Huawei’s second-generation tri-fold phone, the Mate XTs Ultimate Design, shown in a teaser with its sleek white-and-gold finish and octagonal quad-camera module. [26] [27]
Huawei has pulled back the curtain on the Mate XTs, its latest tri-folding flagship smartphone. Announced via an official Weibo teaser on August 27, 2025, the Mate XTs is Huawei’s second-generation tri-fold device, arriving roughly one year after the original Mate XT shook up the foldable market [28]. The Mate XTs isn’t a radical redesign of its predecessor – Huawei has deliberately kept the successful formula: an inward-and-outward dual-hinge that unfolds the phone into a tablet-sized display [29]. The familiar ridged metal frame and octagon-shaped camera island return, reinforcing the Mate series’ distinctive look [30]. However, Huawei has refined the details and added notable upgrades to ensure the Mate XTs stands out in 2025’s competitive landscape.
In Huawei’s teaser video, CEO Richard Yu demonstrated the Mate XTs’s versatility – first using a stylus on the large inner screen, then folding the device down to a candybar phone and slipping it into his pocket [31] [32]. This dramatic preview not only confirmed stylus support and the new white-and-gold color, but also subtly highlighted Huawei’s engineering achievement: a pocketable smartphone that can expand into a 10-inch tablet. Early looks show that when fully unfolded, the Mate XTs adopts a “Z-shape” three-panel layout (two hinges forming a Z), just like the first-gen model [33]. One section of the flexible OLED display remains outward-facing even when closed, acting as the cover screen – a “map-style” folding structure that Huawei pioneered [34]. The pay-off is a massive tablet experience on demand. As one Tech Advisor reviewer noted about the original Mate XT: “The fold-out three-part internal screen really is a game changer, offering you a full portable tablet experience – not the weird square one that all other large foldables… have supplied.” [35] In other words, Huawei’s tri-fold provides a genuinely different use-case – a phone that unfolds into a full-size tablet rather than the more limited squarish displays of rival foldables.
Visually, the Mate XTs exudes luxury and innovation. Huawei has introduced at least two new color schemes: a glossy white exterior with gold metal framing (as seen in the CEO’s hands-on teaser [36]) and a striking “hibiscus purple” variant teased in promotional images [37] [38]. These join the classic black and the signature red-and-gold finish of the first-gen Mate XT [39]. Last year’s model famously highlighted a red leather back with gold accents to signify its “Ultimate Design” edition [40], whereas this year the spotlight color is purple – a shade Huawei is using to underscore the Mate XTs’s “truly extraordinary” positioning [41]. In the Chinese launch promo, Huawei even referred to the Mate XTs as the “Extraordinary Master” edition, emphasizing its exclusivity and craftmanship.
The Mate XTs retains the robust build of its predecessor. It features two hinges that allow the device to fold twice – once inward and once outward – resulting in a tri-section design. When fully opened flat, the Mate XTs offers roughly a 10-inch flexible OLED display (the original Mate XT unfolded to 10.2″ [42], and the new model is expected to be similar). This gives it a screen the size of a small tablet, ideal for multitasking, productivity, and immersive media. Yet when folded thrice, it collapses down to a conventional smartphone form factor. Huawei’s engineering ensures the folded device is relatively slim and balanced: the first-gen Mate XT measured just 3.6 mm thin at its thinnest point when open [43], and around a centimeter thick when folded. We can expect the Mate XTs to have a similar profile, possibly with minor improvements to hinge compactness or screen curvature.
One hallmark design element is the octagonal camera module on the back. Huawei has kept this distinctive eight-sided camera island which houses a quad-camera system [44]. The octagon shape not only gives the Mate XTs a unique visual identity, but also cleverly accommodates multiple lenses and an LED flash in a symmetric layout. The teaser images confirm four camera sensors on the Mate XTs’s rear [45], consistent with the Mate XT Ultimate Design’s quad-camera. Huawei’s flagship phones are known for high-end camera design (branded under “XMAGE”), and the Mate XTs is no exception – more on its upgraded cameras below.
