Huawei is making waves once again, and this time it’s with a folding smartphone that might just be its most ambitious design yet. Recently, the tech giant teased its upcoming release on Weibo, giving the world a glimpse of what’s to come without actually revealing the device itself. But we do have a name: the Huawei Mate XT.
A New Era for Huawei’s Ultimate Design Division
The Mate XT is designed by Huawei’s Ultimate Design division, a name synonymous with the company’s premium products. This division has taken over the luxury segment previously associated with Porsche Design, a partnership that ended in 2022. With this shift, Huawei is clearly aiming to push the boundaries of smartphone design even further.
One of the most exciting things about the Mate XT is its screen. When fully unfolded, it boasts a massive 10-inch display, effectively turning the phone into a tablet. For context, that’s roughly the same size as an iPad, but this device has the unique ability to fold into a more compact form, something that traditional tablets can only dream of.
Three-Fold Screen: A Game Changer?
Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature of the Mate XT is its tri-fold design. According to well-known leaker Ice Universe, this innovation will debut at a Huawei event scheduled for September 10, just a day after Apple’s keynote. Although it’s likely to be overshadowed by the iPhone 16 hype, Huawei’s three-fold smartphone is definitely something to watch.
If the rumors are true, this could be the first commercial smartphone that folds in three, offering 50% more display space than current foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Huawei Mate X5. While the Phantom Ultimate 2 by Teno was the first to showcase a tri-fold concept back in August, Huawei may be the first to actually bring it to market.
What’s Under the Hood?
Leaked photos of the Mate XT show a sleek, multi-layered design with a circular rear camera module. But what’s powering this massive display? Rumors suggest that the device will run on Huawei’s own Kirin chip, either the Kirin 9010 or the upcoming Kirin 9100.
While Kirin processors are not typically known for their raw power, performance isn’t everything. In benchmarks, the Kirin 9010, which is found in the Pura 70 Ultra (a standout in smartphone photography), underperforms when compared to mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3. The Kirin 9100, on the other hand, is expected to compete with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2—a high-end chip, but one that’s already a year old.
However, as we’ve seen with Google’s Pixel phones, raw processing power isn’t the be-all and end-all. The key to a great smartphone is optimizing performance for real-world use. Having the highest benchmark scores doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best experience.
The Future of Foldable Tech
While the Mate XT is expected to initially launch in China, its innovative design is likely to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide. A folding screen that adds more surface area while keeping the device compact could redefine what we expect from our phones in the near future.
It’s clear that Huawei is betting big on this release. Whether it will steal the spotlight from Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: foldable tech just took a giant leap forward.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.