Huawei has announced the world’s first commercial device with two folds, claiming leadership in mobile design just after Apple unveiled its latest iPhones.
The so-called trifold phone from Huawei, dubbed the Mate XT and starting at 19,999 yuan ($4220), took over five years of development and promises to fit a 10-inch tablet in a pocket. Introduced in a livestreamed event from Shenzhen, The new device is jostling for attention at the top of the premium market in China, where Huawei has reclaimed share from Apple over the past year.
The launch underscores the progress made in the foldable phones subcategory. Huawei is the first company in the world to bring a triple-foldable phone to stores. The company announced the new Mate XT Ultimate Design on Tuesday, just hours after Apple announced the iPhone 16 lineup, as it seeks to overshadow its American rival, particularly in China.
The Mate XT Ultimate Design looks like a regular phone when folded, but it can expand into what Huawei calls dual- and triple-screen modes. The dual screen resembles a square and triple screen offers the experience of a 10.2-inch tablet. The Chinese tech giant says the display, which folds twice, is made of flexible materials that can bend in either direction. Huawei credits the hinge system for this, saying it "involves two tracks working in tandem to support inward and outward folds." This allows for switching between single-, dual- and triple-screen modes.
The Mate XT's Design
The Mate XT's unique tri-folding design sets it apart from other foldables. When folded, it resembles a traditional smartphone, measuring 12.8mm thick. However, it unfolds in a Z-shape, rather than the traditional V-shape of other foldables. This allows the phone to transform into a larger, more immersive screen experience.
The Mate XT's Features and Specs
The Mate XT features a 10.2-inch OLED display with a 2232 x 3184 resolution and a 16:11 aspect ratio. It also supports LTPO technology for smoother animations and improved battery life. The phone is powered by a Kirin 9010 5G chip or above, enabling satellite connectivity. It has a 50-megapixel camera system, including a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 12-megapixel periscope zoom lens. Despite its slim design, the Mate XT boasts a 5600mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.
Mate XT Price and Availability
The Mate XT is currently only available in China, with a starting price of 19,999 yuan (roughly $2,800; £2,199; AU$4,245) for the base 16GB/256GB variant. The top-of-the-line 16GB/1TB model is priced at 23,999 yuan, or $3,370. Despite the premium price tag, the Mate XT has already garnered over 4 million preorders, with no deposit required.
The Mate XT's Potential Impact
While the Mate XT is unlikely to be a major sales driver for Huawei due to its high price, it signifies the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile design. The trifold concept represents a significant step forward in the foldable phone market and could set a new benchmark for future innovations.
Huawei's success in the foldable market can be attributed to several factors, including its expertise in manufacturing foldable displays, its strong presence in the Chinese market, and its ongoing commitment to research and development. The Mate XT is a testament to Huawei's ambition to reclaim its position as a leading player in the global smartphone market.
The Future of Foldable Phones
The foldable phone market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with projections predicting shipments of 45.7 million units by 2028. The Mate XT is a strong indication that the race for foldable phone innovation is intensifying, with both established companies like Huawei and emerging brands vying for market share. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more exciting and innovative foldable phone designs in the future.
Huawei's Bold Move
Huawei's launch of the Mate XT, the world's first commercial tri-folding smartphone, is a bold move that challenges established players like Apple and Samsung in the premium smartphone market. While it's uncertain how the Mate XT will perform in the long run, its innovative design and advanced features are sure to pique the interest of tech enthusiasts and consumers looking for a more immersive mobile experience. It remains to be seen if the trifold concept will become the next major trend in mobile design, but one thing is clear: the competition in the foldable phone market is heating up, and Huawei is leading the charge.