In terms of materials, Huawei’s use of premium finishes continues. The frame is metal (likely aluminum alloy or even steel/titanium in parts for strength), and certain variants feature leather or textured backs (the red model last year used a leather finish). The white and purple models may use glass or ceramic for a glossy look, while black might come in a classic glass or leather option. The hinges themselves are critical: Richard Yu noted that Huawei invested years into hinge R&D to make dual hinges durable and production-ready, solving challenges in yield and reliability [46]. The Mate XTs likely uses an improved version of Huawei’s hinge mechanism with reinforced materials to withstand thousands of folds without creasing or failure.
When unfolded, the Mate XTs’s immersive display is expected to offer high-end specs: an OLED panel with high resolution (the original approached ~2K resolution), vibrant colors, and possibly a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. Huawei might also implement ultra-thin glass or special coating on the folding screen for better durability. In folded mode, users likely have a usable cover display on the outer section – similar to how the original allowed part of the screen to act as a phone display when folded. This means you can use the Mate XTs one-handed for calls, messaging, and apps on the go, then unfold it when you need a tablet. The continuity of experience is a selling point: the device can seamlessly transition from phone mode to tablet mode. Huawei’s HarmonyOS software is expected to optimize this, e.g. by expanding apps to full tablet layout when opened.
Under the hood, the Mate XTs is packed with flagship-grade hardware. Huawei’s in-house chip division, HiSilicon, has reportedly readied a new Kirin 9020 SoC for this device [47]. This would be a step up from the previous Kirin 9000-series and is expected to be a cutting-edge 5nm or 7nm chip (manufactured domestically due to U.S. sanctions). Notably, the Kirin 9020 is rumored to support satellite communication features [48], something Huawei introduced in its recent high-end phones for emergency texting in areas without cellular signal. It’s unclear if 5G is on board – Huawei’s last few flagships were limited to 4G because of sanctions, but there is speculation that the new Kirin could restore 5G capability. Either way, we can anticipate top-tier performance: the chip likely rivals Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 series in CPU/GPU power.
Memory and storage configurations for the Mate XTs have been revealed via Huawei’s Vmall reservations. Buyers will have choices up to a massive 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, with multiple tiers (such as 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB) [49]. These generous specs ensure the Mate XTs can handle heavy multitasking – important for a device that encourages running multiple apps on a large screen. Such memory also future-proofs the phone for advanced use cases (like desktop-style modes or large productivity apps). The storage is likely UFS 4.0 for fast read/write, and Huawei could also include NM card support (their proprietary nano-memory cards) for expansion, though that’s not confirmed.
On the software side, the Mate XTs will ship with HarmonyOS 5.1 [50], Huawei’s own operating system. HarmonyOS provides a cohesive UI optimized for foldable transformations and cross-device connectivity within Huawei’s ecosystem. It supports multi-pane layouts, drag-and-drop multitasking, and “Super Device” features to link the phone with Huawei tablets, PCs, and IoT products. Internationally, the absence of Google Play Services remains a caveat – as Western reviewers often note, Huawei’s lack of Google support means many popular apps aren’t readily available on its phones [51]. The Mate XTs will rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and alternative app sources, which is fine for China (where Google is not used) but limiting elsewhere. Still, for Chinese users, HarmonyOS and its app ecosystem have matured significantly, and Huawei bundles a rich suite of apps and AI features (smart assistant, device collaboration, etc.). Huawei highlighted that HarmonyOS 5 brings new AI capabilities and fluid user experience tailored to the Mate XTs’s large screen [52].
Camera prowess is another major aspect. Huawei’s teaser confirms a quad-camera setup on the Mate XTs [53]. Leaked specs and tipsters like Digital Chat Station indicate the phone will sport an upgraded 50 MP main camera with a variable aperture lens [54]. This variable aperture (as seen in Huawei’s P-series) allows the camera to adjust its aperture for optimal light – wide aperture for night shots and narrower for sharper daylight shots. The main sensor is likely large (1-inch class or similar) to capture detailed images. Alongside, Huawei is improving the zoom capabilities: a periscope telephoto camera with better performance than last year’s model is expected [55]. The Mate XTs could feature around 5x optical zoom (or more), enabling high-quality long-range shots. The other two cameras are presumably an ultrawide lens (for expansive shots when you have that big unfolded view) and possibly a depth or macro sensor (or a second telephoto for intermediate zoom). Huawei’s camera system will carry the XMAGE branding, reflecting the company’s in-house imaging algorithms after parting ways with Leica. We can anticipate advanced features like AI scene recognition, great low-light photography (leveraging that variable aperture and large sensor), and 4K or even 8K video recording. The Mate XT’s cameras were praised as “excellent” for a foldable [56], and the Mate XTs should push this further, potentially competing with slab flagship phones in photography.
