Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to carry a tablet in your pocket, only to whip it out and use it as a phone, a notepad, or even a mini-laptop? That’s the kind of bold vision Huawei is chasing with its latest release, the Mate XTs, a second-generation trifold smartphone that’s turning heads and sparking conversations. Launched on September 4, 2025, this device isn’t just another phone—it’s a statement about where mobile technology is headed. I’ve been following foldable tech for a while, and let me tell you, Huawei’s latest move feels like a leap into the future.
The Mate XTs isn’t here to blend in. With its innovative trifold design, Huawei is doubling down on the concept it pioneered with the Mate XT last year. But this isn’t just a rehash—it’s a refined, productivity-focused beast that’s ready to take on the competition. Let’s dive into what makes this device stand out, from its jaw-dropping specs to its ambitious price tag, and why it’s got everyone buzzing.
A Trifold Revolution: Redefining Smartphone Design
Huawei’s decision to go all-in on the trifold form factor is a bold one. Unlike traditional foldables that bend once, the Mate XTs has two hinges, allowing it to fold into three distinct modes: a compact 6.4-inch phone, a 7.9-inch intermediate display, and a massive 10.2-inch tablet-like screen. This flexibility is what sets it apart. Imagine flipping open your phone to jot down notes with a stylus or expanding it to watch a movie in glorious detail—Huawei’s making that dream a reality.
The LTPO OLED display is a standout feature, offering a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid animations and scrolling. At 10.2 inches when fully unfolded, it’s practically a mini-tablet, perfect for multitasking or creative work. But it’s not just about size; the display’s vibrant colors and sharp resolution make everything from spreadsheets to streaming feel immersive. Personally, I can’t help but think this is the kind of device that could replace my tablet for good.
The trifold design isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer for productivity on the go.
– Tech industry analyst
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
At the heart of the Mate XTs lies Huawei’s Kirin 9020 chipset, a homegrown processor that’s a testament to the company’s resilience in the face of U.S. sanctions. While it may not top the charts in raw benchmark scores compared to rivals, it’s optimized for Huawei’s ecosystem, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and beyond. Paired with the Maleoon 920 GPU, this chip ensures the device can handle everything from gaming to video editing with ease.
Memory options are generous, with configurations offering up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Whether you’re a power user juggling multiple apps or someone who just wants to store a ton of photos and videos, the Mate XTs has you covered. And let’s talk about connectivity—this device supports high-performance 5G and even satellite communications for emergencies, a feature that’s rare in smartphones today. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you’re holding a piece of the future.
HarmonyOS 5.1: A Software Powerhouse
Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.1 is the soul of the Mate XTs, and it’s a far cry from the Android systems most of us are used to. Built from the ground up to work seamlessly with the trifold design, this operating system brings PC-like functionality to your pocket. You can stack, resize, and move app windows just like you would on a laptop, making multitasking a breeze. For someone like me, who’s constantly switching between apps, this feels like a revelation.
The OS also leans heavily into artificial intelligence, with features like enhanced device continuity and optimized tablet mode. Whether you’re editing documents or sketching with the stylus, HarmonyOS ensures everything flows smoothly. Sure, it’s not Android, and you won’t find Google’s Play Store here, but Huawei’s app ecosystem is growing, and for productivity-focused users, it’s more than sufficient.
- Multitasking Mastery: Stack and resize windows for a desktop-like experience.
- AI Enhancements: Smarter app transitions and device syncing.
- Stylus Integration: Perfect for note-taking and creative tasks.
Stylus Support: A Productivity Game-Changer
One of the most exciting additions to the Mate XTs is its stylus support. Huawei’s M-Pencil (or a similar stylus) transforms this device into a creative powerhouse. Whether you’re sketching designs, annotating documents, or jotting down quick notes, the stylus makes it feel effortless. The large 10.2-inch screen in tablet mode is a dream for artists and professionals alike, offering a canvas that’s both portable and powerful.
I’ve always been a fan of devices that blur the line between phone and tablet, and the Mate XTs nails this. Imagine sitting in a coffee shop, unfolding your phone, and sketching out a project idea with precision—this is the kind of flexibility that could make laptops obsolete for some users. The stylus also integrates seamlessly with HarmonyOS, offering features like handwriting recognition and quick note syncing.
