Huawei is developing the Mate XT 2, a third-generation tri-fold smartphone expected to debut in September or October 2026.
U-Shaped Folding and the New Cover Display
A leaked patent filed in 2023 reveals that the Mate XT 2 will abandon the Z-shaped fold used in previous generations. Instead, the device will utilize a U-shaped mechanism that tucks the entire flexible screen inside the body, folding both side panels inward over the center screen.
This architectural shift introduces a critical addition: a dedicated cover display. Neither the original Mate XT nor the Mate XTs featured an external screen, requiring users to unfold the device simply to check notifications. The new patent indicates the right panel will now house this cover display, while the left panel folds inward first, followed by the right.
Kirin 9050 Pro and Hardware Specifications
The Mate XT 2 is expected to be powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, which reportedly utilizes a dual-layer vertically stacked architecture. This hardware leap is intended to improve AI performance, gaming, and thermal efficiency.
- Inner Display: 10-inch foldable screen
- Cover Display: 6.5-inch screen
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- OS: HarmonyOS 7 pre-installed
- Cameras: 1/1.3-inch flagship primary camera and a telephoto lens
While the 2023 patent showed a circular camera module, more recent reports from the Weibo tipster @FixedFocus suggest Huawei may instead use a square camera bump, moving away from the signature octagonal frame of earlier models.
Market Positioning Against Apple and Samsung
Huawei is timing the Mate XT 2 launch to coincide with a crowded September 2026 window, during which Apple is expected to unveil its first folding device, potentially named the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. To combat this, Huawei is reportedly ramping up chip production to ensure higher initial stock volumes than previous tri-fold releases.
The competitive landscape for tri-folds has been volatile. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z TriFold in December 2025 for $2,899, but the device was discontinued by March 2026 due to high production costs and limited demand. This leaves Huawei as the primary active player in the tri-fold segment, though Samsung is rumored to be working on a successor for 2027 that may include an integrated S Pen.
| Device | Expected Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei Mate XT 2 | ¥19,999 (~$3,000) | U-shaped fold / Kirin 9050 Pro |
| Huawei Mate X8 | ¥9,999 (~$1,500) | Book-style foldable / Kirin 9050 |
| Apple Foldable (Est.) | ~$2,000 | Apple’s first folding entry |
| Samsung Z TriFold (Prev) | $2,899 | Discontinued March 2026 |
Durability and Material Innovations
A primary focus for the Mate XT 2 is overcoming the fragility of soft plastic inner screens. Huawei is reportedly implementing enhanced Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) technology, which provides 30% more impact resistance than previous iterations.
By combining optimized hinge technology with the U-shaped form factor, Huawei aims to eliminate the risk of dust trapping in the hinge compartment—a common failure point that can ruin displays from underneath. This push for durability is a direct response to the first-generation tri-fold, which successfully survived dirt testing but failed in overall display durability.
These devices will collectively showcase the integration of HarmonyOS 7 and the Kirin 9050 family of processors.
Worth a look
