Watch: Huawei Launches World’s First Tri-Fold Smartphone, Mate XT

Chinese smartphone giant Huawei has launched the world’s first triple-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, on Tuesday. This innovative device, which folds in three ways similar to an accordion, was unveiled just hours after Apple introduced its iPhone 16 series.

Both phones are set to be available from September 20, as per a report by China Global Television Network (CGTN). Huawei’s website also revealed that the Mate XT had already garnered over 3 million pre-orders by the time of the announcement.

 

Background of Huawei

Founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Huawei Technologies Co. Limited is a global leader in digital communications technology. The Shenzhen-based company designs and manufactures telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, smart devices, and solar products. Initially focused on producing phone switches, Huawei has since expanded to over 170 countries.

It now builds telecom networks, provides consulting services, and produces consumer communications devices. Huawei surpassed Ericsson in 2012 as the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker and later became the largest smartphone manufacturer in 2020, surpassing both Apple and Samsung.

However, the company has faced legal challenges, including accusations of intellectual property theft, which it has settled with firms like Cisco.

 

Huawei’s Mate XT: The Largest and Thinnest Folding Phone

According to Yu Chengdong, an Executive Director at Huawei, the Mate XT boasts a 10.2-inch (25.9 cm) screen and is only 3.6 mm thick when unfolded, making it the largest and thinnest foldable phone currently available. This design was achieved through the use of a high-capacity battery made from the world’s thinnest silicon anode material, resulting in a battery cell thickness of just 1.9 mm.

 

Laptop-Like Screen Ratio

The Mate XT’s screen features a 16:11 aspect ratio, which closely resembles that of a laptop, offering an improved viewing experience when watching standard 16:9 widescreen videos. This design reduces the “letterboxing” effect commonly seen in other foldable phones, which often have more square-shaped screens.

Guo Tianxiang, a research manager at IDC China, praised the Mate XT’s software compatibility as being among the best in the foldable phone market. He also noted that Huawei has made significant strides in battery capacity and size thanks to its use of silicon carbide anode technology.

However, Guo cautioned that the device’s power consumption and heat management need to be monitored.

 

Triple-Screen Flexibility

The Mate XT offers a versatile design, allowing users to switch between single, dual, and triple-screen modes. Yu mentioned that Huawei spent five years developing its advanced hinge mechanism, which enables both inward and outward folding, a departure from traditional folding phone designs.

 

Remaining Technical Challenges

Despite these advancements, some issues with foldable phones persist. Analysts note that the visible crease on the screen remains unresolved, and the 10-inch screen size could significantly impact battery life.

Additionally, with a starting price of 19,999 yuan (approximately $2,800 or ₹2,35,060), the device has raised concerns about its high cost. Currently, the Mate XT is only available in China, and it remains uncertain if it will be released in other markets.

Many social media users are also skeptical about the practical value of such a large foldable screen, given its high price point and concerns about its real-world functionality.