Huawei launches Mate XT 2: 3.5mm thin folding phone, with "Privacy Display", priced from 77 million
HUAWEI just launched Mate XT 2 in China. This is the company's third tri-fold phone model and also the first tri-fold phone on the market equipped with an anti-peeping screen, a feature that Samsung just introduced to the Galaxy S26 Ultra this year. Besides, the device also switches to an inward folding style similar to the Galaxy Z TriFold.
The first generation Mate XT launched in China in late 2024 and went on sale internationally a few months later. The device uses an accordion-style folding design, so there is no need for an additional external screen, but in return a part of the flexible panel is always exposed. Subsequent XT versions retain this folding method. For Mate XT 2, Huawei uses a new hinge, folding both edges of the flexible screen inward to protect the panel from collisions.
The main screen when fully opened is 10.2 inches in size, with a resolution of 3,184 x 2,232 pixels. When folded, users operate on a 6.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2,442 x 1,140 pixels. Both are AMOLED LTPO panels with refresh rates up to 120Hz. The device is 3.5mm thick when opened and 12.3mm when folded, weighing 299g, slightly 1g more than the previous generation.
The more surprising detail is the anti-peeping OLED screen. The operating mechanism is similar to Samsung. When turned on, the display activates the pixels to glow at a narrower angle. People looking from either side will see the screen almost completely black, while users looking straight on will still see normally. This feature is only available on the high-end version with 16GB RAM and 1TB internal memory.
Inside, Mate XT 2 uses Huawei's new Kirin 9050 Pro chip with a 9-core design, significantly improved performance compared to the previous generation, especially in the GPU part. All versions have 16GB RAM. 5,600mAh battery, supports 66W wired charging via USB-C port and 50W wireless charging. The device runs HarmonyOS 7 with iOS-style transparent glass effect and AI features. The rear camera cluster includes three lenses. The 50MP main camera uses a 1/1.28 inch RYYB sensor, with aperture varying from f/1.49 to f/4.0. 40MP super wide-angle camera with f/2.2 aperture. 50MP periscope telephoto camera with f/2.2 aperture, 3.5x optical zoom. Comes with its own laser focus system and color sensor. The 8MP selfie camera is placed in a Dynamic Island shaped notch. The device meets IP59 water and dust resistance standards. Metal frame with integrated ECG electrocardiogram function. The fingerprint sensor is located on the side. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, GPS and two eSIMs.
Mate XT 2 is now open for pre-orders in China and will be available from September 12. The standard 16GB/256GB version costs 19,999 yuan, about 2,980 USD. The 16GB/1TB version with anti-peeping screen costs 24,999 yuan, about 3,725 USD. There is also a 16GB/2TB collector's edition priced at 29,999 yuan, about $4,470. International release plans have not been announced, but the US market is almost certainly unavailable due to restrictions still imposed on Huawei. As for Samsung, the Galaxy Z TriFold was discontinued not long after its launch last year, but leaked information shows that the company is still developing its successor.