As Samsung appears to have stepped back from its tri-fold ambitions due to production hurdles, Huawei is charging ahead with the upcoming September 7th launch of the Mate XT 2. This device represents the company’s third attempt at a tri-fold design, and it seems to have finally learned from past mistakes. By shifting to a dual-screen setup similar to what was once explored by its rivals, the Mate XT 2 offers a more refined experience that transforms from a 6.4-inch smartphone into a massive 10.2-inch tablet. While the technical specs—including a potential 2TB of storage, a robust battery, and a sleek 3.6mm profile—are impressive, the hefty price tag, expected to hover around Dh10,000, makes it a luxury item that prioritizes novelty over mass-market practicality.

Despite the engineering marvel, the device faces significant hurdles beyond its physical design, most notably the software experience. Because the Mate XT 2 will run on HarmonyOS 7, it lacks native Google services, and with the platform moving away from Android compatibility, users will lose the ability to sideload familiar apps. While the hardware is undeniably powerful and features an expansive screen that outclasses an iPad mini in portability, this software limitation makes it a difficult recommendation for global users. Ultimately, while Huawei has proven that a tri-fold device can be thin and functional, it remains a niche product that may struggle to gain mainstream traction as long as the software ecosystem remains isolated from the global standard.