The World’s First Tri-Fold Smartphone Debuts Internationally

Huawei introduced the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, in September 2024, though it was initially limited to the Chinese market. Now, the company has announced its global release—though finding one may still be a challenge.

Samsung is also rumored to be expanding its foldable lineup with a tri-fold model expected to launch in the third quarter of this year. However, Huawei has taken the lead, beating the mobile giant to market with the Mate XT.

This design provides users with three layout options on the go. Huawei describes the Mate XT’s Multiview in One feature as a breakthrough in smartphone displays, allowing seamless transitions between single, dual, and triple-screen modes.

From Tablet to Smartphone in a Fold

When fully unfolded, the device reveals a 10.2-inch tablet display with a resolution of 2,232 x 3,184 pixels. Folding one hinge back creates a 7.9-inch dual-screen setup at 2,232 x 2,048 pixels, while closing both hinges results in a compact 6.4-inch smartphone with 2,232 x 1,008 pixels. Regardless of configuration, the OLED display supports a 90 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to 240 Hz touch sampling.

The hinge mechanisms are built with ultra-high-strength steel for durability, while Huawei’s multi-drive technology ensures smooth folding action.

Versatile Photography and 4K Video

On the back, the raised triple-camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12 MP periscope telephoto, all equipped with optical image stabilization.

A 10-size adjustable physical aperture adapts to different lighting conditions, while 5.5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom help capture distant subjects. The Ultra Speed Snapshot feature enhances clarity when photographing fast-moving objects. Both the rear cameras and the 8 MP front-facing camera support 4K UHD video recording.

Power and Connectivity

The Mate XT runs on Huawei’s proprietary operating system, featuring 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and connects via USB-C, though it lacks both an audio jack and storage expansion. Powering the device is a slim 5,600-mAh battery with 66-W fast charging and 50-W wireless charging capabilities.

The device is encased in an ultra-thin vegan leather exterior, crafted from aerospace-grade fiber for a balance of strength and lightness. It comes in black or red and weighs 10.5 oz (298 g).

Unsurprisingly, entering Huawei’s tri-fold ecosystem comes at a premium—€3,499 (approximately $3,650 USD). However, an official U.S. release remains unlikely.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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