The foldable phone market is heating up, and HUAWEI is about to turn the temperature dial to eleven. Move over, standard foldables—the tri-fold is here, and it’s coming with a price tag that will make even the most dedicated tech enthusiast’s wallet sweat.

According to recent reports, the renowned Chinese company’s upcoming tri-folding phone, the Mate XTs, is rumored to launch with an astonishing price of around 20,000 Yuan (approximately ₱162,666). That’s a significant figure on its own, but what makes this particularly interesting is the direct comparison to its most anticipated rival: Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold.
Multiple sources indicate that Apple’s first foldable is expected to cost around 15,999 Yuan (or about ₱130,125). If these rumors hold true, the former’s tri-fold isn’t just another expensive phone; it’s a statement. It would be priced well above Apple’s entry into the foldable market, a bold move that highlights HUAWEI’s confidence in its technology and its position as an innovator in the premium segment, particularly in its home market of China.
The Tech That Justifies the Price
So, what exactly are you getting for that kind of money? The Mate XTs is rumored to be an evolution of the company’s groundbreaking Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. The technology behind this marvel is truly next-level.
The Mate XTs features a complex dual-hinge system that allows it to fold in a Z-shape, transforming from a sleek, pocketable 6.4-inch device into a massive 10.2-inch tablet. This intricate hinge system is a significant part of its high production cost. The tri-fold design uses a flexible, uninterrupted “3K” OLED display from a leading manufacturer, creating a visual symphony when fully unfurled. Under the hood, the phone is expected to be powered by an advanced Kirin chipset, possibly the Kirin 9020, and a high-end camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with a variable aperture, a periscope telephoto lens with 5.5x optical zoom, and satellite connectivity.
A Strategic Move Against Apple?
The timing of the Mate XTs launch is no coincidence. Sources close to the matter claim the phone is slated for a September release, putting it in direct competition with the launch week of the iPhone 17 series. This isn’t the first time HUAWEI has used such a strategy; its previous foldable launches have also been timed to steal the spotlight from Apple.
While the high price and initial production constraints mean the Mate XTs won’t be a mainstream device for everyone, its significance is undeniable. It’s not just a phone; it’s a symbol of HUAWEI’s resilience and its ability to push the boundaries of smartphone design, even amid global challenges. The tri-fold is a technological flex, a proof-of-concept that HUAWEI is capable of turning science fiction into reality. And in the high-stakes game of foldable phones, it’s a move that could redefine the entire battlefield.
With a rumored price of nearly $2,800, would you ever consider buying HUAWEI’s tri-fold phone?
Let us know what you think!
If you liked this article, check out our other articles on HUAWEI.
