Huawei has unveiled the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world’s first dual-hinged, triple-screen foldable phone, and it comes with a price tag that rivals high-end laptops. Starting at 19,999 yuan ($2,809) for the 256GB model, this foldable phone costs more than a brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro. The top-tier 1TB model is priced at 23,999 yuan ($3,370), making it one of the most expensive smartphones on the market.
The Mate XT features an innovative Z-shaped folding mechanism with a dual-hinge design that allows the phone to be used in various configurations. When fully collapsed, it functions as a traditional smartphone with a 6.4-inch OLED display. When fully unfolded, the screen expands to a 10.2-inch display, offering a tablet-like experience. The Mate XT can also be partially folded into a 7.9-inch format, providing users with flexibility in how they use the device.
Under the hood, the Mate XT packs 16GB of RAM and offers three storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The phone also features a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP periscope camera. An 8MP front-facing camera is positioned on the left-most screen when fully unfolded. Powering the device is a 5,600mAh battery that supports 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
Despite the high price tag, Huawei’s new foldable has generated significant interest, with 3.7 million preorders in China before pricing was announced. It remains unclear if the Mate XT will be available outside China, but with such a hefty price, it is likely to appeal only to niche buyers.
The Mate XT marks a significant advancement in foldable phone technology, offering users the ability to switch between multiple screen configurations while maintaining a sleek design. However, its price may limit its appeal to a broader audience, especially as other smartphone makers are offering foldable devices at more accessible prices.