One interesting addition is stylus support. While last year’s Mate XT did not officially support a pen, the Mate XTs does – Huawei has shown the device being used with a stylus in teasers [57]. This suggests the new foldable’s screen digitizer can register pen input, turning the tablet mode into a canvas for writing or drawing. Huawei’s stylus (perhaps the M-Pencil from its tablet line) could be sold as an accessory. It’s important to note the stylus isn’t stowed inside the phone’s body (unlike the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s silo); users will need a case or magnet attachment to carry it. Still, the mere presence of stylus support is a strategic move – especially since Samsung controversially dropped S Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 [58]. Huawei is clearly targeting productivity users who want to jot notes or sketch on the go. Combined with the large screen, this could appeal to professionals and creatives, giving Huawei an edge in the foldable feature set.
Powering all this, the Mate XTs is rumored to include a 5,600 mAh battery [59], a capacity that is impressively large yet plausible given the device’s size (multiple battery cells can be spread across its three sections). If true, this is a bump up from last year (the Mate XT Ultimate had around 5,000 mAh). Such capacity is likely necessary to drive the expansive display and powerful internals. Huawei has also been using innovative silicon-carbon battery technology in some models to increase energy density – Honor (formerly under Huawei) achieved 6,100 mAh in the Chinese version of the Magic V5 using a similar tech [60]. The Mate XTs might incorporate comparable battery advancements. End result: users can expect all-day battery life, even with heavy use on the big screen. Fast charging is sure to be supported – Huawei could offer around 66W or higher wired charging (common in its flagships) and possibly wireless charging too. The previous Mate X series might have skipped wireless charging due to design constraints, but if there’s any non-metal back area, we might see Qi wireless support at maybe 50W. These details will be confirmed at launch.
Other specifications should include the typical flagship fare: Biometric security via a side fingerprint scanner (likely integrated in the power button, since in-display fingerprint on a foldable plastic screen isn’t feasible) or even 3D face unlock if Huawei installed sensors in a bezel. Speakers are likely stereo (perhaps one on each end of the device), tuned for good audio in tablet mode. Connectivity will include Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.3, dual SIM support, NFC, and possibly the mentioned satellite messaging support for off-grid communication. One omission due to U.S. sanctions is 5G – unless Huawei’s Kirin 9020 pulled a surprise, the Mate XTs may be limited to 4G LTE networks (which in China is mitigated by extensive 4G infrastructure and nascent local 5G alternatives).
In summary, the Mate XTs is shaping up to be a technological tour de force, blending a unique tri-fold design with top-tier hardware. Huawei’s bold hardware approach even led TechAdvisor to remark, “No one is making foldable hardware like this” [61] – underscoring that the Mate XTs stands virtually alone in the market in 2025, at least until others catch up.
Huawei may be first to a second-gen tri-fold, but it isn’t alone in the foldable arena. Let’s compare the Mate XTs with key rival devices from Samsung, Honor, Xiaomi, and others, to see how it leads or lags in various aspects:
Samsung’s Foldables: Samsung dominates the global foldable market with its Galaxy Z series. Its latest book-style foldable is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (released July 2025), a direct competitor to Huawei’s offerings. The Z Fold 7 features a single hinge for a bi-fold design: a 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.2-inch cover display. It’s a refined device – thin and water-resistant – but still fundamentally offers a smaller tablet experience than the Mate XTs. Notably, Samsung removed the S Pen stylus support on the Fold 7, citing design trade-offs, which drew some ire from power users [62]. This gives Huawei an opening: the Mate XTs’ pen support is a clear differentiator for productivity-minded customers. In terms of performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (or a special Snapdragon 8 “Galaxy” edition) with around 12 GB RAM. It’s a powerhouse and enjoys full Google/Android app support – a big advantage in markets outside China. However, its camera system (typically a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 10 MP 3x telephoto) isn’t class-leading, whereas Huawei tends to put more flagship camera tech even in its foldables. The Fold 7’s battery is about 4,400 mAh (Samsung prioritizes slimness over capacity), which is substantially smaller than the Mate XTs’s ~5,600 mAh – in fact, Honor’s Magic V5 has ~33% more battery than Samsung’s Fold [63] [64]. This means Huawei could offer better battery life than Samsung’s fold, an important practical win.
