Huawei has officially revealed the design of the Mate XT2 — a tri-fold smartphone with a revolutionary architecture. In a stark departure from the first generation, where the flexible screen remained exposed on the outside, the new model completely tucks the main panel inside the body when closed. This solution not only protects the expensive display from damage — it allowed engineers to add a fully functional external screen for everyday use, turning the device into a practical tool rather than an experimental gadget.
The design of the Mate XT2 looks minimalist but is engineering-complex. The rear camera is styled as a large octagonal module with pronounced edges, which has become a signature feature of Huawei. Three color options are available: Obsidian Black (deep black), Pure White (snow white), and Jin Purple (rich purple). When the smartphone is fully unfolded, its thickness reaches a record for the tri-fold format of 3,6 mm — thinner than the base iPad Pro.
The device's configuration base is original: each variant comes with a unified amount of RAM of 16 GB. Built-in storage is available in three sizes: 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The 1 TB and 2 TB versions get a unique feature — a privacy screen that darkens the image when viewed from the side, effectively protecting data in public places. The top configuration of 16/2 TB becomes the flagship edition, available exclusively in the Jin Purple color. The external display is equipped with sensors for 3D face recognition, ensuring reliable biometric authentication even when folded. The system runs on HarmonyOS 7, which is specially optimized for working with the tri-fold flexible screen, providing smooth transitions between modes and an adaptive interface.
The folding mechanism has undergone radical changes — this is the main difference from the first generation. Instead of a Z-shaped design, where one of the sections remained visible on the outside of the body, the Mate XT2 uses a G-shaped scheme: both side parts fold inward, completely covering the main flexible screen and protecting it from the environment. This solution fundamentally distinguishes the Huawei Mate XT2 from the previously released Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, although both devices use internal folding. The design solution not only protects the fragile display but also makes the device much more convenient for everyday use thanks to a full-fledged external screen. Preliminary specifications point to a Kirin 9050 Pro processor, a battery capacity of 6000 mAh, and an improved hinge mechanism that significantly reduces the visibility of the display crease compared to the original Mate XT. Full technical specifications, prices, and global release dates have been kept under wraps by the company.
Pre-orders began in China this week, with available configurations selling out almost instantly through official Huawei channels. The expected price starts at approximately 20 000 yuan (about $2750), based on the pricing position of the first generation. The official presentation and full disclosure of specifications are scheduled for 7 September 2026. It is worth noting that HarmonyOS 7 was already officially announced earlier, on 12 June at the Huawei Developer Conference 2026. Detailed reviews and full comparisons with competitors will only appear after the device hits the market.
