Huawei’s latest competitor to the Galaxy Z TriFold features a double-fold design, has a capacity of 2TB, and is strikingly designed in purple.

      Huawei’s Mate XT 2 has become more attractive, robust, and improved.

      Although Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold may have already vanished from retail outlets, the competition in the tri-fold smartphone market remains intense. Huawei has commenced taking reservations in China for the Mate XT 2, ahead of its full launch on September 7. While the pricing is yet to be disclosed, Huawei has unveiled the color options, memory configurations, and a significant redesign that could enhance the phone's usability compared to its predecessors.

      The emphasis on making the phone more durable did not compromise its beautiful design. The Mate XT 2 will be available in Dark Black, Pure White, and Jin Purple. The black and white models are accented with gold-colored frames, while the purple variant stands out as the most striking. Huawei has maintained its tradition of offering premium-looking Ultimate Design phones, and this model continues that legacy.

      Huawei is reinforcing its commitment to the tri-fold concept.

      The original Mate XT utilized a Z-shaped folding mechanism, which left a section of its flexible display exposed when closed. While we were impressed with the original design during our hands-on experience, having an exposed folding screen naturally raised concerns about durability. Therefore, for the second-generation model, Huawei is enhancing its toughness.

      The device features a roughly 10-inch flexible display that now folds inward from both sides, accompanied by a separate exterior screen for regular phone functions. This design is similar to the folding strategy employed by Samsung for the Galaxy Z TriFold, which protects the entire inner flexible screen when closed.

      Huawei is highlighting durability in its promotional materials, showcasing the Mate XT 2 withstanding multiple drops and exposure to pressurized water (although the official IP rating has yet to be revealed).

      2TB in a phone that transforms into a tablet.

      Every available configuration of the Mate XT 2 includes 16GB of RAM, paired with either 512GB or 1TB of internal storage. There is also a 1TB variant equipped with Huawei’s privacy-screen technology. The purple version can be configured with 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, along with the privacy display feature and a bundled stylus. Pricing details for any configuration have not yet been announced.

      Reservations are currently only available in China. Standard configurations are expected to ship by October 31, with Huawei set to disclose additional details during its launch event on September 7. However, an expensive price tag is anticipated. The original Mate XT launched at approximately $2,800, akin to the Galaxy Z TriFold's initial price of $2,899. Despite its high price, the original sold out following a limited production run. Samsung is reportedly working on a new generation with a redesigned hinge, yet this successor has not been officially announced.

      In contrast, Huawei is already advancing with its successor, having opened reservations for its XT tri-fold. If the purple model looks as impressive in person, it sets a glamorous benchmark for Samsung's eventual sequel to surpass.