The more exciting battle is with Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold device. Samsung has been teasing a dual-hinged foldable for years, showing concepts of a “Z” shaped folding phone. In 2025, it appears Samsung is finally close to launching it. Rumors suggest it will be branded the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold or possibly Galaxy “G” Fold [65] [66]. Leaks from Samsung’s One UI 8 beta even uncovered animations of this tri-fold, confirming a design that folds in two inward hinges (like a brochure) – a contrast to Huawei’s one-outward, one-inward approach [67]. Samsung’s design would fully protect the internal screens when folded (both folding segments close like a book, sandwiching the display inside) [68]. This might make Samsung’s tri-fold thicker but more durable, since no part of the screen is exposed when closed [69]. The Galaxy tri-fold is expected to have around a 10-inch total display (similar size to Mate XTs) and use a next-gen Snapdragon 8 “Elite” chipset [70]. However, Samsung is reportedly targeting a very limited release: sources say mass production will start in September 2025 with only 300–500k units, and sales confined to South Korea and China at first [71] [72]. The price is rumored to be steep – around $3,000–$3,500 (far higher than Mate XTs’s ~$2,000) [73]. In short, Samsung’s tri-fold (likely launching late September 2025) will enter as a ultra-premium, experimental device, whereas Huawei’s Mate XTs, while still pricey, could undercut and outnumber it in the Chinese market. Moreover, Huawei has first-mover advantage – by early September, Huawei will have “officially lapped Samsung in the race to tri-folds” as 9to5Google put it [74]. Still, Samsung’s brand, Android compatibility, and possibly more powerful chip might lure some consumers, especially in markets like Korea where both brands compete. Also, Samsung’s tri-fold is expected to skip stylus support (following the Fold7’s lead) [75], which ironically makes Huawei’s stylus inclusion a strategic advantage in this new category [76].
Honor Magic V5: Honor, once a sub-brand of Huawei, is now a separate company and one of the rising stars in foldables. The Honor Magic V5 is a conventional book-style foldable (not tri-fold) but it’s arguably 2025’s most polished folding phone in hardware. Launched in China in July 2025 and now arriving in Europe [77], the Magic V5 grabbed headlines as the thinnest foldable yet – just 8.8 mm thick when closed (and ~4.1 mm open) [78] [79]. For context, that’s virtually the same as the Oppo Find N5 and a hair thinner than Samsung’s Fold7 [80]. The Magic V5 packs a huge 5,820 mAh battery (global version) – about one-third more capacity than Samsung’s Fold7 [81] [82] – solving what Honor calls “one of the last concerns” about foldables: battery life [83]. It achieves this via new silicon-carbon battery tech for higher energy density [84]. In performance, the Magic V5 uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “Elite” chip and offers top-tier specs (16 GB RAM, etc.). Its camera system (branded “Falcon Camera”) includes a 50 MP main sensor and other high-end lenses, though reviews note the photos are good but not class-leading [85] [86]. The Magic V5’s focus is on balance: extreme thinness, solid cameras, and excellent battery in a stylish package. So how does Huawei’s Mate XTs compare? In terms of form factor, the Mate XTs’s tri-fold design is more ambitious – delivering a much larger screen when open (Magic V5’s inner screen is about 7.9″ vs ~10″ on Mate XTs). However, that ambition comes with trade-offs: the Mate XTs likely can’t be as slim or light as the svelte Magic V5 (Huawei’s tri-fold will be chunkier due to the extra hinge and layers). The Magic V5 weighs around 240 g; the Mate XTs could exceed 300 g given its size. Honor also has the advantage of running full Android with Google (in Europe), whereas Huawei is locked to HarmonyOS without Google. So globally, Honor can market the Magic V5, while Huawei’s Mate XTs will be mostly a China-only halo device. Price-wise, both are expensive: the Magic V5 costs about €1,999 in Europe (≈$2,300) [87]. Huawei’s Mate XTs might actually be a bit less if the $2,000 rumor is true [88], but official pricing will confirm that. In China, Honor and Huawei will battle for high-end foldable buyers, with Honor offering a more traditional (and ultra-thin) foldable and Huawei offering an innovative tri-fold. There’s also an ironic twist: since Honor used to be part of Huawei, it inherited a lot of Huawei’s R&D – the Magic V5’s battery breakthrough, for instance, parallels Huawei’s own research. So one could say Huawei is competing with a rival partly of its own making.
