One-Sentence Summary
The Huawei Mate XT 2 significantly improves over the original Mate XT in processor (Kirin 9030 Pro or 9050 Pro), battery (6000mAh), folding design (U-shaped dual-inward fold + independent cover screen), and camera (periscope telephoto), with a likely jump to HarmonyOS 7 and a higher starting price around ¥20,000.
Object Introductions
Huawei Mate XT (Gen 1): Released in September 2024, it is the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, featuring a Z-shaped dual-hinge outward+inward fold design, a 10.2-inch unfolded display, Kirin 9010 chip, and a starting price of ¥19,999, pioneering the tri-fold category.
Huawei Mate XT 2 (Gen 2): Expected to launch on September 7, 2026, it adopts a new U-shaped or G-shaped dual-inward fold mechanism, fully protecting the large screen inside the body while adding a separate cover screen. It is tipped to sport a Kirin 9030 Pro or 9050 Pro chip, a 6000mAh battery, HarmonyOS 7, and a starting price around ¥20,000.
Core Spec Comparison
| Dimension | Huawei Mate XT (Gen 1, Official) | Huawei Mate XT 2 (Gen 2, Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement | September 10, 2024 | Expected September 7, 2026 |
| Availability | September 20, 2024 | Expected late September 2026 |
| Starting Price | ¥19,999 (16+512GB) | Expected ¥19,999–¥22,999 |
| Design | Z-shaped dual hinge (out+in fold) | U/G-shaped dual-inward fold + independent cover screen |
| Folded Thickness | ~12.8 mm | ~10.5 mm (estimated) |
| Unfolded Thickness | ~3.6 mm (thinnest point) | ~3.5 mm (estimated) |
| Weight | ~298 g | ~280–290 g (estimated) |
| Main Screen (unfolded) | 10.2 inches | 10.2 inches (estimated) |
| Main Resolution | 3184×2232 (3K) | Estimated 3K+, 120Hz |
| Cover Screen | 6.4 inches (folded) | New independent cover screen (~6.7 inches) |
| Display Technology | OLED, 120Hz | Dual-layer OLED (estimated), 120Hz |
| Hinge | Dual precision water-drop | Dual inward-fold, improved crease |
| Processor | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Kirin 9030 Pro or 9050 Pro (5nm/4nm est.) |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB / 24GB (estimated) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (estimated) |
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.4–4.0 variable) | 50MP (f/1.4–4.0 variable) |
| Rear Ultrawide | 12MP | 48MP (estimated) |
| Rear Telephoto | 12MP (5x periscope) | 48MP (5x periscope, estimated) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 13MP (estimated) |
| Battery Capacity | 5600 mAh | 6000 mAh (estimated) |
| Wired Charging | 66W | 100W (estimated) |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 80W (estimated) |
| Reverse Charging | 7.5W | 20W (estimated) |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.2 | HarmonyOS 7 (debut, estimated) |
| Satellite Communication | Beidou satellite messaging | Two-way Beidou + Tiantong satellite calling (estimated) |
| Water Resistance | Not supported | IPX8 (estimated) |
| Unique Features | Multi-screen collaboration, Parallel View | HarmonyOS 7 distributed capabilities, deep AI integration |
Key Differences
1. Folding Mechanism: Z-shaped Outward → U-shaped Dual Inward + Cover Screen
- The original Mate XT used an out+in fold Z design, leaving the screen exposed and susceptible to scratches; one screen remains outward when folded, lacking full protection.
- The Mate XT 2 uses a U-shaped dual inward fold, fully protecting the 10.2-inch main screen inside the body, while adding a separate cover screen for daily use, enhancing durability and convenience.
2. Processor Generational Leap: Kirin 9010 → 9030 Pro / 9050 Pro
- Kirin 9010 is 7nm, roughly equivalent to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Kirin 9030 Pro or 9050 Pro is expected to use 5nm or 4nm, offering 30–50% CPU/GPU gains and significantly stronger AI capabilities to power HarmonyOS 7's large-model features.
3. Camera System Major Upgrade: Ultrawide & Telephoto to 48MP
- The original had 12MP ultrawide and telephoto, limiting resolution.
- Mate XT 2 upgrades both to 48MP, with larger sensors and better algorithms, bringing imaging closer to flagship standards.
4. Charging & Battery Boost: 66W → 100W, 5600mAh → 6000mAh
- Wired charging jumps from 66W to 100W, wireless from 50W to 80W, reverse from 7.5W to 20W.
- Battery capacity increases by ~7%, combining with more efficient chip and OS for notably longer endurance.
5. OS & Ecosystem: HarmonyOS 4.2 → 7
- Mate XT 2 will debut HarmonyOS 7, focusing on distributed collaboration (phone, tablet, PC, car), deeply integrating Pangu LLM for AI summarization, translation, screen recognition, boosting productivity.
Buying Advice
- Choose Mate XT 2 if: You seek cutting-edge technology, prioritize large-screen productivity, camera quality, and battery life, and have a premium budget – ideal for business users and tech enthusiasts.
- Consider Mate XT (Gen 1) if: You want a tri-fold experience on a tighter budget (especially on second-hand or promotional sales), but accept its heavier weight, lack of water resistance, and exposed screen design.
Sources & References
- Huawei official Mate XT launch materials (September 2024)
- Weibo leakers (Digital Chat Station, Ding Jiao Digital, etc.) summaries (July–August 2026)
- ITHome / Kuai Technology related reports (August 2026)
- GSMArena spec database