Making the World's First Tri-fold Smartphone: The Story Behind the HUAWEI Mate XT

Al Bawaba

10-04-2025

After months of anticipation and media buzz, the trifold sensation, HUAWEI Mate XT, has finally arrived, marking a significant milestone in foldable smartphone technology. As more users get their hands on this innovative device, they are discovering that it offers much more than just the groundbreaking triple folding screen that initially stole the spotlight. Beyond the eye-catching display, the Mate XT has captivated users with its exceptional design and state-of-the-art camera features. This is a smartphone that's reimagining how we interact with them.
Early Emergence of Revolutionary Foldable Design
While most foldables in the market have been criticised for their bulky builds and overly mechanical aesthetics, the Mate series foldables have managed to remain uncompromising in their design. In fact, Huawei has laid new inroads in foldable design even before the Mate XT. A few months ago, the HUAWEI Mate X6 was launched to widespread acclaim, introducing a new foldable screen architecture that includes a Carbon Fiber Inner Screen Plate for support, a Multi-dimensional Hinge as the structural backbone, and the rugged 2nd Generation Kunlun glass for the exterior screen. These remarkable materials significantly enhanced the durability of the bifold while preserving its thin and lightweight appearance.
Unfolding a New Dimension with HUAWEI Mate XT
Huawei then pushed the boundaries of foldable screen technology further, embarking on a new trifold design with an additional screen. In the fall of 2024, Huawei achieved a groundbreaking milestone, launching the world's first commercial trifold smartphone in local markets in China. To ensure the device fits comfortably in the palm of the user's hand while maintaining its sleek appearance, Huawei worked against all odds to deliver a true miracle; a trifold that remains as thin and light as a bifold. Currently, the Mate XT holds the record for the world's largest foldable display at 10.2 inches, and it is also the world's thinnest foldable, with an unfolded thickness of just 3.6 mm.
Don't be fooled by its appearance, though. The wafer-thin screen is toughened to withstand everyday scuffs and accidental slips. The screen is reinforced with non-Newtonian fluid materials and an ultra-thin 322 cm² glass, forming a composite structure that offers dual impact resistance.
Flexibility is the Name of the Game
With its Advanced Precision Hinge System, the HUAWEI Mate XT is the first foldable to seamlessly fold both inward and outward. With a versatile range of screen configurations, the smartphone adapts effortlessly to various uses, from browsing in portrait or landscape mode, to a 10.2-inch immersive display for split-screen multitasking. This flexibility gives users greater freedom to interact with the device.
The Mate XT's expansive screen offers three modes—single, dual, and triple screen—tailoring the experience for everything from a quick call to complex tasks. Whether switching from watching a movie in dual mode to unfolding an extra screen to read reviews, the phone seamlessly transitions between modes, optimizing apps for the best experience. The user interface adjusts to different screen sizes to offer smooth interactions.
Crafted from Ultra-High Strength Steel, the trifold's hinge system boasts a remarkable deformation resistance of 1900 MPa, ensuring long-lasting durability through frequent openings and closings.
Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera
The HUAWEI Mate XT comes with an exceptional camera system powered by XMAGE, offering a range of powerful photography tools that easily outshine the competition. It features a 10-size Adjustable Physical Aperture, supporting settings from F/1.4 to F/4.0. Additionally, the Mate XT introduces cutting-edge Ultra Speed Snapshot technology, allowing you to capture fleeting moments with razor-sharp precision. Even a maglev train or sports car speeding past you, nearly impossible to catch with the naked eye, can be captured in mid-action.
Huawei is offering a premium service package for HUAWEI Mate XT customers, including a full year of HUAWEI Care+ with single-incident screen damage protection, four complimentary screen protector replacements, and free door-to-door and postal service.
For users who rely on their smartphones for everything from work to entertainment, the HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN is the perfect choice, offering a larger screen and an unparalleled Multiview experience. Moreover, owning a HUAWEI Mate XT means holding a piece of history in the palm of your hand.