Xiaomi’s Foldables: Xiaomi is another Chinese giant making waves. Its latest foldable on the market is the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 (launched late 2024), and a Mix Fold 5 or 6 is expected later. The Mix Fold 4 is a book-style foldable with an emphasis on thinness and performance – it’s 9.5 mm thick folded (4.6 mm open) and weighs only ~226 g [89] [90], thanks to a carbon fiber hinge design [91]. It sports a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with up to 16 GB RAM [92], and has a 7.98″ inner display plus a sizable 6.56″ external display [93]. Notably, Xiaomi achieved IPX8 water resistance on the Mix Fold 4 – a feature that Huawei’s foldables lack so far (Huawei hasn’t advertised water resistance for the tri-fold). The Mix Fold 4’s camera setup is strong on paper (50 MP main + telephoto + periscope + ultrawide Leica-tuned lenses [94]), but reviews mention some software and camera shortcomings [95]. Xiaomi’s approach is to push the envelope on specs and pricing: the Mix Fold 4 was a China-exclusive, priced lower than Samsung/Huawei equivalents (around ¥9,999, roughly $1,500–$1,700 at launch). For consumers in China, Xiaomi offers a value alternative – a cutting-edge foldable at a more accessible price, albeit without the tri-fold novelty. Against the Mate XTs, the Mix Fold 4 is less innovative (only a single fold) but more practical for daily use (thinner, lighter, fully closed screen protection, etc.).
However, Xiaomi isn’t stopping at single-hinge designs. There are reports that Xiaomi is developing a tri-fold device as well – codenamed “Zhuque” – potentially for release in 2025 [96]. Rumors suggest Xiaomi could even showcase a prototype at MWC 2025 and aim for a commercial launch later in the year [97]. Xiaomi’s tri-fold might mimic Huawei’s concept: a large screen folding into thirds, leaving part of the display as an outer screen when folded [98]. Patents indicate Xiaomi is experimenting with buttonless designs and new hinge tech for this device [99]. If Xiaomi enters the tri-fold arena, Huawei will face a fierce competitor known for aggressive pricing. Xiaomi could undercut Huawei – TechAdvisor speculates Xiaomi’s tri-fold would start around $2,000 as well [100] [101]. But since Xiaomi’s would likely stay China-only initially (like their other folds), the primary showdown would be within China’s market.
Other Players: The foldable market in 2025 also features Oppo/OnePlus, Vivo, Google, and more. While none have a tri-fold on sale yet, each presents competition in the broader foldable segment:
In the comparison table below, we line up key specs of Huawei’s Mate XTs against some flagship foldables and known upcoming devices:
(Upcoming / rumored device, specs subject to change.)
Table: Key specifications of Huawei Mate XTs vs. major foldable phones in 2024–2025. Huawei’s tri-fold stands out for its unique form factor and expanded screen, while rivals excel in other areas (thickness, software, etc). Sources: Huawei/Weibo [129] [130], Samsung, Honor, Xiaomi, leaks [131] [132].
As the table shows, the Mate XTs is in a category of its own in several respects. It’s the only tri-fold device here aside from Samsung’s upcoming concept. This means it offers a significantly larger unfolded display than any bi-fold competitor – a major advantage for content consumption and multitasking. It also is one of the few to support a stylus, positioning it as a productivity machine. On the flip side, rivals like the Magic V5 and Mix Fold 4 underscore the benefits of a simpler design: they are much thinner and lighter, and have broader availability (or in Samsung’s case, official Google support globally). It’s a classic case of cutting-edge innovation vs refined practicality.
One must also consider price and market positioning. Huawei seems to be pricing the Mate XTs relatively aggressively (rumors around $2k) given its technology – likely because it needs to undercut Samsung’s ultra-premium tri-fold which could be half again as expensive [133]. Huawei also benefits from being a domestic champion in China: Chinese consumers have shown willingness to support Huawei’s premium devices (as seen by millions of pre-orders for Mate XT [134]), whereas foreign brands like Samsung have lesser share in China. Honor and Xiaomi pose more direct competition in China’s foldable segment due to brand familiarity and competitive pricing. However, each brand is carving a slightly different niche: Honor focuses on style and battery, Xiaomi on value and performance, and Huawei on bleeding-edge form factor.
