Huawei Mate XT: The Innovative Tri-Fold Smartphone Launches Globally

The Huawei Mate XT, recognised as one of the initial commercially available tri-fold smartphones, has announced its global availability. Following a highly successful launch in China in 2024, the device is now accessible worldwide, starting at a price of €3,499 (around ₹3,18,000).

Success of the Huawei Mate XT in China

The launch of the Mate XT in China was exceptional, garnering an impressive 6.5 million bookings within the initial period, showcasing significant consumer enthusiasm, partly driven by national pride. To clarify, the Huawei Mate XT is a foldable device which, despite being referred to as a tri-fold phone, unfolds in two stages. Contrastingly, other foldable smartphones currently available, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, OnePlus Open, and vivo X Fold 3 Pro, feature a cover display that opens into a larger main display inside.

Design and Features of the Huawei Mate XT

In contrast, the Mate XT includes a 6.4-inch cover screen that resembles a standard smartphone. When the first “unfold” occurs, it transitions to a 7.9-inch display, aligning with the size of other foldable devices. A subsequent “unfold” changes the display to an impressive 10.2 inches, significantly enhancing its versatility and positioning it as a potential alternative for laptop users. Huawei asserts that it is the slimmest foldable smartphone globally, with a thickness of just 3.6mm.

Folding Mechanism and Versatility

The innovative folding mechanics revolve around flexible materials, allowing the screen to bend both inwards and outwards. This adaptability is facilitated by a unique hinge system developed by Huawei to ensure seamless transitions between the various display modes. The Mate XT is designed to provide users with a compact device while also fulfilling the need for a larger screen for multitasking, reading, and gaming activities.

The Implications of the US-China Trade War

The launch of this foldable smartphone is perceived as a statement from the Chinese tech giant, which has encountered restrictions regarding access to American technological support, including Google services and advanced smartphone chipsets, due to ongoing trade tensions with the US. Consequently, the Mate XT operates on Huawei’s proprietary Kirin chips.

Prospects for the Huawei Mate XT in India

While the global launch took place in Malaysia, it appears improbable that the tri-fold smartphone will enter the Indian market. Huawei has not released smartphones in India for an extended period and lacks any after-sales support in the region. Furthermore, the high price point, coupled with the absence of essential Google services like Maps and the Play Store, indicates that importing the device into India might not be a prudent decision.