Huawei copies Samsung's privacy display in its latest trifold
Huawei launched the Mate XT 2, its third trifold phone, adopting an inward-folding design inspired by Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold The device features a 10.2-inch flexible OLED display with an optional privacy-enhancing screen technology, similar to Samsung's S26 Ultra It is powered by Huawei's new Kirin 9050 Pro chipset and boasts an improved IP59 water-resistance rating The privacy display is an optional upgrade costing an additional ¥1,000 (~$150), only available on the 16GB RAM / 1TB storage c
Analysis
TL;DR
- Huawei launched the Mate XT 2, its third trifold phone, adopting an inward-folding design inspired by Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold
- The device features a 10.2-inch flexible OLED display with an optional privacy-enhancing screen technology, similar to Samsung's S26 Ultra
- It is powered by Huawei's new Kirin 9050 Pro chipset and boasts an improved IP59 water-resistance rating
- The privacy display is an optional upgrade costing an additional ¥1,000 (~$150), only available on the 16GB RAM / 1TB storage configuration
- The phone launches in China at ¥19,999 (~$3,000), with no confirmed international release plans
Why It Matters
Huawei's strategic pivot from its original accordion-style trifold to an inward-folding design signals a direct competitive response to Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold, highlighting the intensifying rivalry in the premium foldable segment. The inclusion of a privacy OLED display—a feature previously exclusive to Samsung's flagship phones—demonstrates Huawei's ambition to match and potentially surpass Samsung in differentiated hardware innovations. This move is particularly significant given Samsung's discontinuation of its own Z TriFold, suggesting Huawei sees an opening to capture the trifold market.
Technical Details
- Form Factor: Inward-folding trifold design with a 10.2-inch flexible OLED display, protecting both sides of the screen when folded—unlike the first Mate XT's accordion design which left display portions permanently exposed
- Privacy Display Technology: Optional privacy-enhancing OLED that narrows pixel emission angles, making the screen appear nearly black from side views while remaining fully visible head-on; available only on the 16GB/1TB variant at an extra ¥1,000
- Chipset: Huawei's proprietary Kirin 9050 Pro, continuing the company's push for self-developed silicon amid ongoing supply chain constraints
- Durability: IP59 water and dust resistance rating, an improvement over previous Mate XT models
- Camera: Triple rear camera system (specific sensor details not disclosed in the article)
- Pricing: Starting at ¥19,999 (~$3,000) in China; international availability unconfirmed
Industry Insight
- Huawei's design reversal from outward/accordion to inward folding suggests the market is validating Samsung's trifold approach as the more durable and user-friendly form factor, potentially influencing future foldable design standards across the industry
- The privacy display feature, now appearing on both Samsung and Huawei flagships, indicates that screen-level privacy is emerging as a key differentiator in the premium smartphone segment—expect competitors to follow suit
- With Samsung having discontinued its Z TriFold, Huawei's Mate XT 2 represents a rare opportunity for the company to establish itself as the sole trifold leader; however, the lack of an international launch plan may limit its global market impact and allow Samsung to re-enter the segment unchallenged if it revives the Z TriFold line
Disclaimer: The above content is generated by AI and is for reference only.