# Huawei Mate XT: The First Tri-Fold Smartphone in the World
In a daring effort to disrupt the smartphone market, Huawei has introduced the **Mate XT Ultimate Design**, the first-ever **tri-fold foldable smartphone**. This groundbreaking device, unveiled shortly after Apple’s iPhone 16 presentation, aims to revolutionize the foldable phone sector with its distinctive design and remarkable features. Yet, its price is as extraordinary as its technology, equating to the cost of three iPhone 16s.
## A New Chapter in Foldable Smartphones
The **Huawei Mate XT** surpasses typical foldable phones; it’s a **tri-fold device** that brings a fresh dimension of versatility and utility. While other brands, such as Samsung and Google, have concentrated on dual-fold designs, Huawei has advanced by engineering a phone that folds in a **Z-shape**. This configuration allows the device to provide various display setups, bridging the gap between a smartphone and a tablet.
The Mate XT’s **6.4-inch screen** when fully folded is convenient for daily tasks. However, once unfolded, it shifts into a **10.2-inch tablet** boasting a breathtaking **3K OLED display**. This versatility makes it perfect for productivity, entertainment, and gaming, granting users the adaptability to alternate between modes according to their preferences.
## The Cost: Exceeding Three iPhone 16s
While the innovation behind the Mate XT is striking, its price is equally noteworthy. The base model, equipped with **256GB of storage**, is priced at **19,999 yuan** (about **$2,810**). For those desiring additional storage, the **512GB version** costs **21,999 yuan** (roughly **$3,090**), while the deluxe **1TB model** is priced at an astonishing **23,999 yuan** (around **$3,370**).
For perspective, the **iPhone 16** has a starting price of **$799** for the base 128GB model in the US. This signifies that for the price of a single Mate XT, one could acquire **three iPhone 16s** and still have a little cash to spare. The Mate XT’s pricing undoubtedly reflects its state-of-the-art technology, simultaneously positioning the device as a luxury item, available solely to those willing to invest in cutting-edge innovation.
## Design and Resilience
The Mate XT’s **Z-shaped folding design** is facilitated by two separate hinges, enabling the phone to fold in various configurations. This setup permits users to unfold just one part of the screen for a **7.9-inch display**, comparable to other foldable devices like the **Galaxy Z Fold 6** or **Pixel 9 Pro Fold**. When fully extended, the device is remarkably thin, measuring a mere **3.6mm** at its thinnest edges, slightly more than a USB-C port.
Despite its slender design, the Mate XT is equipped with formidable hardware. It houses **three battery packs**, one for each display segment, totaling **5,600 mAh** in capacity. This ensures the device can meet the power demands of its large screen while supporting **fast charging**.
Nonetheless, the Mate XT does have its downsides. Weighing **298 grams**, it is heavier than most conventional smartphones, which is understandable considering its dimensions and capabilities. Moreover, although Huawei asserts that the device is sturdy, the intricacies of the tri-fold construction may lead to concerns about long-term durability.
## Camera Specifications and Performance
The Mate XT comes outfitted with a **50-megapixel primary camera**, a **12-megapixel ultrawide lens**, and a **12-megapixel periscope camera** for zoom functionality. On the front side, it features an **8-megapixel selfie camera** situated on the left side of the screen, which is utilized when the phone is folded.
Internally, the Mate XT is powered by **16GB of RAM**, providing seamless performance, even during multitasking or while running resource-intensive applications. The device operates on **HarmonyOS 4.2**, Huawei’s custom operating system, which incorporates built-in AI capabilities to enhance user experience.
## Preorder Details and Market Response
The Mate XT is currently available for preorder in China and has already sparked considerable excitement. Reports indicate that **3.7 million preorders** were made even before the pricing was disclosed, signaling strong interest in the device. However, it remains uncertain how many units Huawei will sell now that the premium price has been made public.
At present, the Mate XT is exclusively offered in China, but there are rumors suggesting that Huawei may expand its launch to additional markets. If so, the international pricing is expected to be elevated further due to import tariffs and other considerations.
## The Prospects of Tri-Fold Technology
