Huawei may introduce its second tri-fold smartphone next year.

      Huawei Mate XT Ultimate in Dual-Screen Mode

      Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

      The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate held the title of the world's first tri-fold phone. As per leaker FixedFocus (via Huawei Central), a successor could be unveiled as soon as mid-2026, following the international launch of the initial model last month. The informant claims that the second-generation Mate XT will closely resemble its predecessor but will include an enhanced camera system and upgraded Kirin 5G chips. An improved display panel is also anticipated. The current version debuted with a three-lens setup and the Kirin 9010 5G chipset. It operates on Harmony OS and comes with various RAM and storage configurations, along with a 5,600mAh battery.

      The Huawei Mate XT marked a notable evolution in foldable smartphone technology. Its standout feature is its ability to unfold into a 10.2-inch display, providing a tablet-like experience ideal for multitasking, media streaming, and productivity tasks. Additionally, the foldable design allows for compact and portable convenience.

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      The phone features a 6.4-inch single screen, while its dual screen measures 7.9 inches. Tri-fold phones are still in their infancy, but this may soon change as companies like Samsung are set to enter the market. Rumors indicate that the maker of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is working on its own tri-fold device, which could launch as early as this summer.

      The Huawei Mate XT is designed with a single flexible panel that folds inward, whereas Samsung's anticipated tri-fold device is expected to fold inward from both sides. If you're considering purchasing a Huawei phone, availability may be challenging depending on your location, as various countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, have restricted Huawei products due to security issues.

      Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer specializing in mobile devices.

      We finally have a name for Samsung’s anticipated tri-fold phone

      Several months ago, rumors began circulating regarding Samsung's rumored tri-fold phone — a device intended to compete with the Huawei Mate XT — after leaker Yeux1122 shared details on a South Korean social media platform. The same tipster has now revealed a potential name for the product: the Samsung Galaxy G Fold. He also estimates a release timeframe of January 2026 based on information from supply chain analyst Ross Young, known for his accurate projections, though Yeux1122 notes that some sources mention a late 2025 launch.

      According to Yeux1122's blog post on Naver, the Galaxy G Fold will measure 9.96 inches in width and 6.54 inches in height. The design is expected to differ from current models by folding on both sides, and he states that the "weight is roughly the same as H, but slightly thicker." This likely refers to the Huawei Mate XT, the only other tri-fold phone currently available, which weighs 298 grams or 10.51 ounces — considerably heavier than other flagship devices such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This added weight might be a disadvantage, particularly if the design is overly bulky.

      See the next 'world’s thinnest folding flagship' phone before its announcement

      Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, Pete Lau, recently hinted at the upcoming Oppo Find N5, labeling it as the "world’s thinnest folding flagship," and even shared a photo of the device concealed behind a pencil to highlight its slim profile. Shortly thereafter, Finnish leaker Teme shared images that might offer a closer look at the new device and underscore its thinness.

      The images suggest that the Oppo Find N5 has the potential to become the thinnest folding flagship phone on the market. One of the pictures also reveals the phone’s camera arrangement. As the leaker mentions: “Oppo Find N5 thinness and camera layout. OnePlus has yet to confirm if this will also be the [OnePlus] Open 2.”

      TCL is finally introducing a phone in the U.S. featuring its distinctive Nxtpaper display

      If you've ever desired a smartphone with a display that is comfortable to view for prolonged periods, then there’s good news! TCL has unveiled the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G at CES 2025. While not the first Nxtpaper phone, it marks the first launch of this technology in the U.S., which is significant.

      For those unfamiliar with Nxtpaper devices, TCL's innovative display technology combines advanced screen attributes with digital health and comfort. Previous handsets, such as the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper 5G, have incorporated Nxtpaper tech in smartphones, but now this advanced display technology is reaching North America for the first time, enabling U.S. consumers to enjoy a display that shields their eyes from the harsh impacts of blue light and glare during extended usage.