model outpaces even premium laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, with larger variants costing up to 23,999 yuan ($3,370) for 1TB of storage.
The Mate XT features a unique dual-hinge design that allows the phone to fold into three configurations. It operates as a standard smartphone when folded, using a 6.4-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. When partially unfolded, it transforms into a 7.9-inch display, and when fully opened, the screen stretches to an Impressive 10.2 inches with a 3K resolution (3184 x 2232 pixels), ideal for multitasking or entertainment.
Despite its size and innovative design, the Mate XT remains relatively slim at 3.6mm thick when fully unfolded, and 12.8mm when collapsed. The device weighs 298 grams, making it slightly heavier than traditional smartphones but lighter than most foldables in its class.
Under the hood, the Mate XT packs a 5,600mAh battery with support for 66W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The triple-camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP periscope lens, delivering high-quality photos across a range of lighting conditions. An 8MP front camera is also available for selfies.
Powered by HarmonyOS 4.2 and equipped with 16GB of RAM, the Mate XT is a performance powerhouse. However, with its high price tag and limited availability outside of China, this luxury device is targeted at niche markets and tech enthusiasts.
Ultimately, Huawei’s Mate XT pushes the boundaries of foldable technology, combining innovation with premium features, but its steep price may keep it out of reach for many.
