Huawei officially unveiled its Mate XT, the world's first tri-fold smartphone, at a launch event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 18, 2025. The company announced plans for a global rollout, with availability depending on market conditions and specific countries to be determined. The device has already been launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
As reported by CNBC, Nikkei Asia, and The Register, the Huawei Mate XT features an innovative tri-fold design that transforms into a Z shape. The device is powered by Huawei's in-house Kirin 9010 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and storage options from 256GB to 1TB. It supports 5G and Wi-Fi 7. Its display measures 6.4 inches when folded and expands to 10.2 inches when fully opened, with a total weight of around 300 grams.
The Mate XT runs on EMUI 14.2, built on HarmonyOS 4 and Android 12. This operating system serves as an alternative solution, as Huawei remains barred from using Google Mobile Services due to ongoing US sanctions.
Initially released in China in 2023, the Mate XT established itself as the world's first tri-fold smartphone. Its versatile design allows users to switch between single-screen, dual-screen, or triple-screen modes, enhancing flexibility and usability.
Global market revival strategy
Following years of strategic retreat, Huawei has demonstrated renewed strength in China's smartphone market with the Mate 60 Pro, featuring the in-house Kirin 9000S chipset. The company's domestic market share increased from 12% in 2023 to 17% in 2024. The company now aims to reestablish its position in the global smartphone arena with its latest tri-fold innovation.
Despite its cutting-edge design, analysts view the Mate XT's lack of Google Play Store and Google Mobile Services as a significant barrier for consumers in Europe and North America. This limitation means users won't have access to essential apps like Netflix and the Gemini AI assistant, potentially restricting its appeal in Western markets.
The device carries a premium price of EUR3,499 (US$3,660), nearly three times higher than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6, which retails for approximately GBP1,000 (US$1,200) in the UK. This positioning has prompted questions about its market viability. However, IDC analysts suggest that the Mate XT targets high-spending early adopters seeking cutting-edge technology rather than mainstream consumers. Even with sales of 500,000 units, Huawei could generate US$1.5 billion in revenue from the device.
The Mate XT's global launch represents a critical test of Huawei's ability to reclaim its position in the global smartphone market. The success of its proprietary app ecosystem and hardware innovations remains uncertain.
Industry analysts indicate that Huawei's overseas expansion focuses more on maintaining global brand influence, particularly in markets receptive to Chinese tech firms, rather than driving sales. Huawei Chairman Howard Liang recently projected that the company's revenue would reach CNY860 billion (US$118 billion) in 2024, representing a 22% increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating its continued global competitiveness.
Huawei's global push for the Mate XT coincides with Apple's upcoming launch of the next-generation iPhone SE 4. Research firm Omdia expects the SE 4 to receive significant hardware upgrades to support Apple Intelligence, incorporating select flagship features while maintaining an affordable price point. This development could increase competitive pressure on Huawei in the global market.
Beyond the Mate XT, Huawei continues to diversify its product lineup with the launch of the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch tablet and the Band 10 smart band, targeting a broader consumer base.