For consumers outside China, Samsung remains the default foldable choice, since Huawei and Xiaomi are not officially available in many regions. Honor is making inroads in Europe with the Magic V5, giving Samsung its first real competitor there in the foldable space (previously, Samsung’s Fold series had virtually no competition in Western markets). It will be interesting to see if Huawei ever decides to release the Mate XTs internationally in some form (perhaps rebranded or limited editions), but given the software limitations and likely low production volume, Huawei might keep it mostly in its home market for now.
Huawei’s unveiling of the Mate XTs is more than just a product launch – it’s a statement of intent in the global smartphone war, especially in the high-end and foldable category. Despite being hamstrung by sanctions (no Google services, difficulties sourcing cutting-edge chips, etc.), Huawei is leveraging its R&D strength to set technology milestones that few can match. By delivering a second-gen tri-fold before Samsung’s first, Huawei is asserting leadership in foldable innovation [135]. This can influence market perception: consumers see Huawei pushing boundaries, which bolsters the brand’s premium image, particularly in China where nationalist sentiment and tech pride run high.
The timing of the Mate XTs launch is shrewd. Huawei scheduled it for September 4, 2025, which is right in the lull between Samsung’s summer releases and Apple’s fall iPhone event. In fact, Huawei appears to have deliberately waited for Apple to announce its iPhone 17 launch date (which Apple did on Aug 26) and then immediately announced the Mate XTs event the next day [136]. This suggests Huawei aims to steal the spotlight from Apple, at least domestically. By having China’s tech enthusiasts buzzing about a foldable that turns into a tablet, Huawei could divert attention (and pre-order money) away from the flat-screen iPhone 17. NotebookCheck notes that in China, the Mate XTs could “dent the success of iPhone 17 pre-orders” given the Mate XT series’ popularity and unique appeal [137]. Essentially, Huawei is positioning the Mate XTs as an alternative ultra-flagship for Chinese consumers who might otherwise splurge on the new iPhone or Samsung Fold.
Early indicators show strong interest: the original Mate XT tri-fold garnered over 4 million reservations in China ahead of its sale [138] – a staggering number for a $2800 device (though “reservation” in China often includes many non-binding sign-ups). The new Mate XTs has also opened pre-order registrations, and while figures aren’t confirmed, Huawei likely expects a similar frenzy. The first Mate XT reportedly sold out quickly in its initial batches, and it gave Huawei a halo effect in late 2024, contributing to a resurgence in Huawei’s overall smartphone sales in China. The Mate XTs could continue that momentum. If Huawei can price it lower ($2000 as rumored), it might convert even more buyers who were on the fence due to cost.
From a global market perspective, Huawei’s foldable market share is mostly concentrated in China and a few regions (like Middle East). Samsung still accounted for the majority of foldable shipments worldwide in recent years. According to market analysts, foldables are entering a growth phase: around 20 million foldable smartphones are expected to ship in 2025, up from ~14 million in 2024 (still a small fraction of the ~1.2–1.3 billion total smartphones) [139]. Huawei’s aggressive play in tri-folds could encourage this growth by offering a new form factor that might attract new users (for instance, business users who want a phone-tablet hybrid). However, without access to Western markets, Huawei’s impact on the global foldable share is limited by geography. In China, though, Huawei is a market leader in foldables. Local rivals Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi all compete, but Huawei’s brand and distribution (and the “patriotic” element of supporting a sanctioned national champion) give it an edge. Reports have shown Huawei climbing back into China’s top smartphone vendor spot in late 2023 and 2024, largely thanks to its Mate series phones. The Mate XTs will serve to reinforce Huawei’s premium segment dominance in its home market.