Camera and Multimedia: A Visual Feast
The Mate XTs doesn’t skimp on the camera front either. Its 50MP main sensor with variable aperture is designed to excel in any lighting condition, from bright daylight to dimly lit rooms. Paired with a periscopic telephoto lens, it offers impressive zoom capabilities without sacrificing image quality. Whether you’re capturing portraits or shooting videos, this camera system delivers.
The large screen also makes the Mate XTs a multimedia beast. Editing photos or videos on the 10.2-inch display feels immersive, and the stylus adds an extra layer of precision for creative tasks. For someone who loves tinkering with content creation, this device feels like it was made for you. Plus, the vibrant OLED panel ensures movies and games look stunning.
The Mate XTs’ camera system is a standout, offering versatility that rivals dedicated cameras.
– Mobile photography expert
Battery Life and Charging: Built for the Long Haul
With a 5600mAh battery, the Mate XTs is built to keep up with your busiest days. Whether you’re streaming, working, or gaming, this battery has the juice to go the distance. And when it’s time to recharge, 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging ensure you’re back up and running in no time. It’s the kind of reliability that makes you forget about battery anxiety.
Some reports even suggest the battery could exceed 6000mAh, which would be a game-changer for a device with such a large screen. Either way, Huawei’s focus on power efficiency means you’re getting a device that can handle heavy use without breaking a sweat. I’ve always appreciated devices that don’t leave me tethered to a charger, and the Mate XTs seems to deliver on that front.
Design and Durability: Sleek Yet Sturdy
The Mate XTs is a looker, available in four colors: black, red, white, and the eye-catching hibiscus purple. Its slim 3.6mm profile when unfolded is almost unbelievable for a device with so much tech packed inside. The Tiangong dual-hinge system has been refined for better durability, addressing concerns about creases and long-term wear from the original Mate XT.
Huawei’s also throwing in some sweet perks to ease durability worries, like 50% off screen replacements and two free at-home service appointments. It’s a nice touch that shows they’re listening to user concerns. After all, a trifold phone is a big investment, and knowing you’ve got some backup is reassuring.
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 10.2-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Kirin 9020 |
| Battery | 5600mAh, 66W fast charging |
| Camera | 50MP main with variable aperture |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.1 |
Price and Availability: A Premium Investment
Let’s talk numbers. The Mate XTs starts at 17,999 yuan ($2,520) for the base model, with the top-tier version hitting 21,999 yuan. It’s not cheap, but it’s a slight step down from the original Mate XT’s near-$3,000 price tag. Some leaks even hinted at a potential $2,000 starting price, which would make it more competitive, but the final figures confirm it’s still a premium device.
Pre-orders are already live in China, with global availability expected to follow in markets like Malaysia, Thailand, and the UAE. Huawei’s timing is no accident—launching just before major tech events like IFA 2025 and Apple’s iPhone 17 reveal is a savvy move to steal the spotlight. But can it justify the price? For tech enthusiasts and professionals who need a versatile device, I’d argue it’s worth every penny.
Huawei’s Comeback: A Market Powerhouse
Huawei’s journey hasn’t been easy. After U.S. sanctions crippled its access to key chips and software, the company bounced back with its own solutions, like the Kirin chipset and HarmonyOS. In China, Huawei’s now the top smartphone vendor, with an 18% market share and a whopping 75% of the foldable market, according to industry data. The Mate XTs is poised to keep that momentum going.
Globally, it’s a tougher road. Without Google’s ecosystem, the Mate XTs might struggle to win over users who rely on apps like Netflix or Google Maps. But for those willing to embrace Huawei’s ecosystem, this device offers something truly unique. I can’t help but admire Huawei’s grit—they’re not just surviving; they’re innovating in ways that make the competition sweat.
Huawei’s ability to innovate under pressure is nothing short of inspiring.
– Tech market researcher
Why the Mate XTs Matters
So, what’s the big deal? The Mate XTs isn’t just a phone—it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile devices. Its trifold design, stylus support, and powerful software make it a versatile tool for work and play. Sure, it’s pricey, and the lack of Google apps might be a dealbreaker for some, but for those who want cutting-edge tech, this is as good as it gets.
In a world where smartphones often feel like they’re all the same, Huawei’s taking risks. The Mate XTs challenges what a phone can be, blending the portability of a smartphone with the power of a tablet. Whether you’re a creative, a professional, or just someone who loves cool tech, this device is worth a look.
The Huawei Mate XTs is more than a smartphone—it’s a bold vision for what’s next. From its stunning trifold display to its productivity-focused features, it’s a device that dares to be different. Will it redefine the market? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Huawei’s not backing down.
