Huawei is reportedly gearing up to expand its foldable lineup with the launch of a new tri-fold smartphone called the Huawei Mate XTs. The handset is expected to succeed last year’s Mate XT Ultimate Design model and could debut as early as September 12, 2025, according to new leaks from Chinese tipsters. The device may offer improved hardware, enhanced durability, and new software features.
Previous reports had speculated the name to be Mate XT 2, but fresh leaks now suggest Huawei will market the new model as the Mate XTs. Tipster GuoJing on Weibo claims that the launch event will take place on September 12, nearly a year after the debut of the Mate XT Ultimate Design, which was introduced in China in September 2024.
Interestingly, this timing also coincides with the expected launch of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, indicating Huawei may be aiming to compete directly for headlines in the premium smartphone segment.
According to a report by Chinese tech site CNMO, the Huawei Mate XTs is expected to carry a price tag of CNY 20,000 (approximately Rs. 2,43,400). This is similar to its predecessor, which launched at CNY 19,999 for the base variant with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The Huawei Mate XTs is likely to compete with Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which is also rumored to arrive later this year. With growing interest in foldables, Huawei seems poised to reclaim its innovation lead in the segment.
The Mate XTs is tipped to run on Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9020 chipset and ship with HarmonyOS 5.1. The tri-fold phone is expected to feature a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor with variable aperture, possibly including a periscope telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities.
The phone may feature the same 7.9-inch main display and 5,600mAh battery as last year’s Mate XT model. Huawei is also rumored to be introducing an upgraded Tiangong dual-hinge system for better foldability and durability.
Color options could include black, red, purple, and white, adding a fresh style element to its high-end look. The handset might also offer satellite connectivity, continuing Huawei’s trend of building future-ready devices.
The Mate XT Ultimate Design, launched in China in 2024 and globally in early 2025, remains the only commercially available tri-fold smartphone so far. It packed 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and came with HarmonyOS 4.2. It was priced at AED 12,999 (around Rs. 3,07,800) in international markets.
Huawei’s consistent focus on premium foldables is helping it stand out, despite ongoing chipset and market challenges. With the Mate XTs, it aims to lead the tri-fold category once again.
