12 Sep 2024
Huawei unveils the Mate XT: the world's first triple-folding smartphone
On September 11, 2024, Huawei introduced the Mate XT, the first mass-produced triple-folding smartphone. Due for release on September 20, the same day as Apple's iPhone 16 series, Huawei’s Mate XT is setting new standards with its innovative design and inward and outward hinge capabilities which enables “a tablet to fit in your pocket”. The Mate XT will be on sale in China only with a starting price of RMB 19,999 ($2,800).
Image Credit: Huawei
Huawei’s Consumer Business Group Chairman, Richard Yu, described the Mate XT as the world’s largest and thinnest foldable smartphone; the 10.2-inch screen unfolds to just 3.6mm in thickness. The device can be operated in three modes: single screen, dual screen and triple screen; the design flexibility enables users to enjoy various use cases and enhance productivity. The Mate XT is positioned to cater to professionals needing quick access to documents, presentations, or reports while travelling and pairs with a foldable touch keyboard to deliver a PC-like experience.
The Mate XT offers a robust camera configuration. The main camera includes a 50MP lens with f/1.4-f/4.0 variable aperture and OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens, in addition to an 8MP selfie camera. As with Huawei’s flagship handsets, these deliver high-quality photography in a range of scenarios. The Mate XT is equipped with three batteries, one of which is the world's largest silicon anode battery, boasting a 5,600mAh capacity and just 1.9mm in thickness.
Although other tech giants like Samsung and TCL have explored triple-fold designs, Huawei is the first to bring a mass-produced model to market. The breakthrough is the self-developed hinge system which allows for smooth inward and outward folding.
The Mate XT is priced at RMB 19,999 ($2,810) for the 256GB version, RMB 21,999 ($3,092) for the 512GB model, and RMB 23,999 ($3,372) for the 1TB version. These prices reflect the complexity and cost of manufacturing such a sophisticated device, but future cost reductions are expected.
With the release of the Mate XT, Huawei continues to cement its place as a leader in smartphone innovation. The triple-fold technology represents a significant leap forward in foldable devices, offering users a blend of functionality, portability, and cutting-edge design. As Huawei refines its manufacturing process, the company aims to make this groundbreaking technology more accessible in the future.
About Cambridge Mechatronics:
Cambridge Mechatronics Limited (CML) is a world-leading developer of mechanical, optical, electrical, silicon and software designs for system-level solutions using its Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) platform technology. ACTUATOR SOLUTIONS using SMA wire (thinner than human hair) can be controlled to submicron accuracy. These actuators are particularly suited to applications that require high levels of precision and force, in a compact and lightweight design.
If you'd like to learn more about CML or SMA actuator technology, please GET IN TOUCH.