Recently, Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold smartphone has been generating considerable buzz. However, those well-acquainted with the tech landscape are aware that this won’t make Samsung the pioneer in this category.
That distinction belongs to Huawei, which debuted the Mate XT. Speculations surrounding its successor have emerged, with key specifications leaked by tipster Digital Chat Station on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
This information is derived from a TENAA regulatory listing for a device labeled GRL-AL20, confirming that the phone is indeed certified for 5G connectivity. It appears that the next Mate XT could represent a modest upgrade rather than a complete overhaul.
While the exact name remains unconfirmed, for simplicity, we might refer to it as the Mate XT 2. Reports suggest it may be powered by the Kirin 9020 chip and could include satellite connectivity, potentially limited to the Chinese market.
Notably, the upcoming Mate XT model is expected to feature a new 50MP large-pixel sensor with an adjustable aperture and enhancements to its periscope telephoto camera. While there is little concrete information available at this time, Huawei emerges as a formidable contender in the tri-fold segment, holding a significant advantage over Samsung.
The previous Mate XT Ultimate Edition boasted impressive specifications, including a Kirin 9010 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a massive 1TB of storage, alongside a substantial 5,600mAh battery supporting rapid charging. Additionally, this premium device featured impressive display sizes and a hefty price tag of €3,500.
As anticipation builds, the next-generation Mate XT is expected to be announced in September, with Samsung’s rival device possibly following in October. While these innovations in foldable technology are captivating, questions about their practicality and durability persist.
Nonetheless, the competition between Huawei and Samsung is thrilling, and we may see tri-fold phones become a more commonplace and accessible option in the future.