Huawei Mate XTs Launch: The $2,500 Trifold Smartphone Cementing Huawei’s Comeback

Huawei’s Bold Return: Launching the Mate XTs Trifold Smartphone

Huawei is back in the spotlight with the launch of its second-generation trifold smartphone, the Mate XTs, priced at around $2,500. This device is not just an upgrade; it’s a statement of Huawei’s ambition to reclaim its position in the global smartphone market by innovating boldly in the foldable segment.

The Mate XTs follows the original Mate XT, which debuted last year as the world’s first trifold phone. Featuring two hinges that allow the device to fold at two points, the Mate XTs transforms from a smartphone into a tablet-like device with a massive 10.2-inch display when fully unfolded. This unique design offers a versatility that traditional foldables with one hinge can’t match.

Design and Display: Engineering a New Form Factor

The Mate XTs’ trifold mechanism is an engineering marvel. Unlike typical foldables that hinge once, this phone folds twice, creating three distinct screen sizes:

Fully folded: compact smartphone mode
Partially unfolded: medium-sized screen
Fully unfolded: expansive 10.2-inch tablet mode

The screens range from 3.6mm to 4.75mm thickness, and the whole device weighs 298 grams — identical to its predecessor, maintaining portability despite its innovative design.

Huawei offers the Mate XTs in four striking colors, catering to style-conscious users who want cutting-edge tech that looks as good as it performs.

Powering the Mate XTs: Kirin 9020 and HarmonyOS

Huawei powers the Mate XTs with its self-developed Kirin 9020 chipset, delivering a 36% performance boost over the previous model. This chipset is optimized for multitasking and productivity, making the Mate XTs a powerhouse for both professionals and tech enthusiasts.

Running on Huawei’s proprietary HarmonyOS, the phone offers a seamless user experience with better app integration and performance. HarmonyOS also supports the installation of apps originally designed for PCs, such as the desktop version of WPS Office and Wind — a Bloomberg Terminal alternative — boosting productivity on the go.

The M-Pen 3 Stylus: Creativity and Productivity in Your Hands

A significant leap for the trifold smartphone category is the inclusion of the Huawei M-Pen 3 stylus, designed for note-taking, sketching, and precise navigation. This addition transforms the Mate XTs into a hybrid device, ideal for creatives and professionals who want the flexibility of a tablet with the convenience of a phone.

The stylus enhances the large 10.2-inch display’s functionality, making the Mate XTs not just a tech gadget but a tool for creativity and productivity.

Market Position and Pricing: Competitive Yet Premium

The Mate XTs is priced at 17,999 yuan (~$2,520 USD) for the base 256GB model, with higher storage options available at 19,999 yuan and 21,999 yuan. Notably, these prices are approximately 2,000 yuan less than comparable versions of the original Mate XT, making the new model more accessible for a premium foldable phone.

Huawei is aggressively positioning the Mate XTs as a productivity-focused device and is supporting it with software optimized for the trifold screen. To ease buyer concerns about durability, Huawei also offers at least 50% off screen replacements and two free service appointments.

In China, Huawei enjoys significant success, capturing 75% of the foldable smartphone market share with 3.74 million units shipped in the first half of 2025 alone. However, outside China, its global market share remains small, and the Mate XTs is a key part of Huawei’s strategy to expand internationally.

Why the Mate XTs Matters in 2025’s Smartphone Landscape

Huawei’s launch comes just days before Apple’s iPhone 17 reveal, signaling the company’s intention to steal some thunder with innovation. Unlike Apple’s traditional smartphone approach, Huawei bets on foldables and productivity, carving out a niche in a competitive market.

With foldable shipments in China nearing 5 million units in the first half of 2025 and Huawei dominating this market segment, the Mate XTs represents a bet on the future of mobile devices — where flexibility, screen real estate, and multitasking are paramount.

Key Features at a Glance

Feature	Mate XTs Details
Display	10.2-inch trifold AMOLED, 3 screens, 3.6–4.75mm thickness
Processor	Huawei Kirin 9020 chipset
Operating System	HarmonyOS with PC app support
Stylus Support	Huawei M-Pen 3 for note-taking and sketching
Weight	298 grams
Storage Options	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Price	Starting at 17,999 yuan (~$2,520)
Colors	Four color variants
Screen Replacement	50% off with two free service appointments

What This Means for Consumers and Competitors

For consumers, the Mate XTs offers a premium, versatile device that blurs the line between phone and tablet. This is ideal for those who value multitasking, creativity, and a large, flexible screen without carrying multiple devices.

For competitors, Huawei’s trifold smartphone sets a new benchmark in foldable innovation. The combination of proprietary hardware, software, and stylus support creates a unique ecosystem and user experience that rivals will need to match or surpass.

Final Thoughts: Huawei’s Comeback Strategy in Full Swing

Huawei’s Mate XTs trifold smartphone launch is a clear signal that the company is doubling down on innovation to cement its comeback. With a bold design, improved performance, and a focus on productivity, Huawei is not just catching up — it’s pushing the envelope in smartphone technology.

If you’re looking for a device that offers both cutting-edge technology and practical productivity features, the Mate XTs is definitely worth watching in 2025’s competitive smartphone scene.

Curious to see how this trifold marvel performs in daily life? Stay tuned as Huawei continues to innovate and expand its global presence.

Explore the latest foldable tech with the Huawei Mate XTs—check it out on Amazon.in or Flipkart India for availability and offers!