Huawei Launches $3,660 Trifold Phone Outside of China: Is This the Future of Foldables?
Let’s face it: the foldable phone war just got spicy. While Samsung and Apple have been duking it out with clamshell and book-style designs, Huawei launches trifold phone just like a grenade—the Mate XT, a triple-folding smartphone priced at a jaw-dropping $3,660. But is this eye-watering cost justified, or is Huawei overreaching? Let’s unpack the specs, design, and whether this trifold beast can outmuscle the competition.
Design & Build Quality: A Masterclass in Engineering… or a Gimmick?
Picture this: a phone that folds not once, but twice, transforming from a compact 6.5-inch slab into a tablet-sized 10.1-inch screen. The Huawei Mate XT achieves this with a aerospace-grade titanium alloy hinge and a ceramic-backed panel that feels luxe but borderline fragile. Here’s the kicker:
- Dimensions: 158mm x 72mm (folded) → 158mm x 146mm (fully unfolded).
- Weight: 295g—heavier than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 (253g) but lighter than an iPad Mini.
- Colors: Obsidian Black, Frost Silver, and a limited “Phoenix Red” edition.
Durability-wise, Huawei claims the Mate XT survived 400,000 folds in testing (double Samsung’s standard). But let’s be real: will that third crease hold up after a year of rough use? Only time—and YouTubers with screwdrivers—will tell.
Meet the ultimate experience. Redefine what's possible with power and technology built for every scenario. #HUAWEIMateXT #ULTIMATEDESIGN pic.twitter.com/G2FXhz2mfy
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) February 18, 2025
Display Comparison: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The Mate XT’s trifold OLED display is a stunner on paper:
| Feature | Huawei Mate XT | Samsung Z Fold 5 |
| Unfolded Size | 10.1 inches | 7.6 inches |
| Resolution | 2480 x 2200 | 2176 x 1812 |
| Brightness | 1,600 nits (peak) | 1,750 nits (peak) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
Sure, Huawei’s screen is larger, but Samsung’s panel is brighter and has less visible creases. For HDR bingers, both support Netflix HDR10+, but the Mate XT’s extra real estate makes multitasking feel less cramped.
Performance & Hardware: Kirin 9100 Chip Flexes Its Muscles
Under the hood, the Mate XT runs Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9100 chip (4nm process), paired with 12GB/16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. In benchmarks, it trails the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 by ~15% but crushes Exynos variants. Gaming? Genshin Impact runs at 58fps on medium settings—respectable, but hardcore gamers might crave more.
Oh, and 5G? Not in the U.S. (thanks to ongoing bans), but Europe and Asia get full connectivity.
Camera Battle: Low-Light King or Overhyped?
- 50MP main sensor (f/1.6 aperture, RYYB tech for night shots)
- 12MP ultrawide (130° FoV)
- 8MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom)
Battery Life & Charging: Marathon Runner or Sprint Queen?
A 10,000mAh battery (split across two cells) keeps the lights on for 14 hours of video playback. Real-world use? You’ll get a full day, but the 100W SuperCharge refuels 80% in 18 minutes. Wireless charging? 50W, beating Samsung’s measly 15W.
Software & Ecosystem: HarmonyOS 4.0 Shines (If You’re Locked In)
The Mate XT runs HarmonyOS 4.0, which is buttery-smooth but lacks Google apps. For Huawei loyalists with MateBooks and FreeBuds, cross-device features like drag-and-drop file sharing are clutch. For others, it’s a dealbreaker.
Price & Value: $3,660 for Bragging Rights
- Huawei Mate XT: $3,660 (1TB)
- Samsung Z Fold 5: $1,799 (1TB)
Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Huawei Trifold Phone?
- Pick the Mate XT if: You’re a tech futurist, need tablet-level screen space, or live in Huawei’s ecosystem.
- Stick with Samsung/Apple if: App compatibility and resale value matter more than novelty.
So, which side are you on? Drop a comment—we’re dying to know.