Huawei isn’t done innovating. Not even close. Despite years of US sanctions designed to kneecap its business, the company is still pushing the limits of smartphone design. Case in point: the Mate XT, Huawei’s latest foldable, and the world’s first commercial trifold smartphone.
Unveiled at an event in Kuala Lumpur, the Mate XT takes foldable phones to another level—literally—by adding a third panel and an extra hinge. The result? A 10.2-inch OLED screen that can switch between a regular smartphone, a small tablet, and a split-screen multitasking mode.
I was able to get some hands-on time with the Mate XT in Barcelona in 2024.
More screen, more flexibility
The Mate XT unfolds into something that feels more like a tablet than a phone, which could make it a dream device for multitasking, gaming, or binge-watching. And when folded, it’s surprisingly compact for something with that many layers.
Huawei says its Advanced Precision Hinge System allows the phone to fold both inward and outward, making it more versatile than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line or even Huawei’s own previous foldables. And despite all that folding, it’s just 3.6mm thick when open — remarkably slim for a device this complex.
While pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the trifold, it’s expected to be in the region of R50 000.00 as per HTXT. The device is expected to be available in South Africa in April 2025.
A camera that keeps up
Huawei has long made some of the best smartphone cameras, and the Mate XT continues that legacy. It’s equipped with the Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera, featuring a 10-step adjustable physical aperture — meaning it can adapt to different lighting conditions like a professional DSLR. Whether that makes it the best foldable camera remains to be seen, but it’s a serious upgrade from the typical cameras we see on foldable devices.
Huawei’s big comeback?
Here’s the thing: Huawei wasn’t supposed to be here. After the US imposed sanctions in 2019, cutting it off from Google services and key chip suppliers, many expected the company’s smartphone division to collapse. Instead, Huawei doubled down on in-house innovation, developing its own HarmonyOS and working around supply chain restrictions.
The Mate XT isn’t just another foldable — it’s a statement. Despite every obstacle thrown its way, Huawei is still leading the charge in mobile innovation. And the company isn’t stopping at just smartphones.
More than just a foldable
Alongside the Mate XT, Huawei also revealed a new tablet, a pair of open-ear earbuds, and a smart fitness band—because apparently, one groundbreaking product wasn’t enough.
📱 HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2”: A tablet that thinks it’s a laptop
This isn’t your average tablet. With a 13.2-inch OLED PaperMatte Display offering 2.8K resolution and PC-level productivity tools, the MatePad Pro 13.2” blurs the line between a tablet and a laptop.
Huawei has packed it with productivity features like PC-level WPS Office, allowing desktop-style document editing. It also supports the HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard and the M-Pencil (3rd Gen) — a setup that could genuinely replace your laptop for most tasks.
And battery life? You’re looking at a 10,100mAh battery that can be fully charged in 65 minutes. Whether you’re sketching, typing, or watching a marathon of your favourite show, this tablet is built to keep up.
📅 Coming to South Africa in April 2025.
🎧 HUAWEI FreeArc: Open-ear comfort, no compromises on sound
Huawei’s first open-ear earbuds, the FreeArc, are built for people who want high-quality sound without sealing off the world. Their C-Bridge design—reinforced by a 0.7mm nickel-titanium memory alloy—lets them wrap comfortably around your ears.
Despite their lightweight build, the FreeArc earbuds deliver clear, dynamic sound—whether you’re on a call or blasting your workout playlist. Huawei says the design also reduces ear fatigue, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
📅 Launching in South Africa in May 2025.
⌚ HUAWEI Band 10: Wellness on your wrist
Fitness bands aren’t new, but HUAWEI Band 10 is taking wellness tracking up a notch. Its Enhanced Sleep Health Assistant uses HRV (Heart Rate Variability) data to offer personalised sleep insights and practical tips to improve rest.
It also introduces an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant that tracks subtle changes in your physiological data throughout the day. Plus, with interactive Panda-themed watch faces (yes, really), the Band 10 adds a playful twist to mood tracking.
📅 Available in South Africa from March 2025.
Huawei’s not going anywhere
Huawei’s latest lineup makes one thing clear: The company refuses to be counted out. From the Mate XT’s futuristic trifold design to the MatePad Pro’s PC-level power, Huawei is proving that even under sanctions, it can still deliver products that challenge the biggest names in tech.
Would you buy a trifold smartphone? Or is this one fold too many?