Huawei Launches World’s First Mass‑Produced Tri‑Fold Smartphone, the Mate XT, Sparking a Premium Market Shake‑Up

The launch was deliberately timed to coincide with Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 16 on September 9, a move that signalled Huawei’s intent to challenge the market leader in the high‑end segment. The strategy paid off: more than three million pre‑orders were recorded after the pre‑sale began on September 7, and the first wave of units sold out within seconds on Huawei’s official website and on major Chinese e‑commerce platforms such as JD.com and Taobao. By the end of the first week, sales had topped 400 000 units, a figure that prompted analysts label the product a “phenomenon” despite its premium price tag, which starts at 17 999 yuan (roughly US$2 500).

At the heart of the Mate XT’s appeal is its distinctive three‑fold design, which expands to a 10.2‑inch display when fully opened—large enough to rival a small tablet or a compact laptop. The device relies on Huawei’s proprietary “Tiangong hinge system,” engineered to allow both internal and external folding while preserving structural integrity. This mechanical breakthrough, coupled with a high‑grade flexible OLED panel, has spurred renewed interest across the foldable‑phone supply chain. Component makers that specialise in hinges, ultra‑thin glass, flexible displays and high‑density batteries have reported a surge in orders, suggesting that Huawei’s innovation will catalyse broader investment in the ecosystem.

handset also packs a number of hardware upgrades. It is powered by the Kirin 9020 processor, the newest chip in Huawei’s in‑house line, and sports a 40‑megapixel ultra‑wide angle camera complemented by a new “Hongfeng primary‑color lens” that promises richer colour reproduction. New colour options—Jinzi purple (槿紫) and Haobai white (皓白)—appear on a leather‑textured back panel, adding a touch of luxury to the futuristic form factor. A second‑generation Lingxi communication module enhances connectivity, while a newly introduced M‑Pen stylus unlocks precise note‑taking, screenshot annotation and voice‑to‑text functions.

Software is where Huawei seeks to turn the device into more than just a novelty. Running HarmonyOS 5, the Mate XT offers a suite of PC‑level applications, including Feishu and WPS Office, that can be split across up to three simultaneous windows. Reviewers have described the experience as a “pocket PC,” noting that the phone can comfortably replace a tablet for many office tasks. The integration of HarmonyOS’s native apps, combined with free multi‑window operation and global annotation tools, delivers a seamless workflow for users already invested in Huawei’s ecosystem.

The reaction from consumers has been mixed but enthusiastic. On one hand, the device’s price—starting at nearly 20 000 yuan before discounts—has sparked debate over the viability of “gold‑plated” phones in a market that still feels the aftershocks of the COVID‑19 slowdown. On the other, the rapid sell‑out and the emergence of a secondary market where scalpers list units for well over 100 000 yuan indicate a strong appetite for cutting‑edge technology. Some early owners have praised the device’s expansive screen and multitasking capabilities, while others have voiced concerns about durability and the learning curve associated with a tri‑fold form factor. These divergent views underscore the delicate balance Huawei must strike between pushing the envelope and maintaining product reliability.

Beyond the consumer sphere, the Mate XT carries weighty geopolitical undertones. The phone arrives at a time when Huawei continues to navigate a complex web of sanctions and export controls imposed by the United States and its allies. By successfully bringing a high‑end tri‑fold device to market, Huawei demonstrates that its R&D capabilities remain robust despite external pressures, reinforcing Beijing’s narrative of technological self‑reliance. The launch also feeds into a broader Chinese policy agenda that emphasises domestic innovation in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, communications and advanced manufacturing.

Industry observers note that while the Mate XT is unlikely to dethrone Apple or Samsung in global volume in the short term, its presence could reshape the competitive landscape in China’s premium segment. The phone’s unique form factor and strong brand cachet pull a slice of market share away from rivals, prompting other manufacturers to accelerate their own foldable‑screen programmes. In the longer term, the blurring of lines between smartphones, tablets and laptops may force PC makers to rethink product roadmaps, perhaps spurring the emergence of new hybrid devices that combine the portability of a phone with the productivity of a computer.

In sum, the launch of Huawei’s new tri‑fold smartphone is more than a product announcement; it is a statement of intent. By marrying breakthrough hardware, a productivity‑centric software and a strategic pricing approach, Huawei has positioned the Mate XT as a flag‑bearer of its ambition to lead the next wave of mobile innovation. Whether the device will become a mainstream success or remain a limited‑edition showcase remains to be seen, but its impact on industry supply chains, consumer expectations and the geopolitics of technology is already evident. The world will be watching closely as the Mate XT finds its footing in an increasingly competitive and politically charged market.