It’s also worth noting how Huawei’s moves pressure its rivals to respond. Samsung, for instance, has publicly acknowledged the tri-fold race. Samsung’s mobile chief TM Roh hinted that new foldable form factors (like tri-fold) are in the pipeline, essentially confirming Samsung didn’t “forget” about tri-folds [140]. In fact, leaks of Samsung’s plans (with an Unpacked event rumored on Sept 29 for the tri-fold) likely were accelerated by Huawei’s advancements [141]. Apple, while silent on foldables, certainly monitors these trends – some analysts believe Apple’s first folding device might be an iPad or a notebook-type device rather than an iPhone, possibly around 2026. If foldables (and especially tri-folds) begin eating into the ultra-premium segment in China (one of Apple’s biggest markets), Apple may have to react sooner or adjust its strategy (e.g., larger-screen Pro iPhones or new features to compete for attention).
Huawei also leverages the Mate XTs to showcase the capabilities of HarmonyOS and its hardware synergy. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that Huawei can deliver a complete ecosystem alternative – for example, pairing the Mate XTs with a new M-Pencil stylus and even integrating with Huawei’s laptops or monitors for multi-screen collaboration. In the September 4 event, Huawei is expected to announce not just the phone but also other products (as hinted by their “all-scenario new product launch” tagline [142]). This could include new wearables (like the mentioned FreeBuds 7i, smartwatches) or even a surprise like a Huawei smart car (the teaser hints at “luxurious smart cars” possibly) [143]. The Mate XTs is thus the centerpiece of a broader strategy to entice high-end consumers into Huawei’s ecosystem of devices and services.
Finally, on the innovation front, Huawei’s second-gen tri-fold will be closely watched by tech enthusiasts and industry analysts worldwide. The first Mate XT proved that a tri-fold phone was feasible and that there was real consumer interest. The second generation will prove whether Huawei can refine the concept (making it more durable, slightly more affordable, and better featured). If Huawei succeeds, it validates the tri-fold as a viable product category and not just a one-off gimmick. This could accelerate industry adoption – we might see more companies announce tri-fold or multi-fold devices in 2026 and beyond, expanding choices for consumers. In that sense, Huawei’s Mate XTs could have a ripple effect, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from a smartphone. As one early hands-on report summed up: “No one is making foldable hardware like this… We’ll be interested to see how Huawei advances the format with the follow-up.” [144] Indeed, all eyes are now on Huawei’s next move in the foldable chess game.
Huawei has laid out a clear timeline for the Mate XTs launch. The official launch event is scheduled for September 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM (China time) in Beijing [145]. This event will be live-streamed on Huawei’s platforms and will showcase the Mate XTs along with other new products. Pre-launch teasers (both images and videos) have been rolling out on Chinese social media since late August, steadily building hype [146] [147]. On August 28, Huawei opened pre-order registrations for the Mate XTs on its Vmall e-commerce site [148]. These “pre-reservations” allow interested customers to sign up or place a small deposit to secure a unit once sales begin, and Huawei reportedly garnered significant early numbers (though they haven’t publicly released figures yet).
If Huawei follows last year’s pattern, we can expect sales to begin within weeks of the launch event. For example, the original Mate XT launched on Sept 10, 2024 and went on sale on Sept 20 [149]. It coincided deliberately with the iPhone 16’s retail date [150]. This year, the iPhone 17 is expected to hit Chinese retail around mid to late September (pre-orders from Sept 9, launch likely Sept 16 or 20). Huawei might plan the Mate XTs to start shipping around a similar mid-September date to effectively counterprogram Apple again. In any case, early adopters in China who reserve the Mate XTs should receive their devices by late September 2025 barring any supply issues.
Pricing is a closely watched detail. The first-gen Mate XT Ultimate was a luxury item at ¥19,999 (roughly $2,800) for the base model [151]. Despite that, it sold out and even saw resellers charging premiums initially. Huawei might adjust the pricing for the Mate XTs to broaden its reach. According to leaks cited by Moneycontrol, the Mate XTs could be priced around $2,000 (which is roughly ¥14,000) for a base configuration [152]. If true, that’s a substantial drop versus the first gen – perhaps achieved through better yields, cost optimizations, or a strategy to undercut competitors. A $2k price point would put it in the same bracket as a maxed-out iPhone or Samsung Fold, making the choice purely about form factor rather than cost. On the other hand, Huawei might still price a fully loaded 16GB/1TB “Ultimate” variant higher (maybe closer to $2500), while offering a lower entry model (if they have one with, say, 12GB/512GB) nearer $2000. It’s worth noting Huawei often releases a premium Collector’s Edition or “Ultimate Design” version – the branding “Ultimate Design” is explicitly being used for Mate XTs as well. This could imply a special edition with premium materials (ceramic back, etc.) that might cost more than the standard edition.
