Huawei Unveils Its Next-Gen Tri-Fold Smartphone: The Mate XTs Takes Foldables to a New Level

Introduction: The Global Race for the First Mass-Market Tri-Fold Phone

The smartphone industry has been evolving at lightning speed over the past decade, and foldable phones have become one of the most fascinating innovations in this journey. While brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor have experimented with foldable and rollable screens, the ultimate challenge has always been creating a tri-fold smartphone — a device that folds twice to transform into a compact phone, a midsized tablet, and a large-screen productivity machine.

In this technological arms race, Huawei has once again taken the lead, officially teasing its second-generation tri-fold device, the Huawei Mate XTs, ahead of its September 4, 2025 launch event in China. This bold move positions Huawei ahead of Samsung, which has long been rumored to launch its first Galaxy tri-fold device later this year.

So, what makes the Huawei Mate XTs such a big deal? Let’s dive deep into its design, features, specs, and its role in the broader battle for foldable supremacy.

Huawei Mate XTs: A Familiar Yet Refined Design

Huawei’s latest teaser shows that the Mate XTs will not completely reinvent the wheel but rather refine the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Mate XT.

Design Elements That Return

• Ridged frame for durability and a distinctive look.

• Octagon-shaped camera module that has become a signature in Huawei’s premium lineup.

• Map-style tri-fold hinge system that allows the phone to bend seamlessly into three sections.

While the core blueprint remains unchanged, Huawei has introduced subtle but meaningful improvements. The most eye-catching of these is the new white-and-gold colorway, giving the device a luxurious appeal. In addition, leaks suggest that a purple edition may also join the lineup, offering more personality for consumers.

Stylus Support: A Major Upgrade

One of the biggest surprises is stylus support. Huawei seems to have listened to user demands and is preparing to include Mate Pen compatibility with the Mate XTs. This comes just weeks after Samsung faced criticism for removing S Pen support on its Galaxy Z Fold 7, which upset loyal fans who had embraced the foldable as a productivity tool.

If Huawei’s stylus support is as smooth and responsive as advertised, this could give the Mate XTs a serious edge among professionals, designers, and students who rely on precision input.

Hardware Power: Kirin 9020 and Satellite Connectivity

Beyond aesthetics, Huawei is giving the Mate XTs a serious performance boost under the hood. According to reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, the device will feature a Kirin 9020-series processor.

What the Kirin 9020 Brings

• Faster processing power optimized for AI-driven tasks.

• Enhanced energy efficiency for longer battery life.

• Improved thermal management to prevent overheating during multitasking.

Perhaps the most impressive addition is satellite communication support, which could prove crucial in emergencies when users find themselves outside regular network coverage. Huawei has already experimented with satellite calling and messaging in its Mate 60 Pro lineup, but integrating this into a foldable device is a remarkable engineering feat.

Huawei vs. Samsung: Who Will Win the Tri-Fold Battle?

Huawei’s early announcement is not just about showcasing technology; it’s a strategic move to outpace Samsung.

Huawei’s Advantage

• Huawei is launching its second-generation tri-fold phone while Samsung has yet to launch its first.

• Stylus support could attract productivity-focused buyers frustrated with Samsung’s recent design decisions.

• Huawei’s dominance in China — the world’s largest smartphone market — gives it a strong consumer base.

Samsung’s Countermove

Samsung, on the other hand, has officially confirmed that its Galaxy Z Trifold (likely name) will launch later this year. Samsung has an advantage in global markets, particularly in North America and Europe, where Huawei’s presence has been limited due to restrictions.

This sets the stage for a global showdown in the foldable arena. While Huawei may dominate Asia, Samsung could still secure global leadership if it delivers a more polished and widely available device.

The Future of Tri-Fold Smartphones: Why This Matters

Tri-fold smartphones are not just a gimmick; they represent the future of mobile productivity and entertainment. Imagine a device that can transform from a pocket-sized phone to a 7-inch tablet and then expand into a near-laptop experience with an external keyboard.

Key Benefits of Tri-Fold Phones

1. Multitasking Powerhouse – Run three or more apps side by side seamlessly.

2. Portable Entertainment Hub – Stream movies or play games on a large screen without carrying a separate tablet.

3. Work Anywhere Device – With stylus support, professionals can sketch, annotate, or edit on the go.

4. All-in-One Gadget – Replace your phone, tablet, and possibly even your laptop in many scenarios.

Huawei’s Mate XTs embodies these possibilities, showcasing how close we are to truly versatile, pocketable computing.

Challenges Ahead for Huawei

While the Mate XTs is exciting, Huawei still faces some major challenges.

• Software Ecosystem: Due to the lack of Google services, Huawei relies on its own HarmonyOS and AppGallery, which may limit adoption in Western markets.

• Pricing Concerns: Tri-fold devices are extremely expensive to produce. The first-gen Mate XT was priced well above $2,000, and the Mate XTs may follow a similar trend.

• Durability Issues: With more folding points, concerns about hinge wear and screen creasing remain.

Despite these hurdles, Huawei is showing bold confidence in its foldable ambitions.

Launch Details: When and Where to Expect the Mate XTs

Huawei has confirmed that the Mate XTs will be officially unveiled on September 4, 2025, in China. Pre-order registrations are already open for Chinese customers, highlighting the brand’s focus on its home market first.

Global availability remains uncertain. Given trade restrictions, it’s possible that the Mate XTs may remain largely confined to China and select regions. However, international enthusiasts can expect grey-market imports or potential limited launches in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Conclusion: Huawei Pushes the Foldable Boundaries Once Again

With the Mate XTs, Huawei is proving that it won’t wait for competitors to set the pace. By refining its tri-fold concept, adding stylus support, upgrading performance with the Kirin 9020 chip, and exploring bold new designs, Huawei has created a device that could shape the next chapter of foldable smartphones.

The real test will come in how consumers respond — whether they see this as a futuristic productivity tool or just an expensive curiosity. Either way, Huawei has set the stage for a foldable showdown with Samsung, and tech enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely.