Huawei launches Mate XT 2 tri-fold ahead of Apple foldable event

Huawei unveiled the Mate XT 2 tri-fold smartphone on September 7 at its HarmonyOS 7 event in Guangzhou, two days before Apple's expected foldable iPhone reveal on September 9. The device goes on sale in China on September 10 priced at $2,980.

The Mate XT 2 measures 3.5 millimeters when fully unfolded and 12.3 millimeters when folded, nearly 2 millimeters thinner than its predecessor. It is the first tri-fold phone to earn IP58 and IP59 water and dust resistance ratings, enabled by a new hinge mechanism patented earlier this year that distributes pressure across fold points.

“Huawei didn't just upgrade its tri-fold phone — it redefined what a foldable can be.”

The phone features a 10.2-inch 3K inner display and a 6.5-inch outer display with a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, far exceeding the 2,600 nits of current flagship phones. A Lingdun privacy screen allows users to limit viewing angles with a double-tap.

Xiaomi also introduced a foldable device before Apple's September 9 event, marking the first time multiple Chinese manufacturers have launched foldables ahead of Apple's entry into the category.