The foldable smartphone market is evolving, and Huawei is leading the charge with the Mate XT, the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone. After its initial launch in China, the device is now available globally, except in the U.S.
Huawei’s Mate XT Tri-Fold
Huawei’s Mate XT tri-fold is a breakthrough in foldable technology, offering three display modes and a sleek, ultra-thin design for a premium experience.
A New Era of Foldable Phones
Until now, foldable phones only offered two screen modes—open and closed. The Huawei Mate XT introduces a third format, providing users with an experience similar to a tablet when fully unfolded.
While Samsung and other competitors have teased tri-fold concepts, Huawei is the first to bring one to market. This launch marks a significant step forward for foldable technology.
Mate XT’s Unique Design & Features
The Huawei Mate XT is designed with two hinges and a foldable glass edge, offering three display modes:
Closed Mode – Functions as a standard 6.4-inch smartphone.
First Unfold – Expands to a 7.9-inch display, offering more screen space.
Fully Unfolded – Reaches 10.2 inches, transforming into a tablet-sized device.
Industry-Leading Build & Thinness
Huawei claims the Mate XT is the largest tri-fold phone available. However, this is simply because no other tri-fold has been released yet. As competitors refine their designs, future devices may differ in size and approach.
One of Huawei’s biggest selling points is the thinness of the Mate XT. When fully unfolded, it measures just 3.6mm, making it the thinnest foldable phone yet—beating the Oppo Find N5’s 4.47mm. When folded, it measures 10.8mm, making it compact for a device of its kind.
How It Compares to Other Foldables
The Mate XT stands out because:
- It is the first commercially available tri-fold.
- It offers three viewing modes, unlike traditional bi-fold foldables.
- It is the thinnest foldable when fully expanded.
Companies like Samsung and Oppo have been experimenting with similar concepts, but Huawei is the first to mass-produce a tri-fold device.
Global Availability & Market Impact
Huawei’s Mate XT is now accessible worldwide, bringing a revolutionary foldable experience to consumers. However, due to trade restrictions, the device is not available in the U.S.
Why This Matters?
This launch sets a new standard for foldable devices.
It could push competitors like Samsung, Oppo, and Google to accelerate tri-fold developments.
Consumers now have access to a more versatile foldable phone.
Final Thoughts
With its innovative design, record-breaking thinness, and three screen modes, the Huawei Mate XT is a game-changer in the foldable phone industry. As more brands join the tri-fold race, it will be exciting to see how the market evolves.
Sources:
Huawei Official Announcement
Industry Comparisons with Oppo & Samsung

Noah Oliver is a seasoned tech writer with four years of experience, unraveling complex topics into clear, engaging content. With a passion for all things technology, Noah crafts insightful articles that empower readers to stay ahead in the fast-evolving digital world.