Huawei’s Next Tri-Fold Phone Could Shake Up the Foldable Market

While Samsung has been teasing its first tri-folding smartphone, Huawei is already one step ahead. Having already launched the Mate XT, Huawei is preparing to follow up with a next-gen tri-fold phone, and recent leaks suggest it’s going to be a serious contender.

According to the reliable tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Huawei’s upcoming tri-fold device – believed to carry the model number GRL-AL20 – has appeared in a TENAA regulatory listing

. The listing confirms that the device is 5G-capable, which is a solid start.

Dubbed unofficially as the Mate XT 2, the device may be powered by Huawei’s new Kirin 9020 processor and offer satellite connectivity – though the latter will likely remain a China-exclusive feature. The camera system is rumored to receive a solid boost, with a new 50MP sensor featuring large pixels and variable aperture, alongside refinements to the periscope telephoto lens.

Huawei’s previous tri-fold powerhouse, the Mate XT Ultimate Edition, packed impressive specs: Kirin 9010 chip, 16GB RAM, up to 1TB storage, and a hefty 5,600mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its camera setup included a 50MP main shooter, a 12MP periscope telephoto with 5.5x optical zoom, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP front-facing camera.

But what truly made it stand out were the displays: a massive 10.2-inch OLED when fully unfolded, 7.9 inches with one fold, and 6.4 inches when completely folded. Innovation like this came at a premium – around €3,500.

The upcoming Mate XT successor is expected to be unveiled in September, ahead of Samsung’s rumored tri-fold, which might launch in October. While these ultra-flexible smartphones are marvels of modern engineering, their high prices and uncertain long-term durability still make them niche. However, the growing rivalry between Huawei and Samsung could accelerate development and potentially bring tri-fold tech to the masses in the coming years.

For now, it’s a race of innovation – and Huawei’s not just in the lead, it’s setting the pace.