Photo credit: Huawei
Tech giant Huawei has announced its second-generation trifold smartphone, the Mate XTs which is also available in several new colours and has stylus support.
It was predictable that Huawei was going to launch a second version of the worlds first tri-fold phone, perhaps with refinements and more features then the first device.
Changes
However, there aren’t many significant changes apart from new colours, stylus support, and a slightly lower price tag.
The Mate XTs still boasts the 10.2-inch display, which folds down to 7.9-inch and 6.4-inch options. It will run HarmonyOS 5.1, the latest version of the company’s own operating system.
Other upgrades include a Kirin 9020 chipset, an improved 40-megapixel ultrawide camera, and new colors: returning red and black models are now accompanied by white and purple versions, all bedecked in imitation leather, according to reports.
Price
The Mate XTs starts at 17,999 Chinese yuan (about R44 670) which is cheaper than the 19,999 yuan (R49 600) Mate XT when it eventually launched outside China. In South Africa, the device sold R70 000.
Huawei has once again beaten the competition with its second trifold before any other manufacturer has released a first.
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Competition
Several reports indicate that Samsung will unveil the tri-fold device at a special Unpacked event in South Korea, possibly as early as late September 2025.
Other reports suggest an October unveiling with sales starting in November.
However, there has been no details shared by Huawei.
Tecno also unveiled its tri-fold smartphone Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept for multitasking.
The Chinese smartphone maker said to showcase the Tecno Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026.
The Tecno Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept’s foldable screen is divided into three sections, much like Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold smartphone.
It has a G-style folding design. Its large inner screen folds inward in two stages, and Tecno says this design protects the panel from scratches and damage when closed. The secondary cover display functions like a regular smartphone screen.
Other products
During Thursday’s announcement, Huawei also announced the MatePad Mini tablet, Freebuds 7i earbuds, and a MateTV range.
Huawei will be hoping the Mate XTs will help it sustain the momentum it has rekindled in the Chinese smartphone market since late 2023.
Despite US sanctions, Huawei has gained significant market share globally and in China as the company jumped to 18% in the second quarter versus 15% in the same period last year.
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