Huawei’s Tri-Fold Mate XTs Opens Pre-Orders in China

Pre‑orders for Huawei’s second‑generation Mate XTs smartphone have begun in China, ahead of its unveiling scheduled for 4 September. The device does not have an official US release at this time.

The Mate XTs, slated for presentation on 4 September at 14:30 China time, retains the tri‑fold, or “S‑style”, design of its predecessor while introducing refinements such as two new finishes—white and crimson purple—and a more durable Tiangong hinge system that notably softens the visibility of the central crease. At its core lies Huawei’s new Kirin 9020 chipset paired with the Maleoon 920 GPU, delivering both power and energy efficiency, while HarmonyOS 5.1 brings enhanced AI and connectivity capabilities.

Photographic prowess is elevated with a 50‑megapixel main sensor featuring variable aperture and Red Maple colour technology, accompanied by a periscope telephoto module. Stylus compatibility is now supported, broadening productivity applications. Pricing begins at around 15,000 yuan—roughly €1,900—which undercuts the original Mate XT’s launch price and positions the XTs competitively against rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Analysis suggests that Huawei continues to trailblaze in tri‑fold innovation with the Mate XTs. The original Mate XT Ultimate Design, first released in September 2024, claimed the title of the world’s first commercially available tri‑fold phone, featuring a 10.2‑inch display when fully unfolded, ultra‑slim leather finishes, and an advanced precision hinge system. Yet its global appeal was limited by high prices, lack of Google services, and concerns over durability.

Huawei’s manoeuvre with the XTs appears strategic: offering enhanced features and a more accessible price tag, it seeks to accelerate the mainstream adoption of tri‑fold devices. Chinese OEMs, including Oppo and Honor, and emerging competitors like Samsung, are jostling to compete in this category, with Samsung reportedly planning to debut its own tri‑fold model as early as October 2025. Huawei’s continued focus on design innovation and ecosystem integration could help retain its edge, provided distribution limitations are addressed.