In terms of geographical availability, the Mate XTs is primarily aimed at Mainland China. Huawei has no plans for a U.S. release – the company cannot sell new phones through U.S. carriers or stores due to trade restrictions [153]. In fact, even network compatibility (no 5G, etc.) and lack of Google services make it a non-starter for most U.S. consumers. Europe is a question mark; Huawei has in the past sold some flagship models in Europe (like the camera-centric P50 Pocket or Mate Xs earlier generations) in very limited quantities, relying on enthusiasts to tolerate the lack of Google apps. Given the Mate XTs is highly niche and expensive, Huawei might skip an official European release this time, instead focusing on China. If there is a global launch event (Huawei often does one later for international markets), it might showcase other devices (for example, there are rumors of a Huawei Mate 60 series phone or a MatePad tablet for global release around mid-late September). Huawei Central even hinted at a separate event on September 19 for global announcements [154], but it’s unclear if the Mate XTs will be part of that or remain China-exclusive.
That said, interested buyers outside China aren’t completely out of luck. The Mate XTs will likely be available through importers and gray-market retailers. In regions like Europe and Asia Pacific (e.g. Singapore, Middle East), some specialty electronics stores might carry imported units for Huawei fans. Pricing in those cases can be higher due to import duties and markup – don’t be surprised if a $2000 Chinese MSRP becomes $2500+ when imported. Also, software on Chinese models may need tweaking (no Google, and lots of Chinese apps – though Huawei’s EMUI for global can often be flashed or at least English language is available). In summary, availability can be summarized as: China official (with wide carrier and retailer support domestically), select global markets unofficially via import, and no official US presence.
For Chinese consumers, Huawei will likely offer perks to early buyers – for instance, trade-in programs (maybe trading in an old Huawei phone for discount), or bundling accessories like the stylus or a case. Huawei started already by letting users reserve the Mate XTs with a small deposit, which often comes with priority delivery or gifts. After the initial buzz, Huawei’s ability to keep up with demand will be crucial. Last year’s model was supply-constrained initially (partly due to chip supply limits); this year, if Kirin 9020 chips are being produced domestically, volume might still be limited. It’s possible Huawei will sell out the first waves quickly and fulfillment might take weeks or months for later orders if demand indeed soars to the millions of units reserved.
From a consumer standpoint, anyone eyeing the Mate XTs should watch the September 4 launch for the final spec confirmations and hands-on impressions. We’ll learn then if Huawei managed to address any first-gen quirks (for example, hinge durability, crease visibility, software optimizations). Already, Huawei’s promotional language calls the Mate XTs “truly extraordinary” and hints at “iconic capabilities” [155], suggesting they have some surprise features to reveal on stage. As an all-round package, the Mate XTs will be one of 2025’s most fascinating devices – combining smartphone, tablet, and notepad in one. Its release marks a pivotal moment in the foldables market, and whether you’re a Huawei fan or just a tech enthusiast, it represents the cutting edge of mobile innovation as of August 29, 2025.
As of today’s date, August 29, 2025, here are the latest developments and news related to Huawei’s second-gen tri-fold phone:
In conclusion, Huawei’s second-generation tri-fold Mate XTs is shaping up to be one of the most advanced smartphones of 2025, marrying an innovative form factor with top-tier specs and a dash of luxury. It leads a wave of foldable innovation that is pushing major players like Samsung and Xiaomi to respond in kind. While its impact will be felt primarily in the Chinese market due to geopolitical constraints, its significance in the tech world is global – it’s a showcase of how far smartphone design can evolve. As we await the full launch event on September 4, the Mate XTs already has tech watchers excited. Will it deliver on its promise of a phone/tablet hybrid without compromise? Can Huawei’s bold bet pay off in the long run? Those answers are on the horizon. What’s clear now is that Huawei has redefined the conversation about what a flagship phone can be, and in doing so, has written a new chapter in the foldable rivalry with Samsung, Honor, Xiaomi, and beyond. The tri-fold era is here, and Huawei is leading the charge.
Sources:
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CEO of TS2 Space and founder of TS2.tech. Expert in satellites, telecommunications, and emerging technologies, covering trends in space, AI, and connectivity.
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