SHENZHEN, China — Huawei has officially announced the global launch date for its highly anticipated Mate XT Ultimate, the company’s first tri-fold smartphone, marking a bold leap in flexible display technology. The device, which promises to redefine multitasking and portability, will hit international markets on November 15, 2025, following months of teasers and industry speculation.
The Mate XT Ultimate builds on Huawei’s legacy of foldable innovation, featuring a unique tri-fold design that transforms from a compact 6.4-inch smartphone into a 10.2-inch tablet-like display. Unlike traditional foldables, which bend once, the Mate XT’s hinge system allows two folds, enabling three distinct screen configurations. Huawei claims the proprietary "Falcon Wing" hinge mechanism has undergone over 500,000 durability tests, addressing concerns about creasing and wear common in earlier foldables.
“The Mate XT Ultimate isn’t just a phone—it’s a new category of device,” said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, during a virtual press briefing. “We’re delivering a seamless fusion of portability and productivity, with a design that challenges the limits of what smartphones can do.”
Industry analysts note Huawei’s move intensifies competition in the nascent tri-fold market, which saw Samsung’s Galaxy Z Triad debut earlier this year. While Samsung’s offering prioritized a sleeker profile, Huawei appears to focus on versatility, with features like a built-in stylus, 5G-Advanced connectivity, and HarmonyOS 4.0 optimized for split-screen workflows.
Specs leaked ahead of the launch suggest the Mate XT will pack a Kirin 9100 chipset, a 6,800mAh silicon-carbon battery, and a triple-camera co-engineered with Leica, including a periscope zoom lens. The device is also rumored to support Huawei’s latest satellite messaging technology, a nod to adventurers and travelers.
Market Impact and Pricing Challenges
With foldables accounting for just 3% of global smartphone shipments in 2024, Huawei faces an uphill battle to justify the Mate XT’s expected €2,499 ($2,700) price tag. However, the company is betting on its loyal customer base in Asia and Europe, where its foldables have outsold rivals. Pre-orders will open on October 1, with early adopters receiving a premium leather case and extended warranty.
“Huawei is pushing boundaries, but affordability remains a barrier,” said tech analyst Grace Li of Canalys. “The tri-fold race isn’t just about hardware—it’s about proving these devices can replace tablets and phones for mainstream users.”
The global launch event, scheduled in Paris, will include hands-on demos and partnerships with productivity app developers. Whether Huawei’s gamble pays off may hinge on how well the Mate XT balances its futuristic design with real-world usability—and whether skeptics can be convinced that three screens are better than one.
Are tri-folds the future, or a niche experiment? The answer may shape the next decade of smartphones.
Since the launch of Mate X in 2019, Huawei has redefined foldable technology, relentlessly pushing boundaries. The #HUAWEIMateXT #ULTIMATEDESIGN breaks traditional smartphone design, unfolding the future with this tri-fold innovation. pic.twitter.com/EeJyAdd6MR
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) February 5, 2025
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